The world’s most elegant cycling computer is back: it’s analogue, has GPS, is expensive and will be hard to get your hands on

In the midst of the era of cycling computers with increasingly larger screens, advanced navigation, and a multitude of smart functions, Silca has decided to revive one of the most unique devices known in cycling. The Omata One returns ten years after its original presentation, maintaining its characteristic analog dial, but with updated electronics and limited artisanal production.

Silca rescues the Omata One, the analog GPS cycling computer that works with needles and costs 800 dollars

The Omata One first appeared in 2016 as a Kickstarter project that proposed something completely different from what Garmin, Wahoo, and other manufacturers offered. Its idea was to combine the possibilities of a GPS cycling computer with the aesthetics and simplicity of an analog instrument.

Now, Silca has acquired Omata and resumed its production, moving assembly to its facilities in Indianapolis, United States. The brand has taken advantage of this new phase to update some internal components and improve its resistance to weather conditions, although it has decided to keep the original concept practically intact.

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The result is a device that could be mistaken for a speedometer from a classic car or a large mechanical watch. Its circular dial uses physical needles to display activity data, completely dispensing with traditional digital screens.

The philosophy of Omata also goes against current trends. It has no maps, navigation, notifications, or alerts. Its purpose is to provide essential information without turning the handlebars into another screen that constantly demands the cyclist's attention.

Modern GPS technology hidden behind four needles

Although it visually appears to be a mechanical instrument, the Omata One is an electronic cycling computer with a 72-channel GPS system.

Its main peculiarity lies in the mechanism developed in collaboration with Seiko Precision Instruments. Instead of representing data with pixels, four small stepper motors transform electronic information into mechanical movements of the needles.

This way, the cyclist can directly consult four parameters while riding: current speed, distance traveled, elevation gain, and activity time.

Additionally, the Omata One can record much more information than what is displayed on its dial. Thanks to its ANT+ connectivity, it supports external sensors for heart rate, cadence, and power. This data is stored alongside the GPS activity log, although it does not appear represented on the needles.

At the end of the ride, workouts can be downloaded via the Omata Utility app, available only for iOS. The files are saved in FIT format, so they can be used on platforms like Strava or TrainingPeaks.

This allows for an analog experience on the bike without giving up the subsequent analysis of workouts.

Silca has updated the electronics and improved water protection

The recovery of the Omata One has not been limited to simply remaking the original model. Silca has redesigned the electronic board, battery system, and part of the casing to adapt the device to this new phase.

One of the most important improvements affects moisture protection. The cycling computer now incorporates a triple barrier sealing system around the rotating bezel, as well as a Gore-Tex membrane that protects the barometric pressure sensor.

The mounting system has also been renewed. The new interface allows the use of mounts compatible with Garmin and Wahoo standards, a practical improvement over the original approach.

The casing continues to be made from machined 6063 aluminum, while the outer rotating bezel allows for the selection of different operating modes.

The announced autonomy is approximately 17 hours and the battery is recharged via USB-C.

Technical specifications of the Silca Omata One

• Screen: analog dial with mechanical needles.
• Mechanism: mechatronic system developed with Seiko Precision Instruments.
• GPS: 72-channel receiver.
• Visible data: speed, distance, elevation gain, and time.
• Internal sensors: accelerometer, barometer, and temperature sensor.
• Connectivity with sensors: ANT+ for power, heart rate, and cadence.
• Application: Omata Utility, exclusively for iOS.
• Files: activity log in FIT format.
• Material: 6063 aluminum casing.
• Dimensions: 63 mm in diameter and 17 mm thick.
• Weight: 83 grams.
• Autonomy: up to 17 hours.
• Charging: USB-C.
• Mounts: compatible with Garmin and Wahoo.
• Manufacturing: hand-assembled in Indianapolis, United States.

A limited edition of 800 dollars that will not initially be sold outside the United States

The price of the new Omata One makes it clear that it does not intend to compete with conventional cycling computers. Silca markets it for 800 dollars, a figure that places it among the most exclusive devices in its category.

The brand offers two versions differentiated by their units of measurement and the design of the dial. The metric variant uses a dark gray dial with indications in kilometers, kilometers per hour, and meters, while the imperial version features a white dial with miles and feet.

The price includes a Silca Chisela mount made through 3D printing in titanium, which separately costs 99 dollars.

But there is another detail that increases its exclusivity. Its production is conditioned by the availability of the original Seiko mechanisms, components that are no longer manufactured and of which Silca has a limited quantity.

For that reason, the company will produce small manufacturing series until the available stock is exhausted. Initially, its marketing is restricted to the United States, with no confirmed date for arrival in Europe.

As Josh Poertner, CEO of Silca, explains, the acquisition of Omata responds to the conviction that such a particular product deserved to continue existing. The company believes that its combination of precision, functionality, and design justifies preserving a concept that hardly fits into the current market.

The new Omata One is already listed on Silca's official website, where its two versions can be consulted.