The Clavius is BOTTA’s most far-out design. Though known for their one-handed timepieces, when they approach a classic three-hander, if you can call this that, BOTTA does so with a totally unique approach. Space-aged and modern, the Clavius combines seemingly floating hands with a printed crystal creating the optical illusion of jumping seconds. You have never seen a watch like this before.

Encased in a 44mm steel circle that manages to be only 10.8mm to the top of the massive domed sapphire crystal, the dial features a cleverly layered construction. The base is matte black, but features gloss black markers per hour, which have just enough contrast to be easy to read. On the backside of the crystal is a black circle with a series of cutouts as well as 12, 6, and 9 numerals, and the brand's logo. The hour and minute hands are between these layers, appearing as just green shapes floating as their stems are hidden from view.

Most interestingly, however, is the second hand, which is only visible through the cutouts in the graphic on the crystal. By combining these windows with a unique hand shape, the hand appears to linger in each window as though it paused, rather than having a smooth sweep. It then crawls over to the next window where it waits again. The effect is semi-digital, or like a dead-stop seconds, yet it is created only through an illusion.

Powering the Clavius is the tried-and-true ETA 2824-2. This Swiss-made movement features 25-jewels, 38-hour power reserve, date, and hacking seconds (the second hand stops when the crown is pulled out). It’s also visible through the display case back.