In seven short years Meccaniche Veloci has evolved into an exciting & innovative Italian watchmaker. Conceptually the company has combined Italian flair & passion with Swiss precision. The result is a range of watches that embody the spirit of the motor sport industry. Since 2006 the company has produced a range of different collections each displaying different merits. Ultimately the Quattro Valvole series is their crowning glory. This iconic range is derived from the 1984 Ferrari 308 GTB/GTS Quattrovalvole, which incorporated the Italian name for the four-valve cylinder heads that the Maranello-based automaker pioneered. Their partnership with Brembo (brake discs) was a revelation & a gave birth to the world first carbon ceramic watch.
In 2009 Italian jeweler Cielo Venezi 1270 took ownership of the company. This marked a new horizon for Meccaniche Veloci & a shift of production from Italy to Switzerland. Subsequently the Quattro Valvole has been re-designed giving the watch a whole new dynamic. Personally I was reticent about reviewing the QV48-W124N096, as I love the aggressive styling of the pre-facelift model. The re-styled version has softer looks with one Sapphire Crystal glass instead of four. Also the four dials have different facades & the crowns have rubberised protectors. Fortunately the company hasn’t modified the structure of the case. All these modifications don’t detract from the brand identity & the watches’ very distinctive looks. Realistically I feel the new aesthetics will appeal to a broader demographic. Although I still share an affinity for its predecessor.
At 48mm x 18mm it’s a pretty chunky timepiece & wouldn’t suit people with conservative tastes. I felt it was very comfortable & lightweight to wear. This is probably down to perfectly balanced wrist hugging design & titanium case. On that basis I feel it would be practical to wear the watch for most occasions. The QV48-W124N096 is from the classic range & has an anthracite dial with natural polished case. The four black dials & bold white numerals work in perfect juxtaposition. In my opinion this combination is very effective because it gives the timepiece an understated charm. Other varieties available are: Limited edition, Luxury, CCM (carbon ceramic) & the splendid “only one” collection (made from cars, bikes, helicopters & airplanes)
It’s easy to be seduced by the watches’ rugged good looks. Fundamentally the coolest features of this timepiece are the engines that control it. Unbelievably four independent Swiss made ETA 2671 self-winding movements drive the watch. These mechanical marvels comprise: 25 Jewels, oscillating at a frequency of 28,800 VPH. In my opinion this superb timepiece delivers what it promises. Prices range from: $4,825-$11,990.
http://www.meccanicheveloci.com/en/
