''Calgari Watches Combine Style and Storytelling''
A typical narrative for luxury watch brands usually takes one of two paths: the jet-set world of champagne and excess, or a deep-in-the-weeds fixation on artisanal mechanics. Calgari, founded in Amsterdam in 2019, seeks a third way: a product that is relatable in both its price point and its ethos. To that end, Calgari watches are rooted in something quite literally close to home: everyday city life, positioned at the intersection of street energy and refined elegance. They selectively extract elements from iconic classics and give them a fresh twist, inspired by the cities we live in. The brand’s debut collection consists of the Dimora Panda, Nero Reverse Panda, and Pierre Morlet, a trio of chronographs that are as stylish as they are cosmopolitan.
Thoughtful details abound in these watches, whose steel cases measure a tidy 40mm by 47mm by 11.6mm and are paired with 20mm sailcloth straps. The design studio at Calgari started from the ground up, and the result is a watch that follows the beauty standards of classic mid-century chronographs while adding modern touches here and there. The watches’ bi-compax dial layouts with graduated scales on the outer edge makes for a clean look that is functional and beautiful.
The Dimora Panda is sure to be a crowd favorite with its white “panda” porcelain dial contrasting with solid black registers at three and nine. The Nero Reverse Panda is relatively understated with its inky black dial, and the Pierre Morlet adds a touch of color thanks to its rose gold, diamond-cut hands and hour markers. If you believe there is more to the dials than meets the eye, you would be right: all three watches feature Grand Feu Enamel dials, a subtle flex of Calgari’s artisanal skill.
Flip the watches over to appreciate the storytelling side of the collection. The Panda features an engraving of the bridges of Amsterdam, an homage to the brand’s hometown. The Reverse Panda, in contrast, is emblazoned with a large spade on the back, which matches the signed crown. The spade emblem serves as a symbol of versatility, echoing the adaptability and rhythm of everyday city life. The Pierre Morlet, not to be outdone, is appropriately engraved with the rolling hills of wine country in a tribute to the world-renowned winemaking family with the same name. Beyond the caseback is a pragmatic choice by Calgari to keep these watches reliable and attainable. A Seiko VK64 Mechaquartz movement blends mechanical feel (thanks to its 6 ticks per second chronograph functionality) and quartz precision.
Calgari is seeking to do something that few can: to reimagine what accessible luxury means in today’s world. Their debut collection is consistent with this mission to bring the high world of horology into an ever more inclusive space with real storytelling and a sense of friendship and community. It’s just the beginning, and it’s a promising start. Each watch is priced at $564 and is limited to only 100 pieces. Every design will be retired once they sell out. Make it your own before time runs out at calgari.com.