Presently my wife and I have completely opposing views of where to send our eight-year-old to school. She wants to send him one of Adelaide’s most prestigious city based establishments, which focus on academia. Certainly, I want the best for my son Paolo but feel he might flourish at one the private schools in the suburbs. In fact, my preferred choice has a suburb music programme and sports facilities. As well as being a natural tennis player Paolo also is very interested in design and particularly cars. This is an area we bond because I write about many automotive-inspired timepieces including the superb new G5 from US brand Giorgio Piola.
Over the last few years, the world of horology has developed close alliances with the automotive industry. This strategic type of cross-marketing has paid dividends for all of the companies involved. Not only is it tapping into a very lucrative consumer market but also the designs are phenomenal. Certainly, Hublot’s partnership with Ferrari and Parmigiani Fleurier’s collaboration with Bugatti have been highly successful. However, it is pertinent to mention as brilliant as these watches are they’re beyond the reach of most people. If you want something exceptionally stylish and reasonably priced, then the G5 from Giorgio Piola has to be a serious contender.
Giorgio Piola (for those not familiar with him) is a famous Italian illustrator that has covered Formula 1 since 1969. His intricate technical drawings are very accomplished and have gained him a solid reputation in the industry. That is why it seemed a natural progression to team up with the world’s largest motorsport and auto platform appropriately called the Motorsport Network. The brand name they devised is a tribute to Giorgio (Giorgio Piola Timepieces) and they have produced some pretty interested models. However, in my opinion, their flagship G5 model is definitely their most distinctive piece to date.
Until very recently it would have been inconceivable to buy a Swiss mechanical chronograph watch with a forged carbon case at a realistic price. This luxury was normally reserved for really high-end brands like Audemars Piguet and in particular their famous Royal Oak Offshore series. However, Giorgio Piola Timepieces are retailing their phenomenal G5 for $2,985 which I feel is extremely good value for money. For a watch measuring 48mm (excluding the crown), it also is amazingly lightweight and comfortable to wear.
Some of my favorite (attainable) automotive-inspired watches of recent years have included the B.R.M. R50 TN and Meccaniche Veloci Quattro Valvole CCM Brembo. Without any doubt, I would now include the G5 by Giorgio Piola Timepieces. I love details like the carbon dial with sporty chronograph sub counters and the distinctive titanium bezel, which ingeniously replicates the aesthetic of brake discs. Other features include sapphire crystal and oversize crown which is inspired by Formula 1 engines. Overall the composition is remarkably effective and the finishing first rate.
At the heart of the watch is a refined ETA 7750 Swiss mechanical self-winding chronograph movement. The caliber comprises 25-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. This entire splendor is visibly showcased via the sapphire crystal exhibition case back. Functionally the G5 features, hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph timers and day/date indication (located at 3 o’clock). The timepiece also has a power reserve of approximately 40 hours and is water resistant to a depth of 100 meters.
To discover more about the amazing limited edition (500 pieces) G5 and Giorgio Piola Timepieces follow this link
