Italian watches
Italy is one of the leading countries in Europe and the world in the watchmaking industry. This country has always been famous for its rich history of art and design in all fields. When it comes to fashion, Italy is at the top. Many Italian brands are not only active in the field of fashion and clothing but also have a lot to say in the watchmaking industry. In this article, we are going to talk about Italian watch brands. After going through the history of Italian watchmaking, we will have a glance at famous and popular Italian watch brands. Suppose you are planning to buy an Italian watch, in this article. In that case, you can learn more about Italian watchmaking and make a wiser choice.
The history of Italian watchmaking
Tracking information about watchmaking history in a particular country is not complex. However, finding objective information about watchmaking history in Italy is challenging. The modern landscape is obscured from view by countless fashion watch brands promoting Italian design and inspiration. So a cursory glance at their catalog leaves a lot to be desired horologically.
Although the Italian watchmaking industry still has a lot of potential for advertising, growth, and recognition. But in the midst of searching to discover the history of Italian watches, we came across Bulgari watch brand. Famous for making luxury jewelry and watches, the roots of the Bulgari brand go back to the time of the emergence of the watchmaking industry in Italy. In fact, it can be said that the Bulgari brand was one of the first Italian watch brands to maintain its position in the fashion industry and become a luxury brand with a long history.
The first wristwatches made in Italy
Vulgari, who changed his last name to Bulgari, produced his watches in an artistic workshop.
He also followed the philosophy of exclusivity and always kept his products limited. The interesting point here is that precisely these conditions after the quartz revolution led to the entry of Renaissance artistic elements into the design of luxury watches. Additionally, the fact that Bulgari was also a jewelry brand impacted the overall range of watches it created.
On the other side of the story of the beginning of watchmaking in Italy was the Sotirio brand. This brand showed itself well by using precious metal and artistic design in an era when the watch's performance was more important than its appearance and style.
Florentine watchmakers
The influence of time (and its measurement) is believed to date back to the 14th century in Florence, Italy, with Giovani Dondi. In fact, Dundee was one of the pioneers of clock design and even produced an astronomical clock.
Centuries later, the center of medieval trade and finance became fertile ground for modern and important watchmaking companies. From this point, the foot of Swiss watchmakers gradually opened to Italy, and attractive brands like Paneri got acquainted with Italian watchmaking.
Panerai brand in Italy produced diving wristwatches for elite Italian divers. A nocturnal substance appeared on the face of the watch, which helped people working in the deep sea to see better. In addition, these watches were more readable with a simple dial and more significant numbers.
A deep connection was formed between the Panerai brand and the Italian military, which led to the creation of future models specific to their needs. For example, the first Mare Nostrum chronograph watch was made for officers serving on deck.
However, Panerai was not the only brand that highlighted the heritage of Italian watchmaking. In the decades after the quartz crisis, many watch brands gradually took root and became known in the city. Horological knowledge and experience in this field grew amazingly.
Modern Italian watch brands
Unfortunately, this rich heritage hasn't changed much for contemporary watchmakers. The quartz crisis wiped out weaker companies in the 70s and 80s. However, in today's modern Italy, the demand for luxury watches is high. As a result, all the necessary elements are present for a great leap forward in Italian watchmaking. Sooner or later, we may see the rebirth of Italy as one of the powers of luxury watches.
Popular Italian watch brands
This section introduces several Italian watch brands considered both luxury and economical watches.
Anonimo watch brand
When the Panerai company was sold and moved to Switzerland in 1997, Federico Massacessi took the opportunity to purchase a production facility in Florence. Massachusetts managed to keep the core of the Panerai watchmaking group in Florence and Tucson, and together they launched the Anonimo brand. Signor Massachusetts focused more on quality than branding.
In 2013, Anonymous reduced the number of its models and currently has three famous collections. All three collections are made of high-quality handmade watches with mechanical movement. These watches are made for military and deep diving purposes.
Breil watch brand
Italian watch brand Braille opened in Milan in 1939 and is a fashion-based brand named after a town in Switzerland. The brand has automatic movement watches but mainly sells watches with Japanese quartz movements for $100-$500. Breil watches are not in the category of high-end watches, but they provide you with exciting and beautiful designs.
Gucci watch brand
Gucci, known as a fashion icon, was founded in Florence in 1921 by a man named Gucci and Guccio Gucci. In 2008, Gucci was recognized as one of the world's fashion giants, with more than 4 billion in revenue.
It is not surprising that this brand is also active in watchmaking. At prices in the range of several hundred dollars, Gucci watches are cheaper than some Italian watches. By buying a Gucci watch, you will have a well-made and beautiful watch, but you cannot expect a perfect handmade one. It seems that the focus of this brand is more on style and variety of design.
Salvatore Ferragamo watch brand
The Salvatore Ferragamo is another luxury watch brand founded in Florence in 1928. Since this brand offers a wide range of products, it cannot be a specialist in the watchmaking industry. This brand cooperates with other brands and manufacturers by agreement. Although this brand does not have a watch manufacturing itself, it offers beautiful and marvelous watches.
Tips for buying an Italian watch
So far, you have learned about the history of Italian watchmaking and some Italian watch brands. If you are planning to buy an Italian watch, you should consider some essential points before buying an Italian watch. You should check the originality of the watch. To buy an original watch, you can check the reference code on the back of the watch or the website and match it with the original model on the original website. You can also check the watch manual or product specifications.
Online shopping for Italian watches
If you want an Italian watch, you can go to online watch shopping stores with electronic shopping approval. Fortunately, the Land of watches online store, with a rich history in the field of wristwatches, has provided you with various wristwatches. You can order your favorite watch and receive it at your doorstep as soon as possible with a valid corporate warranty.