In 2019, Alcadus launched a Kickstarter campaign for a watch they called the OPUS 39. Unfortunately, the timepiece did not meet its funding goal. The brand forged ahead anyway. In the end, it proved a smart decision. At the time of writing, there are only five such watches left in stock. The OPUS 39 V2 is a follow up release from Alcadus. While it has undergone a few design evolutions–including a movement change–the brand has not rewritten the book on the OPUS 39. It remains largely familiar with an expansion of colourways.

The dimensions of the OPUS case remain the same with a slender 39mm diameter and a highly wearable 45.5mm lug to lug. However, there are a few improvements in case finishing. The V2 has circular brushing along the top of the lugs this time around with vertical brushing along the case sides. The stationary bezel is an unchanged mirror polish. The OPUS 39 V2 will also have a scratch resistant coating (800HV) for extra protection. While not a part of the prototype featured here, the production model of the V2 will also have drilled lugs. The watch is rated to 100m of water resistance.

The large screwed-down crown is finished in a coin edge machining and is signed with a lumed brand logo. The screwed down caseback on this prototype features a jet fighter at the centre of an etched compass; however the production model will most likely revert to the exhibition-style caseback of its predecessor. Only this time it will reveal a Miyota 9109 with a skeletonized rotor, rather than the ETA 2824-2. This will bring down the cost of the final product–which may have played into the initial Kickstarter woes during the brand’s inception. The Miyota will be regulated in house to an accuracy of +/- 7 secs/day.

The OPUS 39 dial is simple and elegant. The baton-style indices are rendered in 3D printing with a stylized triangular pip at 12, which doubles as a brand logo. The dial colour here is a sandblasted grey (though there are seven colourways to choose from). It is surrounded by a white chapter ring with minute markers. The handset is a combination of a sword hour and a pencil minute indicator with a custom arrow seconds, tipped in orange–the only use of colour on the dial. Hands and indices have been treated with X1 Grade Super-LumiNova, and it shows.

However, the defining characteristic of the OPUS has to be its box sapphire crystal. At certain angles, it can be like looking through a prism. The edge distortions are significant and elevate what is ultimately a very simple dial design. It is also undercoated in five layers of AR for superior readability.

The bracelet is stainless steel with solid, screwed links. It is wholly brushed and fully articulating. It employs a simple folder over clasp, though it is signed. The OPUS 39 also comes with a strap choice in Italian leather.

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SPECS

Case	316L Stainless Steel 39mm Diameter 45.5mm Lug to Lug 13.3mm Thick (/w Dome) 20mm Lug Width Screwed-down Crown & Caseback 100m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Box Sapphire Dome /w 5 Layers of AR Inside TC1 X1 Swiss Super-LumiNova
Movement	Miyota 9019 (Regulated in house to +/- 7 secs/day) Custom Skeletonized Rotor *Production Model Calls for Sapphire Exhibition Caseback 24 Jewels 28 800bph 42-Hour Power Reserve
Strap	Stainless Steel Bracelet /w Screwed Links & Folder-over Clasp 1 Italian Top Grain Leather Strap

Of Interest

Cut from the same cloth as the OPUS 39, is the Alcadus DROMO–a dive watch set to launch in conjunction with the V2, early in the new year. The watches share cases, bracelets, crowns, and even handsets–and yet, it is striking how different they appear. Seeing the two watches side by side demonstrates how important each element is in establishing the overall impression. A change in bezel, slight alterations in dial colour and indices…and you have an entirely different vibe.

Quibbles

After having hands on with both the Alcadus DROMO and the OPUS 39, I can say that my main concern remains the clasp in each instance. It is pressed and stamped–rather than milled–which does not live up to the promise of the bracelet and the excellent case finishing. I also think here that certain colourways offer far more panache, such as the Salmon and Mint Green–though the Modern Grey, staid by comparison, has definitely grown on me over the last few weeks, as a classy option.

Final Thoughts

The OPUS 39 V2 is a well-built timepiece. It has heft and weight to it. It is a simple, yet elegant sports watch. The crystal is absolutely gorgeous and easily the first thing you notice out of the box. It is proof that more is not always better in terms of design. What it does, it does well. It is attractive, well-finished, and packs some serious lume.

Early bird pricing on Kickstarter (March) will be $320USD. For more information and launch dates, please visit the brand website.

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