The Italian watchmaker reimagines his signature Manometro with a decidedly Italian bent in the Giuliano Mazzuoli Manometro Italia Rinuova.
The Release
Inspired by the form of a pressure gauge, the Manometro (which means…pressure gauge) is defined by slab sides and a convex bezel and measures 45mm across and 14mm thick. The case itself is made of natural brass and is polished throughout. On the right side of the case, under the crown, the Italian flag is engraved and then enameled. The large, screw-in crown is sure to facilitate easy time setting, though the watch is limited to 50m water resistance. The strap is handmade Italian leather and inserts directly into the case, with supported that protrude and to which the strap which attaches by two screws. The screwed-down caseback conceals the Swiss automatic ETA 2824-2, with 25 jewels, a 40-hour power reserve, and a frequency of 4hz.
The Italia Rinuova takes its name from the motto that was created for Lorenzo the Magnificent after the Pazzi Conspiracy of 1478, “Le temps revient:” Time is renewed. It’s offered in two dial colors: white and blue (the white has a light blue strap, the blue has a dark blue strap). The dial is a simple offering: long minute hashes bisected by a circle, with simple sans serif numerals inside. The 12 is marked in red on both dials. Simple lumed baton hands mark the time, while a bright red arrow hand tracks the seconds with a lumed tip. It’s all under a domed sapphire crystal.
Our Thoughts
Giuliano Mazzuoli has made a watch case of marble and of cement, so this is, in a sense, restrained. Defined by his signature disc/puck/pressure gauge case and offset crown. They’re high design with simple dials and they make a statement. Apparently, the name wasn’t enough, because the watch designer felt the need to enamel the Italian flag on the side. While the white dial gives two-thirds reinforcement of the flag with its white and red, the blue, for me, adds an extra layer of Italian cultural, calling to mind the Italian national soccer team, Gli Azzurri.
True to its intention, theres not much else like the Manometro ont he market, and there are few Italian watches that communicate their origin in as tasteful a way. This watch is all about having something a bit different in the collection, with its shape, the strap and lugs, and enameled flag. There’s no doubt that you’ll feel every millimeter on the wrist, and the strap supports will play differently on different wrist sizes. But here it is: Do you want to add something unexpected to your lineup? Or maybe you’re an Italophile like my aunt and uncle? If you answered yes to either of those questions, I’d imagine this watch has piqued your interest.
Availability
The Giuliano Mazzuoli Manometro Italia Rinuova is priced at $4,350 and is limited to 25 pieces in each color. You can find out more and order directly from Giuliano Mazzuoli.