I recently wrote an in depth article featuring the immense talents of Valerii Danevych. This extraordinary Ukrainian atelier has created the world first mechanical watch entirely constructed from wood. Amazingly the timepiece also features a flying tourbillon, which is truly mesmerizing. Here are five other brands that have successfully incorporated this beautiful material into the design of their marvelous timepieces.
Seven Friday P3-2 Riviera
In 2012 Dan Neiderer established the highly innovative company SevenFriday. Within the space of a year the brand has enjoyed incredible success with three exciting models. Essentially the design of the wonderful P1, P2 and P3 are the same with different colour combinations to distinguish them. I reviewed the P1 in April 2013 and was amazed at the attention to detail especially on a watch retailing under the $1,000 mark. The P3-2 Riviera has the same multi layer dial with addition of a Californian walnut animation ring. The detailing was inspired by the styling on vintage cars and gives the timepiece a whole new dynamic. This amazing watch was produced in very limited numbers and has already completely sold out.
Clomm Rosewood TF-1003
Clomm is a trendy watch brand founded in 2011 by the dynamic Gary Fidele. As a well-respected product designer he has used his talents to produce a range of highly accomplished timepieces. This collection is called “Terra Firma” and includes the superb Rosewood TF-1003. The watch is marked as unisex and measures 47mm x 15mm excluding the crown. I love the minimalistic dial composed rosewood with contrasting red and black hands. The case is constructed from aerospace grade stainless steel 316L with a sleek matt black PVD coating. Underneath the robust exterior the watch is equipped with a reliable Swiss Made Ronda 763 quartz movement.
ArtyA Son of Sound
ArtyA always make stylish watches that strive to push the boundaries of design to the limit. I recently reviewed the idiosyncratic Quadri Rotors in May 2013 and found it to a stimulating experience. The latest collection from owner and founder of the company Yvan Arpa is called the ‘Son of Sound’. These amazing watches have a guitar head shaped case and four tuning peg inspired pushers. The dial is sublime and is made of wood marquetry with solid gold hand stretched strings. Overall the composition is exciting and highly original. Concepto has developed a bespoke mechanical movement that comprises 27 jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations an hour.
March LA. B AM1 Shelby Automatic
March LA. B is a luxury watchmaker founded by the charismatic Alain Marhic in 2008. Within five years the company has produced a range of high quality timepieces including the stunning AM1 Shelby Automatic. The watch has a diameter of 40mm, which is pretty small by today’s standards. I believe these modest proportions compliment the overall retro styling of the piece. The wooden dial is very effective and pays homage to the nineteen sixties. I love the green mineral crystal case back showcasing the customized automatic ETA 2892-A movement. This exquisite watch is a limited edition of 30 pieces worldwide.
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Woodstock US
It is incredible that a watchmaker as well respected as Parmigaini Fleurier was only established in 1996. Founder Michel Parmigiani has been instrumental in the company’s enormous success over the last 18 years. He has utilized his expertise to produce some absolutely magnificent timepieces including the phenomenal Tonda Woodstock US. The dial on the watch is specially designed to incorporate Gibson motif in wood marquetry. I love the overall design theme especially the large aperture displaying the mind-blowing tourbillon. This complication is encased in luxurious 18-carat rose gold and is provided with a Hermès alligator strap.