In the Metal: Out of order Forma Venti Jump Hour

When we think of Out of Order, we usually think of those aged, derelict cases and dials that look like they should belong in a museum but are somehow still functional. This time, though, the Venice-based house has come up with something completely different: The Venti.

Venti means twenty in Italian, and that was not chosen at random because this new product takes design inspiration from the 20s to recreate something very unique. Specifically, the Venti appears to have taken an Art Deco base but has been layered with a futuristic veneer.

It is somewhat anachronistic that an analog watch from the 20s forms the inspiration for a modern “digital” display timepiece, but this is exactly what we have with the Venti. And personally, I’m all in for something like this. After all, we have had more than enough watch brands that focus on traditional watches using hands to tell the time.

It goes without saying, then, that I am not so secretly thrilled at the huge revival of the jump hour watches from brands across the spectrum, mainstream like Cartier, IWC, and Gerald Genta, as well as microbrands like Isotope and even Maen, to name a few. Despite all that, though, this was certainly not something I would have expected to see from Out of Order. Let’s get hands-on and see if this is any good (spoiler alert: it is). Let’s get into it.

The Specifications

For a rectangular watch, restraint and balance are key, given that the wrong size can overpower the wrist quite quickly. The Forma Venti nails this with its 30.5mm x 41.5mm dimensions, which personally makes it easy to wear on my 6.25-inch wrist. These dimensions are relatively common with other rectangular watches, likely because it is a size that works for an unisex offering.

As for the case itself, its Art Deco roots shows itself in its double step architecture. The three-part case construction is all polished, with the only brushed surface being the case back, which is held by four screws. This finishing provides a nice balance between elegance and robustness, which evolves into a more powerful watch when taken on its 22mm strap choice.

The jump hour display is the main feature of the Forma Venti; it has 3 apertures instead of the usual 2 we find in many watches of this category. A bit above the center of the watch, we can find the main square window that indicates the hour. This is followed by the logo of the brand carved into the black lacquered dial just below. Thereafter, we have the first of two ‘’smiley’’ apertures which display the minutes in 5-minute intervals, with the second indicating the seconds complication. Everything is vertically and symmetrically aligned, which is visually pleasing. It is also worth pointing out that all of these displays are lumed with Super-LumiNova® BGW9 for the hour and C3 for the minutes and seconds, adding to its functionality even in low-light conditions.

On the side, the conical push- pull ‘’cupcake’’ like crown is well milled and has the embossed logo in black. It is very easy to grip thanks to the knurling, allowing for quick access and manipulation of the automatic Jump-Hour module ST1721, which has thus far proven to be a very reliable engine.

The Forma Venti has a water resistance of 50 meters, which to me is more than enough for a dressy watch like this. After all, I wouldn’t take this to the pool, since it would probably be more at home in more formal settings.

On the Wrist

With the dimensions described, there is no denying that many a watch enthusiast will be able to enjoy the Forma Venti; it is easy to wear, and with a thickness of 10.6 mm, it becomes a great alternative to more traditional rectangular watches like the mighty Cartier Tank.

I wore the Forma Venti mostly to work, as it looks great on casual-formal occasions. There were quite a few who thought this was an Apple Watch, which, to me, is a positive given that the latter has become one of the most iconic designs of our time.

As mentioned, the strap width is 22mm, which at the beginning might sound like an odd choice. But then, after wearing it for a while, it starts to make sense because it gives a particular wearing experience and visual presence unique to the Venti. It makes it feel less delicate. The strap itself is very high quality, being Italian-made with a vegetable-tanned bovine leather. I wouldn’t have expected any less from the Venice brand. The whole composition is completed with a foldable stainless steel buckle plus screws at the top to ensure a very good fit. Overall, the watch easily fits on the wrist.

I do suspect that the Venti would look great in plenty of straps because it is very monochromatic, though I have yet to swap the straps out for experimentation.

Legibility is expected on jump hour watches given its focus on a digital display, and this is no different. With a white disc and black numerals on its hour disc, it is extremely easy to read, as are the white numerals on black disc combinations on the minutes and seconds apertures. The use of ads takes that legibility even further.

Concluding thoughts

Overall, I quite enjoyed my time with the Venti, particularly because of how different it is. It is an elegant object that feels special because of how its layout has been presented.

The Venti is a watch that can be a good transition for hardcore sports watch enthusiasts. It can be appreciated because its robust construction allows for an easing into the dressy elegance that the proportions and lacquered dial provide.

There are no dial variations (so far) for the Venti, but to me, this design can so easily be lent to a slew of different dial colours and variations. I, for one, am looking forward to those when they inevitably come.

The Forma Venti is offered at retail for 580 GBP, which to me feels like an outstanding price. There are plenty of features to take into consideration, from the dial finishing, the complication, and also the specs of the product. I believe it undercuts most of the competition and also makes a stand on what can be offered in the vintage recreation category with new construction techniques and materials.

Unfortunately, today the Forma Venti is sold out with the new batch already being reserved for a March delivery. Keep an eye on the new pre-order window, and if you like the watch, I hope you manage to secure one.

For more information, please visit: Out of Order Forma Venti Jumping-Hour

Watch Specifications

316L Stainless Steel, 30.5mm x 10.6mm x 41mm case

Black lacquered dial w jump hour window & running minutes & seconds window

Sapphire crystal & closed case back

50m water resistant

22mm lug width

Italian-made veg-tanned bovine leather (22-18mm)

Movement: Seagull automatic jump-hour (ST1721), 3Hz, 38 hours power reserve