In Person: Piero Lissoni for Alessi Chrono
These went fast, real fast during the Yoox sale. Designed for the brand Alessi by Italian designer Piero Lissoni, these watches were a couple hundred bucks off, down to $89, and they’re now long gone through Yoox. The only place you can seemingly find them is for full retail through the Museum of Modern Art’s online shop, or, direct through the brand.
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It’s unique for sure. Freakishly light weight even for a quartz (read: scary light… not the most substantial feeling thing), the minute markers are printed on the underside of the crystal as opposed to the dial’s face, and that top sub dial measures 1/10ths of a second for the chronometer. The leather band feels awfully flimsy and the watch could look and feel better with a heavier replacement. The water resistance is a not very impressive 30m. Which means it shouldn’t drown on you in a rainstorm, but you’re not going to want to wear it in the pool.
Country of origin is no secret as soon as you see the box. There’s a big “made in China” sticker on it. But y’know, the Timex weekenders that plenty have purchased aren’t exactly being made in Geneva.
Wears about 40mm, so it’s a medium to smaller sized chrono. It’s awfully unique, but if it had to be compared to a brand most are more familiar with, this is a bit like wearing a Skagen, only thicker and somehow lighter. There are plenty of watches out there that take stylistic influence from airplane dials. This watch seems like it might have been pulled off the dash of some classic European sports car. Or alternatively, off an oven from the 1950s.
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A bit hyped in my opinion. I could’ve bought it when I first saw this on sale for $89 at Yoox, but ignored it since I already have a watch (Timex Original 1900s retro brown) and I don’t wear a wristwatch all that often to begin with. Only a fool will pay $290 for made in china watch.
Now pants and shirts, on the other hand, I am buying way too many. I must have close to 30 shirts and 40 pair of pants. I’m practically collecting them in different colors…must.stop.buying.
Kind of funky, but I like it.
I like a heavier chrono, plus, you are exactly right…1950s oven dial.
I like the styling, but there is no way I am paying nearly $300 for a quartz watch.
Really nice looking design. I’d never buy it for myself, but would probably complement someone else if they were wearing it.
It’s a great looking watch at the YOOX price..
I like the styling but it seems pretty overpriced for what you get, even at the Yoox price. I wouldn’t pay more than $30.
This is about my mindset. I do like the rounded square design, but I don’t think it would look good on me.
This reminds me a lot of a Diesel watch I once had. It was a cool little novelty but I ended up giving it away. $300 isn’t too much for a quartz if that quartz were say ESQ (made by Movado) but for this…… I’ll pass
I think it’s a gorgeous watch, but I’m not crazy about watches like most, so $50-$200 is the most I’m willing to spend on ANY watch.
I just want to mention that I own the slightly different model of the Alessi Tic Chronograph seen here: http://www.fitzsu.com/alessi_tic_chrono_watch_al5017_black_with_stainless_steel_p7151.html
It has a substantial weight to it compared to the one in this post (probably because of the metal band). I paid $215 for it on Amazon, and I get complements on it all the time. It’s a great watch.
I don’t understand expensive designer quartz watches. It’s like putting a Lamborghini shell on a Ford Taurus. It’s a hollow imitation of craftsmanship. Quartz makes sense for beater watches and utility watches, but for fashion? Take some pride in your timepieces, guys!
The face looks like a bathroom scale from the 1960s. No thanks!
lovely, trying to resist…
i’ll take advantage of the fact that this post is related to watches. i don’t have much to say about the watch featured here other than it is not really my style. my question is pertaining to a pretty prominent watch tan I’m getting on my wrist. I’m an EMT so i always have to be wearing a watch. unfortunately that has led to a ridiculous tan. any advice on what i should do either to get rid of it or make it less noticeable? or am i doomed to forever be branded with this horrible white stripe on my wrist?
I like the look, it says “watch” but without the gaudy numbers and unnecessary mini-faces. But I wouldn’t pay more than $89 for it.
I’ve had one of these for several years. Piero Lissoni is one of my design heroes, and the watch was a bit closer to my price range than a six thousand dollar couch. I also like the idea of good design being for everyone. As Charles and Ray Eames put it: “the best for the least for the most.”
Would save my money and get a Christopher Ward instead. Swiss made and no Chinese components. Very reasonably priced for what you get too.