ALTO Debuts with the ART 01: A Fusion of Art and Timekeeping
ALTO, a new entrant in the watchmaking industry, has unveiled its first model, the ART 01. This innovative timepiece blends artistic design with technical precision, aiming to offer a unique experience by wearing art on the wrist.
Innovative Design
The ART 01 draws inspiration from the wedge shapes of 1970s concept cars. This design, characterized by its facets that play with light, offers a fresh and bold look. ALTO aims to combine extreme and contrasting elements into a cohesive and elegant timepiece.
A Unique Perspective on Time
One of the standout features of the ART 01 is its seconds hand, which moves backward. This unconventional design invites wearers to rethink the traditional concept of time, presenting it as a countdown rather than a forward march.
Technical Highlights
The ART 01 showcases several technical innovations:
- Sapphire Crystal: The watch features a unique sapphire crystal with a curved and facetted outer surface and a hemispherical inner surface, a first in watchmaking.
- Titanium Case: Made from grade 5 titanium, the case is both strong and lightweight. Its development took three years and over 20 machining steps, with each finish meticulously hand-crafted.
- Artistic Dial: Inspired by Greek sculpture and architecture, the dial has a matt finish achieved through bead-blasting, designed to maximize the play of light and shadow through its louvred apertures.
- Innovative Movement: The ART 01 is powered by the A01 calibre, an automatic micro-rotor movement developed exclusively for ALTO by the Cercle des Horlogers. This movement features a unique architecture, visible through the caseback, with the seconds hand moving in reverse.
Limited Edition
The ART 01 is limited to 25 numbered pieces and is priced at CHF 18,450 (excluding VAT) or EUR 19,100 (excluding VAT). This limited release marks the beginning of ALTO’s journey in combining art with watchmaking.
About ALTO
ALTO, which stands for “Art and Limited Time Objects,” seeks to merge art and watchmaking. By integrating art into its timepieces, ALTO offers a new perspective on time. The brand was founded by Thibaud Guittard, who aims to revolutionize watchmaking by placing art at its core. Guittard’s team includes artistic director Mathieu César, designer Barth Nussbaumer, and visual identity creator Yorgo Tloupas.
The Creative Team
- Thibaud Guittard: Founder of ALTO, Guittard has a background in watch marketing and a vision to integrate art into watchmaking.
- Mathieu César: Artistic director, César brings a multidisciplinary approach, including film, music, and photography, to ALTO’s creative vision.
- Barth Nussbaumer: Designer of the ART 01, Nussbaumer tackled the technical and aesthetic challenges to bring this unique watch to life.
- Le Cercle des Horlogers: This independent Swiss manufacturer developed the ART 01’s micro-rotor movement, meeting significant technical constraints.
- Yorgo Tloupas: Responsible for ALTO’s visual and graphic identity, Tloupas designed the brand’s logo and overall aesthetic.
ART 01 Specifications
- Model: ART 01 MK1 TI
- Case: Grade 5 titanium, hand-rubbed satin finish
- Sapphire: Main crystal with curved surface, double chamfer, hemispherical inner cut (anti-reflective treatment); caseback crystal with flat surface and lateral chamfers (anti-reflective treatment)
- Dial: Matt black lacquered brass
- Movement: Manufacture A01 calibre with automatic micro-rotor, 37.5mm (W) x 33.15mm (H), thickness 4.04mm, 18.4g, 32 jewels, 4Hz frequency, 48-hour power reserve, reverse operation seconds hand
- Bracelet: FKM with ALTO folding clasp
- Water resistance: 3ATM
- Weight: 56g
ALTO aims to challenge traditional watchmaking by offering a new and artistic way to experience time. For more information, visit altowatches.com.
