By Jonathan Kopp
A while ago Alessandro Baldieri and Timothy John were talking about the idea of creating a range of inexpensive watches, featuring art dials, (not original hand painted dials, but) high quality lithographic printed dials of Tim’s artwork.
They wanted to maintain high quality control standards, and low production numbers, restricting each of the releases to only 212 pieces worldwide, and they wanted to keep a very affordable price.
To create this piece they selected a painting of Timothy, called “Tropical Flight” and decided that this would be the first release in this series. A series created in partnership with KLASSE14, who will produce and package the pieces.
The price of the Art Dial pieces will be just under US$300.
Now lets have a look at the details of this affordable art watch :
– Movement: Ronda 513 Genuine QUARTZ Analog Swiss Movement;
– Dial: Litho printed with luminous applied indices, moulded hands with luminous fill;
– Case: 44mm stainless steel case, Petrol Blue PVD Matt coating, mineral crystal;
– Water resistance : 100m;
– Strap: Top grade blue leather, with contrast blue stitching;
– Price: US$299
I’m sure that those watches will be sold out really quickly, as we know the quality of Baldieri’s watches and perfection of Tim’s work.
Production should be completed by late June… So my advice is really simple… Pre-order yours by now to be sure to get one!
Alessandro Baldieri started his career as a furniture and interior designer. Born in Italy, educated in California and living in Asia and England – Alessandro is a true man of the world. After 20 years of interior design (in which designed the homes of stars such as Lionel Ritchie and Nicholas Cage) he started his own watch brand in 2006. Six years later his brand has become known for great designs, exclusivity and very good value for money.
His skills as a designer have been noticed by a number of other brands, for which he was invited to design several models already. His real passion however, remains his own brand.
Alessandro has a special interest in materials. His designs have featured some of the newest materials in the watch industry (also seen in his designs for the ITAnano orologi brand). He keeps tight control over quality control and ensures that only the best and most fitting materials are used. But also the more ‘mundane’ things like a leather strap is a point of interest to him. All straps are handmade in Italy with the best leather available.
Timothy John is an Australian contemporary visual artist born in Adelaide in 1958. He has been exhibiting professionally since 1979.
John’s work is represented by some of the finest galleries throughout his homeland of Australia and the rest of the world.
“Discovered” by leading Australian art entrepreneur, collector and gallerist, Kym Bonython, in the late 1970s, Timothy John has gone on to be a respected member of the Australian art scene, with contributions on a local and national level.
Timothy John designs for luxury brands and is well known in the art, design and luxury field. He works for several brands as Montres Militaire, Edelberg, and Montegrappa and AOSWatches, to which he created unique pieces… Meaning that these pieces are the only existing in the world.
Now, by creating a 212 Limited Edition watches it’s a new step in his great career.
I had the pleasure to work with Tim and I have to say that I recommend Timothy to anybody who wants to create something unique.
Jonathan Kopp- Contributing Writer
Jonathan Kopp has an avid enthusiasm for timepieces of all genre, from vintage timepieces to modern Luxury Haute Horology. His preference goes to small and independent high-end watchmakers. He loves the difference rather than classicism, although if he admits to being in love with several ultra-classics pieces. Jonathan was caught by the passion for watchmaking there are almost 6 years. For about 5 years, he wanders in this industry and was Communication-Marketing-PR Consultant for several brands. He works for over 2 years as a freelance for the development of the Swiss brand Arthur Oskar Stampfli (AOSWatches). There is not one day without working on a new watch project for Jonathan, and he is always available to help brands to reach their objective. His half confessed secret is his dream of creating his own watch brand. His motto is a citation from the French writer Denis Diderot : “There is only the passions and great passions that can elevate the soul to great things.”
To keep in touch with Jonathan you can follow him on the various social networks : Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
P.S: He is also a huge fan of fashion, travel and cinema.
