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The Omata cycling computer, inspired by mechanical watches, is back in limited numbers, thanks to its acquisition by Silca. Unique for its traditional watch-style analog display, backed by high-tech GPS and a connected tracking sensor inside, the Omata bike computer is probably the most stylish way to track your ride – and one of the most expensive. It also turns out that it’s probably the only way to stay on top of your driving stats without looking at a screen.
It’s totally niche. It is therefore completely logical that it is Silca who recovers it to reissue it for demanding cyclists.
Omata by Silca: analog bike computer to reduce screen time
It’s been a decade since we first saw the Omata – already expensive at the time as a Kickstarter campaign. And it’s certainly still a niche cycling computer. Nearly every other GPS and trip-tracking computer has gone the way of larger, snappier screens, touchscreens, haptic buttons, voice controls, and even solar power charging.
But Silca acquired Omata not to change it, but to ensure that cyclists can still buy a modern, connected journey tracker, without having a large computer screen attached to the front of their bike.
“At Silca, we are obsessed with the intersection of beauty, precision, and performance. Omata (One) is a masterpiece of functional art. We acquired Omata because we believed it was a product that should continue to exist in this world. Unfortunately, it relies on a limited quantity of vintage Seiko components; so each unit carries the weight of rarity. By bringing hand assembly to our Indianapolis facility, we ensure that each of these stunning instruments is tested for its long-lasting performance.
– Josh Poertner, CEO of Silca
What’s new since our last meeting with the Omata One?
The biggest change here is that the new Silca Omata computer is now assembled at Silca’s US headquarters in Indiana versus Oulu, Finland for the original device.
There have been a few updates since we first talked about it, although most of them have been around for a while. The biggest thing is that a few years after its debut, Omata added compatibility with most modern sensors – like heart rate, cadence, power – via a connected iOS app so you can track more data in the background.
Silca has apparently also redesigned the Omata’s internal circuit board, battery, and exterior casing to “modernize the hardware a bit.” One functional improvement is better weather sealing, using a new triple-barrier lip seal for the device’s rotating outer bezel and the addition of a Gore-Tex membrane over its barometric pressure sensor to keep moisture out. This also means that the new device only connects to ANT+ sensors – no more Bluetooth compatibility.
The case also now gets a new “versatile square mounting cleat” that makes it compatible with Garmin and Wahoo interfaces, so you can use the favorite mount you already have on your bike(s). Additionally, Silca will let you choose one of its 3D printed Chisela titanium computer mounts for free when you purchase a new Omata.
What remains the same?
But above all, Silca didn’t play with that.
It is indeed still exactly the same mechatronic bicycle computer, that’s to say a fully digital GPS device that converts electronic path tracking data into mechanical movement of the arms of its analog face. No smartphone notifications or live mapping. Just a simple dial showing current speed, distance traveled, accumulated altitude and trip duration.
Technical details
- Custom analog watch-style display of current trip statistics
- Seiko precision mechatronic display of electronic driving data
- trip data exported as .FIT file
- Custom Omata Custom Numerals font for clear visibility
- machined 6063 aluminum housing
- metric (dark gray) or imperial (white) units of measurement
- 63mm diameter x 17mm thick x 83g
- multi-channel GPS tracking
- on-board accelerometer, barometric pressure and temperature sensors
- ANT+ connectivity only (no BLE sensors)
- iOS connected compatibility only (Apple iPhone)
- Travel time 17 hours
- USB-C rechargeable
- compatible with Garmin and Wahoo mounts
- hand assembled in Indianapolis, IN, USA
Silca Omata Bike Computer – Price, Options and Availability
Explaining that there are only a limited amount of “legacy” Japanese Seiko mechatronic movements at the heart of the analog bike computer, Silca says the updated Omata will remain strictly a limited edition. However, you can still get one of the newer American-made computers, either with a white imperial side or a dark gray metric side. But you can only buy it in the United States. Sorry, international Silca buyers.
The new Omata cycling computer made by Silca sells for $800, which also includes a Silca Chisela 3D printed titanium mount of your choice, to best fit your bike’s cockpit setup.
Grab yours today before it’s gone!
Silca.cc
Gn tech
