Anoma's Debut Wristwatch Derives Its Design Cues from a 1950s Coffee Table
Individualistic, sculptural and wears surprisingly slim on wrists.
“Why does watchmaking so often play by the same rules?” is a question that Matteo Violet Vianello pondered for a while and also a question that spurred the watch connoisseur and GPHG academy member to start his own brand, Anoma.
With the vision to break from the conventional horology design restraints, Vianello wanted Anoma to be a watch brand that employs and commits to a sculptural watchmaking approach. Marking its inauguration, the brand unveils its debut timepiece Anoma A1, which arrives in a rounded triangular stainless steel case that’s based on a 1950s coffee table by French designer and architect, Charlotte Perriand.
While distinctly silhouetted watches may demand more attention and wrist space as they often come in larger case sizes, the A1 is presented with surprisingly wearable measurements of 39mm in width and 38mm in height. “Uniquely shaped watches seem to capture our desire to break rules, embrace creativity and express our individuality. Anoma is driven by these core emotions,” Matteo Violet-Vianello comments. What adds to its intrigue and wearability is that the piece will appear more like a 37mm size once it’s on the wrist — a visual effect granted by its curved and lug-less design.
Vianello exclusively tells Hypebeast that the inspiration for the piece derives from designs that truly excite him, albeit sculptures, buildings or pieces of furniture. In his words, all these inspirations are “defined by tension” and “the A1 aims to capture this energy, by creating tension between balance and imbalance, softness and sharpness, boldness and subtlety.”
Aesthetically, the watch exudes an allure of magnetism with its intriguing dial. Asymmetrical with a free-form appeal, the dial is finished with three layers of lacquer to bestow it with a glossy finish that shifts from two-tone to a deep and oceanic blue.
Retailing for £1,300 GBP/ $1,650 USD, the Anoma A1 is currently open for pre-order until July 6. All examples will feature a “First Series” engraving, while the first 100 pieces will also be individually numbered. For more information, head over to Anoma’s official website.
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