Last year, ANOMA founder Matteo Violet-Vianello launched his first watch, the A1. The triangle watch won quite a lot of hype on social media, and he sold many A1s to pre-ordered people. A few weeks ago, Matteo presented the ANOMA A1 slate, a refined version of the same watch with a brushed, engraved, lacquered dial. We had a watch in the office with ease and I had the opportunity to actually go with it.
Mother’s triangle ventura, she still wears it every day
The triangular clock has a special place in my heart. As far as I can remember, my mother wears a triangular watch with a Ventura brand on the back. It is part of the series, with each watch representing a different quarter of the pie. Apart from its shape, the watch is very modest, but simply because its shape is already special enough. The ANOMA A1 slate runs very differently, but its unique shape certainly reminds me of my mother’s watch. Let’s see what it actually looks like and how it will wear on your wrist.
ANOMA A1 Slate
Visually, there hasn’t been much change for the A1 case. It is a rugged pebbly triangle with rounded edges. However, the manufacturing process has changed slightly. The accuracy of CNC machining of the case has been improved. So I feel that the various parts fit and the watch is generally refined. However, as that measurement did not change, the case still offers a length of 39mm and a thickness of 9.5mm. It also has a water resistance rating of 50m.
The biggest changes to the ANOMA A1 slate are the different colors and finishes of the dial. The A1 First Series dial was blue and very flat, but this is black, both brushed and engraved. First, the dial is brushed vertically, then two finely engraved “lanes” are applied. Finally, the dial receives three layers of black lacquer. The dial markings have also been slightly changed. The 12 logo is gone, and the time marker for each quarter is thinner towards the center of the dial. The hands of the hours and minutes are still dome-shaped and have leaf shapes.
Internal cellar
Using the small hidden push-pull crown at 3am allows you to operate the automatic Sellita SW100 movement inside. This is the same movement as, for example, Toledano & Chan B/1’s movement. It operates at a frequency of 28,800Vph, features 25 gems and holds a power reserve of about 40 hours. Typically, this movement is characterized by both date complications and both the hand in the middle seconds. However, neither of them cut the ANOMA A1 slate. This is a good thing.
On the wrist
This was the first time I’ve been able to try an ANOMA A1 on my 17cm wrist, but it felt like I was at home. I thought it had a slimmer profile, but the sides of the case were pretty straight, but the watch didn’t feel thick on my wrist. I think I wear it like a 36mm watch because of the design of the rugged one. The wearing experience was very similar to my Reverso Classic Medium Duoface, another strangely shaped watch.
In real life, brushed, engraved, lacquered dials play beautifully in the light. It emphasizes the unique plectrum-like shape of the A1. Rex thought it was a little more when he saw it, but I think it was subtle enough. The dome-shaped leaf-shaped hands also match the shape of the round case very well. Another thing I appreciate is that this rather dressy piece features an internal automatic movement. Although such watches are not seen very often, it is a very wearer-friendly and welcome addition.
The ANOMA A1 appeared in a cream-colored pig skin 18mm strap with a 2mm taper and a pin buckle that resembles the shape of a curved case.
sold out
The ANOMA A1 slate was sold for £1,800, excluding VAT. Unfortunately, all 300 have already sold out. The price was significantly higher than the one sold by the first series of A1, at £1,300, excluding VAT. Matteo explained to me that higher prices cover improvements in case production and help the company invest in future projects. I certainly look forward to seeing what else comes from this young British brand.
In the comments below, let us know what you think of ANOMA A1 slate!
