Epos is about dropping jaws and blowing minds…

In its intricate and fine-tuned movement mechanics…

In its innovation into the possibilities of mechanical complications…

In how much mechanical prowess can fit into a watch a fraction of the cost of its Rolex or Breitling peers…

In just how far a family-run business can soar…

I recently got my hands on an Epos to observe firsthand and I’ll give you my thoughts momentarily. But first – let’s introduce a brand you may have never heard of. And no – it’s not because they’re newbies.  In fact, Epos is about to hit 40 years in business. It was started as a Swiss watch company in one of the most daring entrepreneurial endeavors I’ve ever seen – it was started as a brand exclusively focused on mechanical movements during the “quartz crisis.” Much like sailing out to sea as a hurricane comes into harbor, Epos was a mechanical watch lover’s dream unleashed into a horological nightmare wherein dozens of watchmakers had to conform to quartz or go bankrupt.

But Epos didn’t drown… In fact, much like Epos’ diving watches, the company took whatever water the rainstorm sent and came out the other side unscathed. Why did Epos succeed where so many others failed? Maybe it had to do with their unwavering commitment to the horological art of mechanical movements – both in continuing successes of the past and of constantly innovating upon them… Maybe it was the focus on value, in making sure the price tag didn’t inflate to the level of some other luxury watch brands… Maybe it was their focus on family values; Epos was started by husband-and-wife team Peter and Erna Hofer and was later passed on to Ursula Foster and Tamdi Chonge – another husband-and-wife duo… Or maybe it was a combination of all the above.

Regardless of the reason, I’m delighted that Epos is here. And not just here as a scared survivor but here with gusto, bringing with it watch collections that are as breathtaking as they are unique. Collections (8 in all) that range from classic to daring, and everything in between. For a full list of the collections and timepieces in each, check out www.epos.ch. The timepiece I’m reviewing below is from the Sportive collection.

I know what you’re thinking – this review is about to tell you to buy the watch because all of the above good stuff about Epos, right? Wrong. Buy this watch because it’s freaking awesome.  Let me introduce you to the Epos 3441SK.

Here’s why you need to add one to your personal collection immediately:

• Orange is the new black… just kidding, but if you love orange, it doesn’t get better that this. At least not without spending double or triple on a high-end luxury brand. Orange isn’t your cup of tea? Did I mention that the 3441SK comes in various mixtures of blue, yellow, and black? Other Sportive watches with similar skeleton dials contain accents of green, yellow gold, and silver too. So no matter your hue, they’ve got one for you.

• The movement moves me. The movement is a mechanical and horological powerhouse. It consists of a SW200 movement and is bad to the bone (get it? It’s a skeleton dial).

• It’s complicated… the date complication, that is. I’ve been around the block a few times and I have never seen the date presented in such a unique and attractive way. Gone is the magnifying bubble over the digit window. This method of displaying skeletal numbers is hotter than hell.

• Faster than the speed of light. The luminosity is intense and will keep you on time regardless how late at night or the weather.

Overall, the watch is magnificent. You know you want one. Before you click the link to buy it (http://www.epos.ch), let me wrap things up…

• Should you buy an Epos? Yes. An impressive brand with potentially unmatched Swiss quality for the cost. And if you’re not in the market for a dive watch, I dare you to go check out their Oeuvre D’Art (French for “Masterpiece “) or Sophistiquee collections. If you don’t find one you love, you might want to check your pulse.

• Should you buy a Sportive Skeleton Dive Watch. Also yes. There’s no question that I’ll be buying orange. Which one is going to be yours?

Check it out here: https://epos.ch/en/product/3441-135-99-15-52/#