Anoma aren’t afraid of defying convention in their quest for artistic expression, an attitude that stems clearly from the guidance of their founder Matteo Vianello. In practical terms that resolves itself into the Avant Garde design of the Anoma A1, a triangular cased watch with an off-set triangular dial that cannot fail to capture your attention. After the inaugural collection in 2024 they’re back with a new twist on the formula with the launch of the Anoma A1 Optical.
You may be thinking that you’ve seen a watch like this from Anoma before and you’re not wrong. The new collection is essentially a production version of their unique piece Anoma A1 TimeForArt 2024, produced for a charity auction last year. The new collection features the same optical illusion engraved dial featuring 50 off-set triangles that expand and rotate out from the centre of the piece. With a hand-polished finish, the dial appears to shift and shimmer under the light, beguiling the eye.
Of course, when you’re taking inspiration from a unique piece you’ve produced, you want to ensure that you aren’t detracting from that original watch. That’s why the original is the only black dial version and the new collection is available in either silver or copper. Both are housed in the 39mm x 38mm case, though Anoma note that it wears much more like a 37mm diameter watch because of the triangular shape and hidden lugs.
Beneath the surface of the engraved dial is the Sellita SW100, one of the smallest movements from the Swiss manufacture. It has a 42-hour power reserve with automatic winding and is protected by the Anoma A1 Optical’s solid caseback. Looking at the back, you can also see where the Italian leather strap leads into the hidden lugs.
The watch is available in an initial production run of 300 numbered pieces, 150 in each colour scheme. Following which there will be a waiting list from non-numbered editions. Anoma’s current waiting list is currently 10 times larger than their production capacity, so watches are produced on a first come, first served basis. Orders for the Anoma A1 Optical open on August 7th at 2pm GMT with delivery expected in October.
Price and Specs:
More details at Anoma.
A lovely looking watch, and at a great price. I do really like the look of the copper coloured version, but in terms of practically, it does have a couple of issues for me. Whilst the triangular shape is different (but obviously not unique, – I reference the Hamilton Ventura), the form closest to your wrist, (the pointy bit), may cause discomfort, I would personally have reversed this to overcome that issue. Secondly, the lack of indices on the dial can cause confusion, particularly with a triangular format, I would have at least included indices at the cardinal points, but, overalls very attractive watch.