Description

Let's face it -- you need a watch. Not a disposable Swatch, but a watch. A machine with a real mechanical movement that can be a lasting talisman of your style. It's gonna cost you, because this is for more than time and you won't be using a battery. It is for craft, precision, expression and permanent value. So instead of buying 20 dreary throwaway watches over the next few years, save up for one. It's a start and there's no better way than to start with this one: The Mazzuoli Manometro. Simple, Italian, unusual, precise, weighty and loaded with taste.

The designer, Guiliano Mazzuoli, has designed paper, notebooks, pens and now a watch. Just one for now, this one, inspired by the simple and readable classic pressure gauges found in garages and workshops. The defining style of the Manometro is now available in several variants beyond the dial color choices of the the original: Manometro Chronograph, Manometro Limited Edition with date and bronzed titanium brushed case, and Manometro Sport in black carbon fiber case and dial with titanium back and crown.

Whichever version you prefer, you'll get one perfect object absent anything superfluous. Mazzuoli selected a proven Swiss automatic movement with Incablock anti-shock. The leather strap is novel in its screwed-in attachment to the case, incredibly durable, and interchangeable. You can have the basic Manometro in a polished or satin finish steel case. Your dial can be cream, white, black, or blue. Your strap can be tan, brown, black, navy or wine-red. A right-wrist version for lefties places the crown on the left side of the case, at 10 o'clock. Mine is polished, classic cream face, tan leather strap, standard 2 o'clock crown. The chronograph is polished steel only, in black or cream dial and black or brown lizard strap.

You can only buy this watch from a handful of dealers, listed on the Mazzuoli web site. It's a large diameter watch but still fits under a shirtsleeve and it definitely cuts through the blingy chronos, loud Rolex golds and multi-button wonders so common in every crowd of strivers. Your kids will be fighting over who gets this one 60 years on. (via Dream Watches Blog)

Updated Jan 2, 2008