When done right, patina can be as aesthetically appealing as a new finish. From distressed jeans to classic barn-find cars, this worn style has found fans in nearly every enthusiast hobby, and the world of watchmaking is no exception.
The Italian microbrand Out Of Order has made a name for itself among collectors over the past few years with its fun and whimsical “distressed” divers that look like decades of patina fresh from the factory, without the cost and reliability issues associated with true vintage watches.
In 2021, the brand updated its core collection of automatic watches, introducing new colorways and more robust construction. The new Out Of Order Auto 2.0 collection is a significant step forward for the brand’s automatic watches, with new finishing details, updated bezels, and the same playfully provocative style that has come to define its lineup.
As with previous models, the design of the Out Of Order Auto 2.0 stainless steel case uses familiar dive watch design cues and reinterprets them with a distressed twist. At 44mm wide and 14mm thick, the Auto 2.0 series is likely to make a bold statement on the wrist, but given the watch's decidedly casual design, they are unlikely to slide under a tuxedo cuff.
In terms of overall layout, the Auto 2.0 case follows the classic dive watch formula: vertical case sides, long athletic tapering lugs, an oversized unsigned crown, and a unidirectional coin edge dive bezel. While the design should be familiar to both brand enthusiasts and casual watch lovers, Out Of Order has made significant changes to the case in both minor details and overall architecture.
Though the brand does not provide specific measurements, it claims that the Auto 2.0 case boasts a significant increase in shock resistance compared to previous cases, allowing this sporty design to perform more reliably in harsh conditions.
However, considering that the dive watch design implies a 100-meter water resistance for the Auto 2.0, it remains somewhat underwhelming. That said, it is the finishing of the Auto 2.0 model that sets it apart both from its predecessors and other watch models. While the base case starts with a familiar mix of brushed and polished surfaces, “Out Of Order” adds a random assortment of hand-applied scuffs, scratches, simulated rust, and discoloration spots that make each Auto 2.0 visually unique.
The Auto 2.0 bezel insert, available in black, medium navy blue, or bare aluminum, continues this hand-applied patina look. Each bezel features its own unique patina and is engraved with a fully lumed dive scale.
Although “patina” is the name of the game for Out Of Order, each of the four models in the Auto 2.0 collection approaches the aged dial look in its own way. All four models are executed in a recognizable dive watch template, with Mercedes-style hands over applied diver indices. The high matte rehaut is likely to remain a controversial element in the Auto 2.0 series, with repeating “Out Of Order” engravings reminiscent of modern Rolex models.
From there, the four models diverge, with each iteration taking on its own patinated style.
The simplest is a straightforward black dial model, featuring a matte black dial surface showing only a hint of tropical brown aging in the initial images.
In the Out Of Order variant, the lume on the black dial is executed in a similarly subtle style: a pale white lume application that is more understated than most faux patina lume options.
The pale olive green dial variant carries the same subtle style, with an even matte surface and an unorthodox grey shade of Super-LumiNova lume that enhances the military notes of the color.
The mid-matte grey dial model takes a more traditional approach to faux patina on images, with warm yellowish lume on photos and darkened treatment on the hands and indices to reduce visual flash. In contrast, the dark blue dial model uses the most aggressive approach to the distressed look, with deeper yellow lume and a barely noticeable speckled pattern of discoloration on the main dial surface.
Out Of Order's Auto 2.0 watches are powered by the Seiko NH35 automatic movement. Although the NH35 is not as commonly found as its compatriot from the Japanese company Miyota, it is a reliable and affordable entry-level automatic movement that should provide longevity and ease of maintenance for years to come. In terms of specifications, the NH35 offers a respectable 41-hour power reserve at a slightly slow 21,600 bph.
All four models in the Out Of Order Auto 2.0 collection are fitted with a classic three-link oyster-style stainless steel bracelet. Out Of Order's efforts to distress the bracelets are more aggressive than on the cases, with broad discolored areas between the links reminiscent of worn brass plating. Despite the heavily tarnished appearance, the bracelet should provide reliability thanks to sturdy links and a solid milled clasp.
The Out Of Order Auto 2.0 collection, with its new reinforced construction, wide color selection, and relaxed patinated style, significantly advances the brand's offerings while keeping its genuine distressed spirit intact. All four models in the Out Of Order Auto 2.0 collection are now available through authorized dealers at a price of $425 each. For more detailed information, visit the brand's website.