Fan-favourite brand Ikepod has just released a brand new collection of dive watches in the Seapod Diver. Retaining the classic curved UFO case shape and the instantly recognisable silicone strap, the spec sheet has been thoroughly updated, without losing any of that classic Ikepod feel.
If you’ve not come across Ikepod before, the brand was originally launched in 1994 by Oliver Ike and Marc Newson. Yes, the same Marc Newson who designed the Apple Watch. In fact, the original Ikepod watches featured the exact same straps as the silicone Apple Watch Sports Band that comes standard on the smartwatch.
Ikepod struggled commercially, closing its doors in 2012 and paving the way for Marc Newson to work on the Apple Watch that was launched just three years later. The brand was relaunched in 2018, with a focus on making the watches more affordable, while maintaining their design strength. To do this, Ikepod worked closely with Emmanuel Gueit on the designs, the man behind the original Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore and the Rolex Cellini Date (a favourite of Barak Obama).
With a serious watch designer creating a vision for the future of Ikepod (as well as an endorsement from Kanye West on a GQ cover), the brand began releasing new models, culminating in the Ikepod Seapod Diver. The design takes elements from the Megapod and the Duopod, blending them with the Newson designed Seaslug from 1996.
The result is a smooth pebble-like steel case that measures 46mm in diameter (but will actually wear like a 42mm watch thanks to the case shape). The Seapod is guaranteed to 200m of water resistance, as you’d expect from a proper dive watch, with a screw-down crown and a highly legible dial.
It is powered by a workhorse Miyota 9039 calibre movement, which runs at 28,800vph and offers at least 42 hours of power reserve. The dial is covered by a curved piece of sapphire crystal that neatly meets the case, and the watch arrives with either a black or bright blue silicone strap, with the option of a steel bracelet at additional cost.
It’s always exciting to see a relaunched brand continue to build on the success of its past, while also innovating with totally fresh designs. If good design matters to you, then Ikepod needs to be on your radar. The Ikepod Seapod costs $2,190, or $2,350 for a full black PVD-coated version, and is currently available.
