Analogue rather than digital: Silca revives the Omata analogue cycle computer

The Omata is a cycle computer with GPS and analogue dials. The dials display, amongst other things, speed and distance. The data is recorded in the background. The device is designed for anyone who’s had enough of the constant flashing on the handlebars and wants to experience cycling the way it used to be: when you took a wrong turn and had to turn round at the end of a dead end.

The Omata One converts GPS data into a mechanical display. According to the company, it is the first analogue cycle computer with built-in GPS. Silca, founded in Milan in 1917, has acquired the brand. Silca is known for its pumps, tools and lubricants and describes itself as a pioneer of the frame pump. CEO Josh Poertner is in his element when it comes to marginal gains and unique features. He says: “We bought Omata because we believed it was a product that should continue to exist in this world.”

The Omata uses old Seiko components, and stocks are limited. Silca assembles it by hand in Indianapolis and sells it in small batches. According to Poertner, this allows the company to test each unit for long-term durability.

Our assessment

The Omata isn’t a solution to the flood of data on your handlebars, but rather an alternative approach. You can see your speed and distance; you can check the rest later. This suits cyclists who want to ride without the stress of numbers. If you prefer to ride intervals based on wattage and follow pre-planned routes, you’ll still need a cycle computer with a display. As the mount is compatible with Garmin and Wahoo holders, you can easily attach it to your bike and swap it around as you please. We’d love to take it along on rides of a different sort: turning off at a whim, without knowing where the path leads.

What bothers us is:

• iOS only: Android users are left out.
• Price: 800 US dollars is roughly equivalent to 700 euros, excluding postage and any import duties.
• Sensors: Power and heart rate only appear in the recording, not on the watch face.
• Missing information: The press release does not specify the battery life, weight or dimensions.

Our verdict: The Omata is a collector’s item, not a replacement for a Garmin.

Figures, data, facts

• Advertisement: Analogue dial from Seiko, speed and distance
• Recording: built-in GPS, FIT file
• Data transfer: iOS app or USB-C
• Housing: Aluminium, rotating bezel
• Mount: Square mount for Garmin and Wahoo
• Compatibility: iOS only
• Price: 800 US dollars (RRP)
• Availability: Small batches, from regions selected by the manufacturer (USA); it is not yet available in Europe

The Omata in detail

Reading: The dial has four hands. The red one moves along the outer scale and indicates the speed, in km/h or mph depending on the version. The thin white hand indicates the distance. Two small hands in sub-dials display additional data. There are also status indicators for GPS and the battery.

Data and sensors: The Omata saves your ride as a FIT file. You can transfer this to your mobile phone or computer via the iOS app or USB-C. From there, you can also upload it to Strava and similar platforms at a later date. A firmware update allows you to pair sensors via ANT+, such as power metres or heart rate belts. The data is recorded in the log. Auto-pause and GPS fix are built-in features.

Hardware: Silca has redesigned the hardware. A triple lip seal seals the rotating bezel. A Gore-Tex membrane sits over the barometer.

An overview of the models

• Omata in metrical form: Kilometres and km/h
• Omata imperial: Miles and mph

Would you have snapped it up at $800? Let us know in the comments.