A few months ago I contacted Alessandro Baldieri to discuss the possibility of featuring one of his timepieces on Total Watch Reviews. Originally Alessandro began his career as an architectural designer based in the UK and US. His passion and interest for the world of horology spurred him on to design his own exciting series of watches. As well as marketing watches under his own label he also owns a company called ITAnano technology.
From recent conversations with Alessandro Baldieri I now know what motivated him to start designing watches. Ultimately he explained that he wanted to manufacture stylish timepieces at affordable prices. Although I am impressed with the aesthetic of a lot of his watches the most striking is his Phantom Carbon Monocoque 49 ‘Automatic’. This superb timepiece is constructed from a special carbon composite that is normally used in the automotive industry. As I have mentioned before Carbon is probably my favourite watch case material. Over the last few years watchmakers like Richard Mille, Audemars Piguet (Royal Oak Offshore Series) Hublot (Big Bang, King Power) Rebellion, U-Boat, Linde Werdelin and Bell & Ross have used it to great effect. Italian brand Meccaniche Veloci have even taken it a stage further by fabricating the watchcase from Brembo Carbon Ceramic brakes.
When I first became aware of the Phantom Carbon Monocoque 49 ‘Automatic’ I was skeptical because it seemed too good to be true. What ITAnano technology is offering is an automatic carbon timepiece for just over $500. Ultimately all these doubts were quashed when I finally set eyes on the watch. With a diameter measuring 49mm (including the crown) the timepiece is large enough to make a bold statement without being to overbearing. I feel these dimensions will predominantly appeal to masculine buyers. It is also pertinent to mention that this watch is exceptionally comfortable to wear. On the company’s website it states the watch only weighs 85grams but in my opinion it appears much lighter. Over the last week I have tested the timepiece constantly and feel it is practical for most occasions.
Visually the Phantom Carbon Monocoque 49 ‘Automatic’ has the same high quality appearance normally found in much more expensive watches. What makes this watch so amazing is the textured composite carbon molded case with integrated lugs. This unique characteristic perfectly compliments the glossy black carbon fiber dial. I love the bold white and reflective metallic green indexes. Other features include stylized hour/minute hands, K1 Mineral glass and distinctive green aluminum lug screws. Ideally I would have preferred Sapphire Glass but I realise I am being really pedantic especially for a watch of this price.
At the heart of the watch is a self winding Japanese Citizen Miyota 8215 movement. This Caliber comprises 21-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. Personally I would be prepared to pay more for this timepiece if it was equipped with a Swiss mechanism. Hopefully Alessandro Baldieri/ ITAnano technology will produce an ungraded version in the very near future. Functionally the Phantom Carbon Monocoque 49 ‘Automatic’ features hours, minutes, seconds and date facility. The watch also has a power reserve of 40 hours and is water resistant to a depth of 70 metres.
The Phantom Carbon Monocoque 49 ‘Automatic’ has a high quality black leather band and an additional Green Silicone strap. Priced very competitively at €405 (approximately $548).
For more information visit the company’s website: http://www.itanano.com
