While researching for another feature I discovered the exceptional talents of Marc Alfieri. He is responsible for creating the Polio Watch One recently featured on my website. This amazing watch is striking, affordable and also donates $150 of its cost price towards polio vaccination. Normally to give an editorial more depth I like to explore the background of the artisan involved. In this instance the information I collated prompted me to write another detailed article featuring one of his other timepieces.
Essentially Marc Alfieri would describe himself as a luxury goods designer rather than just a watchmaker. His large of array of products include knives, wine glasses and fountain pens. Amongst the many timepieces he has created it was his Meteorite Watch that ultimately caught my eye. Since writing about Frank Heydrich I have become more and more interested in this textured substance. Currently there are other brands like RJ Romain Jerome (with their exciting new 1969 series) Martin Braun and Arnold & Son experimenting with this wonderful material.
In contrast to the Frank Heydrich watches I have featured on Total Watch Reviews (the Mini Meteorite and Planum Australe) the Meteorite Watch has a more contemporary silhouette. With dimensions measuring 40mm x 40mm the timepiece is clearly designed to make a subtle statement. On that basis these understated proportions should appeal to a broad spectrum of buyers. Even though I haven’t had the privilege of trying on the watch I suspect it would sit comfortably on the wrist. Primarily this is down to the intuitive case design and use of lightweight Grade 5 titanium used in production. Personally I could imagine wearing this watch for both formal and casual occasions.
Visually the timepiece has a chunky and distinctive appearance. Marc Alfieri informed me that he forged the square titanium case by hand without the intervention of CNC machines. For that reason the watch has a unique and robust quality. The dial is composed of grey Meteorite, which perfectly contrasts with the minimalistic black hands. I love details like the titanium chapter ring with indented markers and the porthole style date window. Other features include the large crown/pushers with meteorite inlay and the architectural lugs. Overall the industrial composition is cohesive and very effective.
Beneath the rugged exterior lies a reliable self-winding ETA Caliber 2892A2. This movement comprises 21-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The mechanism is also visible through the sapphire crystal exhibition case back. Functionally the Meteorite Watch features hours, minutes, seconds and a date facility. It also has a power reserve of approximately 40 hours.
The Meteorite watch is one of a kind and has hand-sewn alligator strap with matching buckle.
