I’ll be the first to admit: I’m not a die-hard watch collector. To me, a watch is more like a functional bracelet. It tells time but is mainly an essential part of my daily outfit. I’ve been wearing watches for almost a decade now, and I feel off-kilter if I forget to put one on. It’s become more than just a habit - it completes my look. I’m sure plenty of you can relate to that feeling.
What captivates me most about watches is their design and aesthetic. I’ve always believed that producing a decent-quality watch isn’t a major hurdle in today’s world. The real competition lies in creating a design that stands out. So when I first heard about Filippo Loreti and their promise of “affordable luxury,” I was curious. Their goal is to deliver watches that boast luxury-level quality at prices that won’t break the bank.
Luxury watches are generally seen as status symbols with eye-catching designs, solid durability, and, of course, steep price tags. Not everyone can spend thousands of dollars on a timepiece.
What’s Filippo Loreti All About?
Filippo Loreti gained serious traction in the Kickstarter community when it launched back in 2015. Their mission is simple: offer premium-quality watches at affordable prices by cutting out the middlemen and retail markups.
Founded by brothers Danielius and Matas Jakutis, they initially aimed to raise just $20,000 on Kickstarter. However, in just 30 days, they smashed their goal, raking in $926,620. Fast forward to 2016, and their second collection launch set another record - $5.17 million raised in a single month from 18,000 backers.
The design philosophy behind Filippo Loreti watches is rooted in the essence of three iconic Italian cities: Venice, Rome, and Milan. Their price range is impressive too, starting at $249 for a basic three-hand watch and going up to $519 for an automatic model, which is still pretty competitive compared to other luxury brands.
Filippo Loreti Venice Black Gold Automatic Review
The watch I received from Filippo Loreti is from their Automatic series, featuring a striking black-on-black design with gold accents. Everything is black - the strap, case, dial, and crown - while the gold hands and markers add a sharp, sophisticated contrast. That’s easily my favorite aspect of this watch. The rounded edges give it an extra layer of style.
Now, I’m usually not a fan of gold because it can come off as too flashy, but the way it’s paired with matte black here is on point. The steel case has a matte finish, and the leather strap is full-grain, left unpolished for a more refined, understated look. This makes the gold elements pop just the right amount, lending a touch of elegance without being over the top. Like most automatic watches, the back of the Venice Black Gold is see-through, showcasing its Japanese Miyota 9100 mechanical movement. When fully wound, it runs for about 40 hours. In my own test, it lasted 39 hours and 20 minutes. The back of the watch also features its serial number, as this is a limited edition - only 1,641 pieces were made, and mine is number 0383.
As I mentioned earlier, Filippo Loreti’s designs draw inspiration from Italy’s architectural wonders. The Venice collection, in particular, is a nod to the Basilica di San Marco. The watch itself has a sleek, modern, and balanced look. The details on the dial are well-proportioned, making it versatile enough to wear with both formal attire and casual outfits. Whether you’re rocking a suit or a t-shirt and jeans, this watch fits right in.
The Venice model also comes with a push-button butterfly clasp, which makes it easy to adjust the strap for comfort.
Practical Features and Functions
One thing I really appreciate about this watch is its functionality. Everything you need is right there at a glance:
Central hour, minute, and second hands
Power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock
Day of the week at 9 o’clock
Month at 3 o’clock
Day/night indicator at 6 o’clock
Date window at 4:30
All in all, this is a beautiful, well-made watch. Six out of ten friends I showed it to guessed its price to be much higher than its actual retail value of $519. While Filippo Loreti hasn’t been open about where their watches are assembled, they back their products with a solid 10-year warranty.
If you’re interested in learning more, head to their website: https://www.filippoloreti.com/shop/mens-watches
A quick note for my fellow Vietnam-based readers - if you want to avoid high import taxes, consider using intermediaries like personal shoppers rather than ordering directly from the website.
Filippo Loreti is also currently fundraising for their latest collection. These watches continue the brand’s tradition of meticulous design and craftsmanship. Find more details on their Kickstarter pagepage: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2050848594/redefining-italian-luxury-watches
Commentaires