Even before I actually established Total Watch Reviews I was a huge fan of Meccaniche Veloci. That is why I have always tried my best to promote their timepieces on my website and via other magazines. As I mentioned in previous articles this wasn’t always that easy to do because in the past the brand wasn’t that responsive. Certainly when they were owned by Cielo Venezia 1270 communication didn’t seem that much of a priority. Fortunately since Cesare Cerrito bought the company all this seems to have changed.
Although I had the pleasure of meeting with Cesare Cerrito at Baselworld most of my dealings have been with Michele Caracciolo di Brienza. Effectively Michele works as a media consultant for the brand and is exceptionally proactive. Nowadays if I need any information about their watches or general news about the company he is very forthcoming. One exciting development is that the brand has just opened a manufacturing facility in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva. These premises have been fastidiously restored and act as a creative hub for innovative ideas. The relocation to Switzerland also symbolizes how serious Mecchaniche Veloci is about fine watchmaking.
When I met Cesare Cerrito at Baselworld 2015 I was on a strict time schedule so I couldn’t really spend an enormous amount of time with the company. Nevertheless I did get the opportunity to try on one of the their new releases called the Corsacorta Evo. Dimensionally the watch is smaller than any of the models I have previously reviewed and has a diameter of 44mm. Even though I prefer much larger timepieces I should imagine it would appeal to a wide variety of buyers including the unisex market. Generally I found the watch very lightweight and comfortable to wear. Ultimately this is because of the ergonomic case design and use of high performance titanium in production.
Visually the latest incarnation of the Corsacorta Evo is completely different to its predecessor. For example the original model was much larger (48mm) and had a distinctive part skeletonized dial. However in my opinion both are equally well designed and have their own unique identities. Within the new Corsacorta Evo range there are many interesting watches including a distinctive version with a green camouflage dial. This particular watch has a really trendy and cool retro appearance. I love the organically formed lugs (which hug the case) and the stylish opened worked hour/minute hands. Certainly for a price of €1,820 I feel this watch offers consumers good value for money.
As well as completely redesigning the façade, Meccaniche Veloci has also changed the movement. Previously a manual winding Unitas 6497-1 powered the old models and an automatic Swiss made ETA 2824-1 movement equips this watch. This caliber comprises 25-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Functionally the Corsacorta Evo features hours, minutes, seconds and small date indication (located at 3 o’clock). The timepiece also has a power reserve of 40-hours and is water resistant to a depth of 50-metres.
The Corsacorta Evo come with a choice of different textile and leather straps. Priced competitively at: €1,820
For more information about Meccaniche Veloci visit the company’s website: http://www.meccanicheveloci.com
