iW Magazine Winter 2017/18 | Page 87

Watch Discoveries By Gary Girdvainis A WATCH APART IT’S MORE LIKELY THAN NOT THAT YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF OLIVIER SAVEO WATCHES – or the man behind the brand, Olivier Savelli. Allow us to introduce you to his watches. They embody a variety of singular artistic interpretations of timekeeping in styles that range from the natural lines of elegant jeweled sculptures in gold and gems, to engineered carbon-fiber accented racing-inspired timepieces. Launched in 2015, Ollivier Saveo watches are exceptional rarities that are crafted with the discerning col- lector in-mind. Far from traditional, Savelli’s designs demand your attention not for some minor change to an existing archetype, or association with some famous name that exalt them into the collector’s space, these watches are literally one of a kind examples of Savelli’s musings. Savelli has worked for a variety of established brands (including Roger Dubuis) and has taken up the challenge that calls to so many great designers to create own their own brand. Freed from the con- straints of an established ethos, Savelli is clearly coloring outside the lines and letting his creative juices flow freely. Having earned the “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” accolade in 2000 for his works in precious metal, he has now adapted his talents to both jewelry and watches– and these are worth your time. Swiss move- ments may reside under the dials, but in the Ollivier Saveo case, the mechanism takes a back seat to the aesthetic impact of his art. Working in enamel, gems, precious metals and even modern materials like carbon fiber, each watch is literally a piece-unique that requires hundreds of hours to perfect. Ollivier Savelli is now taking a few commissions for future masterpieces for those few aficionados who appreci- ate owning a singular work of watch making art. Previous creations ranged from around $55,000 to well over $100,000 depending on the particulars of the commission. He can be reached via his web-site at www.ollivier-saveo.ch 88 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | WINTER 2018 iWMAGAZINE .COM