Newly established “micro” brand Anoma follows a familiar template: making particular vintage designs or genres affordable. But it’s approaching the concept with a different flavour. Instead of “sector” dials or Breguet numerals, the brand’s inaugural watch, the A1 First Series, is a clean, geometric form inspired by 1950s furniture.

Initial thoughts

The A1 is refreshing change from the typical “micro” brand offering that is too often a remake of a vintage Patek Philippe or dive watch. While the A1 won’t have the broad appeal of a conventional round watch, it is an interesting alternative for someone on a budget.

The A1 is more typical of “micro” brand offerings in its fit and finish. It is done well for the price, but some compromises had to be made to achieve the affordability. The gap between the case middle and back, for instance, is quite obvious. This isn’t a criticism but a fact true of all brands in this genre.

Vintage flavour

Founded by Matteo Violet Vianello, a management consultant who’s a watch entrepreneur on the side, Anoma aims to be a “experimental and daring vision of watch design”.

The A1 is not modelled on a watch, but instead a triangular table designed in the 1950s by French architect Charlotte Perriand. Earlier in her career Perriand worked at Le Corbusier’s studio, where she helped design several now-famous pieces of furniture, including the B 306 chaise longue.

The watch reproduces the outline of the table with the case and dial, but with the dial rotated a few degrees, resulting in an off-centre alignment that evokes some historical watches with asymmetrical cases.

The steel case is a simple, polished affair that contains a no-frills Sellita SW100. Like some watches of the historical period that inspired Anoma, the A1 has no lugs, but the strap instead is secured under the edges of the case.

The launch edition is fitted with a blue dial with a two-tone finish achieved with vertical brushing and three layers of lacquer.

This particular version in steel with a two-tone blue dial will only be produced during the pre-order period of a month starting from June 1, 2024. Delivery is expected in January 2025.

Key facts and price

Anoma A1 First Series

Diameter: 39 mm by 38 mm
Height: 9.45 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 50 m

Movement: Sellita SW100
Functions: Hours, minutes
Winding: Self-winding
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 38 hours

Strap: Calfskin with pin buckle

Limited edition: First 100 watches numbered, not subsequent watches
Availability: During pre-order period from June 6-July 6, 2024, with delivery in January 2025
Price: £1,300 excluding taxes

For more information, visit Anomawatches.com.