Horological Meandering

Discovery of the unknown is one of the defining aspects of any hobby that involves collecting. Whilst my wife and I were pondering diversifying some of our savings, I chanced upon the watch below being offered at Watches of Knightsbridge in December of last year. Although it was completely unfamiliar, I couldn't help but think that with my side interest in architecture, it may prove to be an irresistible opportunity. The weekend sale it was available at proved unable to achieve stellar results and the 'Sotssy' remained unsold. I contacted the auction house and went to see it in person: I did not hesitate.

Naturally, I began the research after the purchase (maybe I had that the wrong way round) and discovered the world of Cleto Munari, an Italian designer and editor who built his eponymous company by developing close working relationships with architects and artists who would subsequently collaborate on experimental product design projects with him. 

This watch and three others are the fruits of an idea that materialised in the mid-1980s and was even featured in the New York Times in May of 1987 (image below). Munari also published a book that covered the design process for each of the four watches and I have included some relevant images along side the watch. 

Whilst relatively unknown and designer lead, the case was clearly made by a skilled company and the movement specced for the watch was a slim, manual wind ebauche from F.Piguet. 

In today's frothy market I shudder to think what a watch like this would cost if it had the name Cartier on the dial, but in some ways it feels relevant as the more unusual designs from well known names become appreciated. 

Please enjoy and if you have any questions please let me know!

Regards,

Baruch

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