WristBuzz
The Anoma A1 Prehistoric Puts a Hand-Chiselled Case on That Triangular Icon
Anoma's A1 gets its most radical rework yet, trading polished geometry for a texture straight out of the Stone Age
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WristBuzz
Time+Tide
New releases from Studio Underd0g, Bvlgari, Anoma and more
Last week saw a slew of releases that pushed boundaries and made us look twice with original design and unique paint jobs.
Fratello
Handmade Imperfections Turn The Anoma A1 Prehistoric Into A Beautiful, Wearable Timekeeping Sculpture
Usually, watches are all about perfect symmetry and flawless finishing. The case is often round with even lugs, and carefully applied mirror polishing and brushing are combined to create contrast and accentuate the watch’s shape. Things are a little different with the new Anoma A1 Prehistoric, though. Of course, it already starts with its signature […] Visit Handmade Imperfections Turn The Anoma A1 Prehistoric Into A Beautiful, Wearable Timekeeping Sculpture to read the full article.
Monochrome
Introducing - The Hand-Chiselled Case of the New Anoma A1 Prehistoric
Anoma was founded in 2024 and entered the watchmaking scene with the distinctive, rounded, triangular-shaped A1 model. Inspired by a 1950s free-form table designed by Charlotte Perriand, the original A1 has since evolved through small-series releases, the Slate and the Optical, and, more recently, the permanent Abyss and Stone models. The young London-based brand now […]
Worn & Wound
Introducing the Anoma A1 Prehistoric
Anoma has announced the latest version of the A1, their watch with a unique triangular shape that brand founder Matteo Violet Vianello says was inspired by a free-form table designed by Charlotte Perriand in the 1950s. There have been a variety of derivations of the original A1 design since it launched, and it’s been a surprisingly versatile canvas for a number of different ideas and points of reference. The thing I like most about the Anoma project, even more than the shape of the watch itself, which I like a lot, is that those ideas largely come from outside the watch world. This industry is filled with references to its own past, and sometimes new watches feel like fist bumps acknowledging and celebrating, well, themselves. It’s refreshing to see a brand celebrating an artistic world that extends beyond watches – it really expands the aperture on what’s possible in terms of design. Anoma’s latest, the appropriately named Prehistoric, was inspired by a visit to the Brancusi sculpture exhibition at the Centre Pompidou in Paris. The exhibition features primitive artifacts that Brancusi saw as the earliest examples of human creativity. The objects, such as arrow heads, axes, and other tools, got Vianello thinking about what is actually essential in design, and what is excessive. He was also influenced by the physicality of these objects, and how evidence of their making, the crude handwork, was still present thousands of years after their creation. The Prehist...
SJX Watches
Anoma’s A1 Goes Prehistoric
Anoma is back with a new take on its 1950s-inspired asymmetrical A1, but unlike previous riffs, which varied the dials but left the cases untouched, the A1 Prehistoric features a hand-chiselled case inspired by Stone Age human tools. Initial thoughts The original Anoma A1 was inspired in part by the sculptures created by Constantin Brancusi, specifically his ability to convey movement and create tension. But Brancusi was not just a painter and a sculptor — he also collected primitive human artefacts. In Brancusi’s view, early hand-carved tools like arrowheads and hand axes represent some of humanity’s earliest — and therefore purest — forms of creativity and craftsmanship. The A1 Prehistoric takes inspiration from these ancient tools with its distinctive case finish. To create it, Anoma turned to French engraver Steven Brunel to bring the Prehistoric to life. With hundreds of blows from his chisel, Mr Brunel removes material by hand until the case resembles a primitive stone tool. With so many uneven facets, the play of light across the case should be quite remarkable. Furthermore, each case will look slightly different since the strikes are made freehand. In an industry that is built on precision, perfection and order, the Prehistoric deviates sharply from the norm with a finish that revels in our primal impulses to shape the world around us. One thing that hasn’t changed much is the value proposition that has defined the A1 since its debut. At £2,900, the Pr...
Hodinkee
Introducing: The Anoma A1 Prehistoric
What We Know Matteo Violet Vianello found the idea for his newest watch while standing in a room full of prehistoric tools. At the Centre Pompidou's Brancusi exhibition in Paris a couple of years back, Vianello, the man behind Anoma, saw the sculptor's collection of primitive tools and artifacts, which stopped him—and stayed with him. That visit became the starting point for the A1 Prehistoric, the latest limited run built on Anoma's signature triangular case. The case itself is hand-chiseled 316L stainless steel, a five-hour process undertaken by Steven Brunel, a French engraver whose work has been exhibited at the Louvre. Brunel works out of a workshop in Mornand-en-Forez, a village of about 500 people in the Loire region. The buckle receives the same treatment. Because the chiseling is done entirely by hand, Anoma says no two pieces will be identical. The dial carries the process further. Roughly 600 individual lines are cut by hand into a brass base in a sunburst pattern, then finished in a dark anthracite color meant to recall the look of worked stone or flint. Specs remain close to the standard A1: the case measures 39mm by 38mm, wearing closer to 37mm thanks to its lugless, triangular shape, with a 9.45mm thickness. Inside is the Swiss automatic Sellita SW100, the same movement Anoma has used across its lineup, running in a case rated to 50 meters of water resistance. The watch comes on a grey-grained Italian leather strap. Anoma will build 100 examples of the A1 ...
Worn & Wound
Watches, Stories, & Gear: J.J. Astor’s Pocket Watch, a New Backpack from Filson, and Looking Back at the Debut Watch from Anoma
“Watches, Stories, and Gear” is a roundup of our favorite content, watch or otherwise, from around the internet. Here, we support other creators, explore interesting content that inspires us, and put a spotlight on causes we believe in. Oh, and any gear we happen to be digging on this week. We love gear. Small Luxuries: Watches, by David Von Bader Veteran watch writer and Worn & Wound contributor, David Von Bader, has just released his new title Small Luxuries: Watches. Within its 128 pages, Von Bader takes the approach of accessibility and education versus any sort of pretense in watch collecting, giving readers insight into top watch brands, the historical context for various types of watches, and a starting point just starting out in their horological journey. Of course, for any enthusiast, it’s equally valuable to reignite and reaffirm the passion behind this shared little hobby of ours, too. Todd Snyder x Timex Collaborate Once More The beauty of Todd Snyder is that it toes the line between being a fashion fashion brand and being an everyman fashion brand. Sure, they have runway shows and sponsored events at Pitti Uomo and play the high fashion game well; but they’re equally happy selling a sub-$200 Timex collab and making it their own. Released last week, the Todd Snyder x Timex 1976 Lexington has already sold out, due in part to the brand’s keen ability to tap into various zeitgeisty pockets of social media. This is, of course, very much to the disappo...
Monochrome
Introducing - The Anoma A1 Core Collection with Abyss and Stone, Now a Permanent Line
After a series of small-batch releases, Anoma introduces its first permanent models with the A1 Core Collection. Until now, the brand has focused on short runs such as the original A1, the Slate edition, and Optical Art. With the A1 Abyss and A1 Stone, Anoma is now offering watches that will remain in the catalogue. […]
Time+Tide
Anoma unveils its A1 Core Collection, and it’s now a conversation starter available to everyone
Anoma's showstopping three-sided A1 is now available with two new dials that are now a permenent fixture in the Anoma catalogue
Worn & Wound
Anoma Debuts Two New References as Part of their Permanent Collection
Matteo Violet-Vianello founded Anoma back in 2024 with a crystal-clear concept that noticeably drew from the worlds of architecture and design as well as forms in nature. The brand’s debut offering set the tone for what has quickly become Anoma’s trademark: a triangular case. Those who follow the brand on Instagram well know that the brand’s cult following has become, dare I say obsessed with finding the soft, triangular form with rounded edges in the wild, citing pieces of furniture, buildings, river stones and other everyday objects that mimic the shape. From the get-go, Anoma has taken the approach of dropping limited edition collections rather than having a permanent catalog. The A1 First Series from 2024 was notable for its two-tone blue dial and was quickly followed up by two variations the following year: the A1 Slate offering a more neutral color palette and later the A1 Optical offered in two colorways – one monochromatic and the other two-tone – each highlighting a guilloche dial that has the unique and organic appearance of a fingerprint. Now, Anoma departs from its own tradition of highly limited executions, creating its first core collection. The new anchors for the brand include the A1 Abyss and A1 Stone. The pair very clearly echo models of the past with the Abyss giving us a twist on the First Series with a singular shade of blue that’s a bit lighter and brighter than the original two-tone. At first glance, this model appears simple, but there...
Fratello
Introducing: The Anoma A1 Optical
In 2024, Anoma introduced its first watch: the A1. The piece caused quite a stir among watch fans and sold out quickly. Subsequent releases with different dial colors have followed suit, with far more demand than supply. Now, there’s a new addition known as the A1 Optical, and from the photos, these pieces will likely […] Visit Introducing: The Anoma A1 Optical to read the full article.
Hodinkee
Introducing: The Anoma A1 Optical - A Familiar Sculptural Case, Now With An Engraved Dial
The young brand's third take on its now-signature case design, continuing its exploration of geometry and optical illusion.
Monochrome
Introducing - Playing with Distortion… Meet the new Anoma A1 Optical
Anoma, the indie microbrand founded in London by Matteo Violet-Vianello, derives its name from “anomaly”, indicating its less-than-conventional approach to design. Taking design cues from art, architecture and nature, the brand is making a name for itself with its shaped watch case. The brand’s first watch, the sculptural A1 with a rounded triangular case inspired […]
Worn & Wound
Anoma Introduces the A1 Optical, Inspired by the Optical Art Movement
Anoma has quickly emerged as one of our favorite small independents making truly interesting, design forward watches. Few watches point more toward the enormous pendulum swing away from straightforward vintage inspired sports watches than the brand’s A1, introduced in the summer of last year. It’s more than just a watch with a uniquely shaped case – it’s a deliberate design exercise by brand founder Matteo Violet Vianello, and illustrates that rather than taking design inspiration from other watches, you can find shapes and textures to emulate in furniture, art, and the natural world. It’s also just an extremely well made object at a price point that feels fair for the originality of the design, and watch enthusiasts seem to agree. Vinaello says his waitlist is currently ten times longer than the number of watches available. Anoma’s latest is the A1 Optical, which takes the same, vaguely triangular case shape and adds an engraved dial inspired Optical Art. Also known as Op Art, this was an art movement that has its origins in the 1960s and can be characterized by the use of abstract geometric patterns formed to create optical illusions. Optical Art will often play with the viewer’s perception of depth and movement to create the kinds of objects and imagery that have us questioning our senses. The engraved dial on the new A1 is created with a sharp and very fine tool that is used to carve into the dial’s metal base. A total of fifty slightly offset trian...
Time+Tide
Anoma enters its third chapter with the Optical
The latest offering from Anoma brings an optical illusion to the dial with an engraved and highly polished surface. The post Anoma enters its third chapter with the Optical appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
SJX Watches
The Op Art-Inspired Anoma A1 Optical is Not an Illusion
Anoma made its debut last summer and has just released its third model, the A1 Optical. Without departing too far from what made the previous models attractive and affordable, the latest variant features a CNC guilloché dial with a shimmering optical effect. For the design of the dial, Anoma founder Matteo Violet-Vianello was inspired by the works of Bridget Riley and Ferruccio Gard, instrumental figures in the optical art movement. There are two dial options for the Optical; copper and silver. The copper option is the livelier of the two and will inevitably be called a salmon dial. Alternatively, the silver-treated option gives the watch a distinctly black-and-white feel. Interestingly, the first 150 pieces in each dial finish will be delivered with a related artwork commissioned from optical artist Adam Fuhrer. After the first 300 pieces have been delivered, regular production (sans artwork) will commence. Initial thoughts It’s rare to find watchmaking at this price point that is distinctive enough to sell without a name on the dial, but Anoma is betting the A1’s pebble-like triangular case is a recognisable enough calling card to dispense with the branding. It was the right call, because the Optical is all about its dial and the shimmering optical illusion created by programmatic guilloché. In some ways the dial motif is similar in concept to the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tadao Ando, but the triangular pattern and three-dimensional texture will result in a more engag...
Fratello
Hands-On: The Anoma A1 Slate With A Refined Dial
Last year, Anoma founder Matteo Violet-Vianello launched his first watch, the A1. The triangular timepiece earned quite some hype on social media, and he sold many A1s to the lucky people who pre-ordered one. A few weeks ago, Matteo presented the Anoma A1 Slate, a refined version of the same watch with a brushed, engraved, […] Visit Hands-On: The Anoma A1 Slate With A Refined Dial to read the full article.
Hodinkee
Introducing: The Second Act of Anoma Watches, The A1 Slate
With a dial update for the watch world's design darling, the Anoma A1 goes black-tie.
Time+Tide
We held Anoma’s first major event to launch the A1 Slate, and this is what happened
To mark the launch of the first production piece from Anoma, we had the British watch community in our London Discovery Studio.The post We held Anoma’s first major event to launch the A1 Slate, and this is what happened appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
New releases from Anoma, Ming, Casio G-Shock and more
Casio celebrates International Women’s Day, Anoma releases its second-ever watch and King Seiko unveils a new flagship collection.The post New releases from Anoma, Ming, Casio G-Shock and more appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Worn & Wound
Anoma Debuts the A1 Slate
In a monochrome, modernist twist on the recently released A1 First Series, London upstart brand Anoma-short for Anomaly- has announced its followup, the appropriately named A1 Slate. Sharing the same smooth triangular shape with rounded angles and an offset face, the A1 Slate was similarly inspired by a free-form table designed by Charlotte Perriand in the 1950s, and Constantin Brâncuși’s modernist sculptures. The new gray, black, and white color scheme, however, promises a more subtle take on the shape that aligns more with the third inspiration-river stones, smoothed over time by passing water. The 316L stainless steel triangular case is likely the first detail on the A1, whether the First Series or the Slate, that an observer will notice. Measuring in at 30mm x 38mm (though Anoma notes that the shape and lack of lugs make the fit closer to 37mm), the case is mirror-polished, and meant to refract and bend light at every angle. Without having the watch on hand, I can’t vouch for this effect, but Worn & Wound’s own Zach Weiss reviewed the A1 First Series back in January 2024 and attested to the charm of the watch’s styling and finish. The vertically-brushed dial itself stands out against the case, with individually-engraved contrasting inner triangles coated with three layers of glossy black lacquer. Leaf hour and minute hands adorn the dial, with the Anoma logo below the centerpoint. A cleverly-situated cross with lines at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clo...
Monochrome
First Look - Anoma Unveils the Second Chapter in its Shaped Watch Adventure, the A1 Slate
About a year ago, a new micro-brand launched on the scene and caused quite some noise due to its oddly shaped, slightly overdesigned but rather appealing triangular watch, the Anoma A1 Watch. The project of a young French-British watch enthusiast, Matteo Violet Vianello, the watch made a sensation with a sculptural case playing on the […]
SJX Watches
Anoma Introduces the A01 Slate
Having made its debut last summer, London-based Anoma returns with the A1 Slate, an entry level watch that punches above its weight in terms of design. Inspired by a triangular table designed in the 1950s by French designer Charlotte Perriand, the A1 Slate executes the mid-century aesthetic with aplomb. Over the past few years we’ve seen a number of unusually shaped watches come to market, perhaps as a cultural reaction to the proliferation of classical designs that otherwise dominate. Among these, the Anoma A1 stands out for its commitment to value and its undiluted form. Initial thoughts When the Anoma A1 debuted with the First Series, my first reaction was that it was simply a triangular watch. Closer examination revealed a number of intriguing details, like the offset rotation of the crystal relative to the case. The A1 Slate takes things up a notch, with an attractive grooved dial that brings the design to life. The A1 is all about its triangular stainless steel case, which is roughly 39 mm in diameter. The curved edges call to mind a Wankel rotory engine, and give the watch a pebble-like presence. A slim leather strap fits into hidden lugs, allowing the watch’s shape to remain undiluted. Like its predecessor, the A1 Slate is powered by the Sellita SW100, a diminutive automatic movement that was chosen for its ability to fit within the compact triangular case. The movement is common and industrial, which should give potential buyers confidence in its ability to be...
Time+Tide
Anoma updates its shaped A1 with a new Slate dial, and we got our hands on it
Anoma brings its second-ever watch to market, with a new dark grey dial colour, small changes to the case and an increase price.The post Anoma updates its shaped A1 with a new Slate dial, and we got our hands on it appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Anoma finally delivers its first model, the A1, with surprising results
Andrew sits down for a candid chat with Anoma founder Matteo Violet-Vianello about the experience of delivering his first model, the A1.The post Anoma finally delivers its first model, the A1, with surprising results appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
SpaceOne, Toledano & Chan, Anoma - are the hype microbrands worth it?
SpaceOne, Toledano & Chan, Anoma - are the hype microbrands worth it? Andrew McUtchen and Blake Buettner wade into the hot topic.The post SpaceOne, Toledano & Chan, Anoma – are the hype microbrands worth it? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
![[VIDEO] Hands-On: the Anoma A1](https://wornandwound.com/library/uploads/2024/06/ANOMA_A1_9.jpg)
Worn & Wound
[VIDEO] Hands-On: the Anoma A1
The age of the circular watch has ended. The mid-century divers, chronographs, and Calatravas are out. Ok, not really, but it looks like shaped, asymmetric, and sculptural watches are the next coming trend. Kicking this new era off have been a few releases ranging from the high-end and exclusive by Berneron to the mid-tier and provocative by Toledano + Chan to the relatively accessible yet exotic Anoma, whose first watch I’ve had the chance to spend some time with. On June 6th, 2024, Anoma Watches launched the A1, an asymmetrical, triangular-shaped watch with an appealing, soft look. Like a weathered pebble of polished steel, the A1 mixes a sense of mid-century watch and industrial design with a modern sensibility, preventing it from feeling like a pastiche recreation. Well-sized at around 38mm and with a vibrant blue dial with a green tint, it’s a memorable launch from a new brand. In the video below, I discuss the brand, the context of the A1’s launch, the design, and what it’s like to wear it. As this is the only shaped watch I’ve ever worn for any period, it was an interesting experience. At first, it was a bit jarring, perhaps, but its quirky charm won me over. With collectors, new and old, having more choices and easier access to watches than ever, brands need to offer something that will stand out yet not be just a novelty. With the A1, Anoma has achieved this, at least in my opinion. Priced at £1,300, or about $1,650 USD, the Anoma A1 is available for pr...
Hodinkee
Introducing: Anoma Watches Unveils The Shape-Shiftingly Retro A1 (Live Pics)
A more affordable asymmetrical watch from a new U.K. brand.
Worn & Wound
Introducing the A1, the Debut Watch from Anoma
This is a really good time to be interested in avant-garde watches. It seems like every week there are new watches coming to market and being announced that are well outside the confines of the “vintage inspired black dialed diver” that only a few years ago seemed to have been everywhere. Just yesterday we told you about an exciting new release from Holthinrichs, for instance. Before that, the debut watch from Toledano & Chan sold out in just minutes. As I write this I’m simultaneously finalizing my hands-on review of the Amida Digitrend, a throwback and a truly unusual design. And I happen to be wearing my trusty Arcanaut Arc II. If you have adventurous taste, you’re spoiled for choice at the moment with affordable options in all kinds of odd case shapes and dial executions that will surely be nothing like anything else at the local watch meetup. Today, a new watch from a new brand can be added to the conversation: the Anoma A1. Anoma is a new brand founded by Matteo Violet Vianello, a longtime watch collector and one of the first employees at A Collected Man, where he sourced rare watches for clients and worked closely with some of the most prestigious independent brands. If you know A Collected Man, you know how expertly curated every sales listing and piece of editorial content is, and the A1 has the look and feel of a watch created by someone who has seen a lot of watches. Every tiny detail has been carefully considered, and the result is a genuinely unique ...