Anoma A1 Slate

This new release sees the A1 take centre stage once more, this time with no blue dial. Now, we have the Anoma A1 Slate, which will form part of their core collection. Not limited, but coming in and out of stock as and when the availability allows. There have been a few minor tweaks from the first iteration, the case and the hands have had minor changes, as have the logo and the indices. The black dial sees a new manufacturing process, too, with a brushed base, engraved contrasting triangles, and three layers of lacquer. Together, this gives us a dial with depth and an evolution of light, so the dial changes from every angle.

At the pre-launch event at the Time & Tide studios, we had the chance to experience the A1 Slate up close. This timepiece exudes sophistication, effortlessly balancing refinement and elegance. Matteo has introduced subtle yet impactful changes to this model, enhancing its appeal and making it even more captivating.

At just 28 years old, Parisian-born Matteo Violet-Vianello has already built an impressive résumé as the CEO and founder of Anoma Watches. His drive for success ignited at 18, propelling him through Cambridge University. Then onto Sotheby’s, and later A Collected Man. An ideal foundation for someone destined to make waves in the watch industry. His relentless curiosity and commitment to learning have positioned him as one of the youngest rising stars in horology. With a background in philosophy, Matteo brings a unique perspective to watchmaking, evident in his debut creation, the A1. An unmistakable statement of his intent to challenge conventions.

Matteo’s fascination with watches began between the ages of six and seven. Sparked by a discovery in his father’s drawer, old, broken vintage Seiko timepieces. Intrigued by their potential for transformation, he experimented with ageing them using old keys and nail polish, unintentionally kickstarting a lifelong passion. His love for nature, architecture, and furniture design would later influence his approach to watchmaking, but at the time, he had no aspirations of starting a brand. Simply being around watches was enough.

Years of dedicated study and immersion in horology prepared Matteo for the pivotal moment when Sotheby’s came calling. There, he deepened his understanding of what made certain timepieces exceptional. However, it was his experience at A Collected Man, working closely with independent watchmakers, that truly ignited the idea of creating something of his own. Observing the craftsmanship, vision, and singular dedication required to build a brand, Matteo realised he was ready to take the leap—and Anoma was born.

With the focus less on watchmaking and its mechanics and more on taking inspiration from nature, art and the world around us, the brand has a fresh feel of the now. The A1, his first piece, took its inspiration from a free-form table created by Charlotte Perriand in the 1950s and the fluidity of nature.

On release, the buying window for the A1 was open for a month and, within that time, sold 245 pieces. Those early adopters must be feeling happy, as up until now, you just can’t get your hands on one. The sculptural design feels so smooth and tactile, and on the wrist is an absolute joy to wear.

It’s interesting to see that Anoma adopts a more flexible approach to watchmaking, diverging from the rigid norms of established brands. They aim to create natural, fluid designs that explore organic shapes and interplay with light.

While major watch brands tend to stick to conventional designs and rigid guidelines, Anoma takes a different approach. Matteo embraces creative freedom, designing watches that follow his own rule book and feature natural, organic forms. Unlike the big names that rarely take risks with new releases, I have no doubt that Anoma will continue to push boundaries. In the future, we can expect even more fluid, sculptural shapes that interact beautifully with light—just as the Anoma A1 Slate does so impeccably well.

While major brands can draw inspiration from extensive archives, independent and micro brands must start from scratch. This creative freedom means they have nothing to lose, so they often take bold, unexpected leaps in hopes of resonating with collectors and enthusiasts. Their fresh design languages, though each strives for originality, all share the same goal. To create a timepiece that truly connects on a personal level.

Take Matteo, for instance. He actively searches for beauty beyond the realm of traditional watchmaking and transforms that inspiration into wearable art. His process blends artistic vision with practical design, proving that aesthetics are just as important as technical precision. For those of us who prioritise the overall design over intricate movement details, his approach is especially refreshing.

Moreover, Matteo believes that design is everything. He takes risks, refines his ideas, and creates watches that defy convention, all while staying true to his own creative philosophy. His work strikes a fine balance between daring innovation and refined execution. In my view, the Anoma A1 Slate embodies this sweet spot perfectly—a watch that not only pushes the boundaries of design but also forms a deep, personal connection with its wearer.

In essence, Matteo’s journey proves that starting from scratch can lead to extraordinary outcomes. By daring to break free from conventional design constraints, he offers us something unique—a timepiece that stands apart in a sea of sameness. For those who appreciate bold creativity and individuality in watch design, Matteo Violet-Vianello’s creations remind us that the best art is born from taking risks and following your own rules. The A1 is here to stay, and I do not doubt that future releases will be equally impressive and become future classics, as I believe the Anoma A1 Slate will be.

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