A few years ago Aaron Sigmond wrote a book entitled ‘Drive Time: Watches Inspired by Automobiles, Motorcycles and Racing’. Interesting there is a foreword by American television host Jay Leno. Certainly, readers will always gravitate towards watches associated with famous movie stars. The two main examples are the Rolex Daytona linked with Paul Newman and the Tag Heuer Monaca to Steve McQueen. However, as a watch writer/author I like the fact the book features a handful of small microbrands. Some of my personal favourites at the affordable end are Azimuth, B.R.M. (Bernard Richards Manufacture) and Meccaniche Veloci. Recently I also became of a really cool limited edition watch by Pilo & Co Genève called the ‘DIATTO COMPETIZIONE’.
Pilo & Co Genève was established in 2001 and by watchmaker Amarildo Pilo. The company is situated in the picturesque district of Saint-Gervais in the heart of Geneva, Switzerland. Recently, I began communicating with Amarildo to discover more about the business. It was interesting apparent from our conversations that he’s exceptionally passionate about his work. As well as producing several affordable Swiss quartz models they have also created some stylish limited edition mechanical pieces. My personal favourite is the ‘DIATTO COMPETIZIONE’.
Very kindly Amarildo sent me a ‘DIATTO COMPETIZIONE’ for review purposes. For this model Pilo & Co, Genève has drawn inspiration from a legendary 19th Italian automobile manufacturer. Interestingly, the company carried the slogan slogan “Queen of lightweight, fast, comfortable, elegant vehicles”. Certainly, the façade of ‘DIATTO COMPETIZIONE’ is very elegant and a great tribute to Diatto. I personally love skeleton dials and this timepiece has a cool sporty aesthetic. Features like the black/red open-worked hands, red markers, 43mm black PVD treated steel case and Diatto logo are really distinctive. It also sits comfortably on the wrist and could be worn for most occasions (except for diving or rigorous water sports).
At the heart of the watch is a customised self-winding skeletonised movement. The Caliber comprises 23-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. This mechanism has Côtes de Genève decoration and is visibly showcased through the sapphire crystal exhibition case back. Functionally the ‘DIATTO COMPETIZIONE’ features hours, minutes and seconds. The watch also has a power reserve of 40-hours and is water-resistant to 30-metres. As a perfect final touch, the watch is presented on a high-quality black leather strap with a folding butterfly clasp.
For a watch of this quality, I feel CHF1,860 (approximately $2,026) is a very competitive price. For more information about the ‘DIATTO COMPETIZIONE’ follow this link
