Vincent Calabrese: Ottica- A mystery behind a veil

by Timepiece Atelier on Apr 17th, 2021

Time feels like it is moving faster than ever, and we all need to keep track of time in this fast-paced world. Therefore, a high-quality timepiece would be an essential item for every working adult out there. So, why not spend on a watch that is truly incredible and could enhance your style on any occasion? After all, enjoyment is a strong value too.

Today, we will be discussing one of the watches that has been created by one of the greatest independent watchmakers of time, Vincent Calabrese. He is responsible for making some of the world's most mind-blowing horological innovations and has created countless highly sought-after timepieces that every watch enthusiast desires. Names uttered like the Corum’s Golden Bridge and Blancpain’s Tourbillon timepieces echo through time, with Vincent Calabrese's name branded on these iconic timepieces. The Ottica collection with an automatic movement is also one of the most popular collections that Vincent Calabrese has ever invented. Hence, I would be reviewing the Ottica collection which features the famous Vincent Calabrese in-house wandering/jumping hour automatic movement.

The Ottica watch is a miniature work of art and aptly named from the word ‘optical’ as an optical illusion on the way the dial and dome-shaped glass is designed. It shows off the impeccable craftsmanship that Vincent Calabrese known for with his specially crafted jumping hour automatic movement. On its dial, Ottica seems to offer both an analog and digital display due to the clean design, but it is not the case. There is a complex automatic movement hiding behind which in turn creates this illusion. Thanks to its complex kinematic movement, the dial jumps every 60 minutes, turning a few degrees to indicate the changing hour. The Wandering Hour function serves as an indicator of the minutes on the dial, which has great legibility of time as it contrasts with the mysterious black dial. The clean rounded and elegant lines offer a simple yet ingenious design, like a finely crafted sophisticated piece of accessory.

Housed in 40mm and 36mm stainless steel case with 50metres water resistance, the watch comes in an exhibition sapphire case back which unravels the secret of the work complications and offers you a glimpse at the peculiar inner workings of the watch. Moreover, it is dressed in a domed sapphire top crystal with an optical effect developed by Vincent Calabrese to feature a mysterious crystal effect that changes depending on the angle of view. This clever mechanism is powered by the popular Swiss Automatic ETA2892 modified in-house movement that allows the unique roving jumping hour and generates 44 hours power reserve. The watch offers a few colour variations such as a genuine Python strap in Black, blue or brown with a deployment buckle.

The wandering/jumping hours display has been popular since the 19th century and remains well-known even in the 20th century. The Ottica is truly an icon in the watch community and thus if you are an avid watch collector you should seriously consider adding this gorgeous timepiece to your wish list now. It is a standout piece with its minimalist clean design, optical illusion and unique in-house modified automatic movement. The Ottica collection by Vincent Calabrese retails at a discounted price of S$5,280.00. (S$8,800.00 Regular Price)

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Product Details

Watchcase: Stainless steel with 50 meters water resistance in 40mm and 36mm with sapphire caseback and domed sapphire top crystal with optical effect

Movement: Swiss Automatic ETA2892 modified by Vincent Calabrese

Dial: Assortment of hand finished dials or mother-of-pearl execution in various colours

Strap: Genuine Python strap in Black with deployment buckle. Gold execution with 18ct. red gold buckle.

Features: 44 hours power reserve, rotating second disc, jumping and wandering hour.

Warranty: 2 years

SWISS MADE