The mechanical watch-inspired Omata cycling computer is back in limited numbers, thanks to its acquisition by Silca. Unique for its traditional analog watch-style display, backed by high-tech GPS and connected sensor tracking inside, the Omata cycling computer is probably the classiest way to track your ride – and one of the more expensive. It also happens to probably be the only way to stay on top of your ride metrics without staring at a screen.
It’s totally niche. So, it completely makes sense that Silca would be the one to snap it up to re-issue it to discerning cyclists.
Omata by Silca: analog cycling computer to reduce screentime
It’s been a decade since we first saw the Omata – already expensive back then as a Kickstarter campaign. And this is definitely still a niche cycling computer. Pretty much every other GPS and ride tracking computer has gone the way of bigger, more vivid displays, touchscreens, haptic buttons, voice control, and even solar power top-ups.
But Silca acquired Omata not to change it, but to ensure cyclists can still buy a modern, connected ride tracker, without having a big computer screen strapped 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. Sadly, it relies on a finite supply of legacy Seiko components; so, each unit carries the weight of rarity. By bringing hand-assembly to our Indianapolis facility, we are ensuring each of these stunning instruments is tested for lasting performance.”
– Josh Poertner, Silca CEO
What’s new since we last caught up with the Omata One?
The biggest shift here is that the new Silca Omata computer is now being assembled at Silca’s US headquarters in Indiana vs. Oulu, Finland for the original device.
There are a few updates since we first covered it, although most of these have been around for a while. The biggest there is that a couple of years after its debut, Omata added compatibility with most modern sensors – like heart rate, cadence, power – via a connected iOS app so you could track more data in the background.
Silca has also apparently redesigned the Omata’s internal circuit board, battery, and outer housing to “modernize the hardware” a bit. One functional improvement is upgraded weatherproofing, 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. It also means the new device only connects to ANT+ sensors no – no more Bluetooth compatibility.
The housing also now gets a new “versatile square mounting cleat” that makes it compatible with both Garmin & Wahoo interfaces, so you can use the favorite mount you already have on your bike(s). Plus, Silca will let you pick one of their 3D-printed titanium Chisela computer mounts for free when you buy a new Omata.
What stays the same?
Mostly though, Silca hasn’t messed with it.
It’s effectively still the exact same mechatronic cycling computer, i.e. a fully digital GPS device that converts electronic ride tracking data into the mechanical movement of the arms of its analog face. No smartphone notifications or live mapping. Just a simple dial showing current speed, ride distance, accumulated elevation, and ride duration.
Tech details
- custom analog watch-style display of current ride stats
- Seiko-precision mechatronic display of electronic ride data
- ride data exported as .FIT file
- bespoke Omata Custom Numerals font for clear visibility
- machined 6063 aluminum housing
- metric (dark gray) or imperial (white) units of measure
- 63mm diameter x 17mm thick x 83g
- multi-channel GPS tracking
- on-board accelerometer, barometric pressure & temperature sensors
- ANT+ connectivity only (no BLE sensors)
- iOS-only (Apple iPhone) connected compatibility
- 17-hour ride time
- USB-C rechargeable
- compatible with Garmin & Wahoo mounts
- hand-assembled in Indianapolis, IN, USA
Silca Omata cycling computer – Pricing, options & availability
Explaining that only a finite supply of the discontinued ‘legacy’ Japanese mechatronic Seiko movements at the heart of the analog cycling computer exist, Silca says the updated Omata will remain strictly a limited edition. You can still get one of the new US-made computers, though, in either a white imperial units face or a dark gray metric face. But you can only buy it in the United States. Sorry, international Silca shoppers.
The new Silca-made Omata cycling computer sells for $800, which also includes a Silca Chisela 3D-printed titanium mount of your choice, to best fit your bike’s cockpit setup.
Snap yours up today before they disappear!
