WATCH & JEWELRY /
SIHH＆BASEL
March 30, 2015
MECCANICHE VELOCI | The Iconic Model Evolves Dramatically While Retaining Its Core Design, Offering Diverse Variations Including Chronographs
MECCANICHE VELOCI | A Major Evolution for an Iconic Model
The Iconic Model Evolves, Retaining Its Core Design
A Rich Variety of Models, Including Chronographs
Meccaniche Veloci, an Italian brand that shot to fame with its innovative 'Quattro Valvole,' inspired by the cylinders of a 4-valve engine. In 2011, an evolved version of this iconic model, the 'Quattro Valvole Evolution,' made its debut. In addition to the standard four time zones,Chronographand models with power reserve and three hands are also available, adding to the appeal.
Text and photos by Yasuhito Shibuya
Manufacturing Base Moves from Italy to the Watchmaking Hub of Switzerland
Meccaniche Veloci is an Italian watch brand founded in 2006 by Marco Colombo, an Italian designer and passionate motorsports enthusiast, along with his friends. The first model, the 'Quattro Valvole' (meaning 'four valves' in Italian), featured four time zones, with four small watches arranged like valves within a round dial, inspired by the cylinder head of a high-performance 4-valve engine. This design became popular among GP riders, racing drivers, and motorsports fans, quickly establishing the brand on a global scale. The brand cherishes its Italian origins and its connection to the automotive and motorcycle industries, forming partnerships with Brembo, a high-performance brake manufacturer, Ercole Spada, a car designer who also worked for Carrozzeria, and Dell'Orto, known for its carburetors and fuel injection systems.
In 2010, a new management structure was put in place with Sergio Ciocci, who runs a jewelry company in Italy, appointed as CEO. To solidify its position as a watch brand, the company has shifted its primary manufacturing base from Italy to Switzerland, focusing on enriching and developing its collections.
An Evolved 'Quattro Valvole' Appears, Enhanced in Quality and Usability
The highlight of the 2011 novelties, and the first product made in Switzerland, is the 'Quattro Valvole Evolution' collection, positioned as an evolution of the brand's icon, the 'Quattro Valvole.' While the core design of four subdials on the main dial remains the same as the original, the structure has been changed from four separate crystal covers for each subdial to a single sapphire crystal covering the entire dial. Furthermore, the mechanism has also evolved. In addition to the four-time zone model with four automatic movements, new variations include an automatic chronograph, an automatic model with power reserve, day, and date display, and an automatic three-hand model, bringing the total to four types. The design, featuring black as the primary color for the dial, case, and strap, is chic and sharp, fitting seamlessly with business attire. This watch is highly recommended for those seeking something beyond ordinary design watches, or for those who admired the original Quattro Valvole's design but found it 'a bit too flashy for me.'
Quattro Valvole Evolution 48
A Four-Time Zone Model Evolved for Urban Chic
This is an evolved model of the 'Quattro Valvole,' retaining the core design inspired by the 4-valve engine's cylinder head, but now featuring a new design where four subdials are covered by a single sapphire crystal. Of the four subdials, only the bottom left one includes a seconds hand and date display, making it recommended as the home time indicator. All movements are reliable Swiss ETA Caliber 2671 automatic movements. In addition to the leather strap shown, rubber and crocodile straps are also available.
Titanium case, automatic winding, 48mm case diameter, leather strap, 100m water resistance, 504,000 yen (estimated retail price). Scheduled for release in September.
MV Wholesale
Tel. 06-4963-5363
http://www.meccanicheveloci.it/ (Italian, English)