The Art of Luxury Issue 49 2021 | Page 69

WATCHES & TIMEPIECES
With shared conceptual and stylistic intentions , the new timepieces represent the passion that the two brands share for the world of beautiful vehicles , as well as attention to detail . Drawing on their Italian roots , Meccaniche Veloci - Genève and Nardi Personal have a joint philosophy that sets them apart from their contemporaries : producing high-quality creations through the use of select materials , specific production processes and unique style and design .
The characteristic case of Meccaniche Veloci watches , inspired by the design of a piston , is made from titanium and decorated on the edge of the case middle with a narrow , hard wooden insert with beautiful veining and extraordinary resistance . Meccaniche Veloci celebrates wood , the star material of Nardi creations .
The watch dial presents an opaque surface with a delicate guilloché weave . As well as demonstrating the high quality typical of traditional watchmaking , this finish also renders the dial more precious and clearly recalls the harmonious design of Nardi ’ s most exclusive pedigree steering wheels that are still hand-crafted to this day .
Four small dials edged in blue in tribute to Nardi ’ s colours stand out against the QuattroValvole ’ s dial . The two brands ’ logos appear at the centre . All the hours and minutes hands are coated with SuperLuminova ® and the seconds function is fulfilled by the small red hand at the bottom right of the dial , while the date may be read through a circular aperture within the dial above .
Featuring a 49 mm case with anti-reflective sapphire crystal , it is driven by the calibre MV8802 developed in-house by Meccaniche Veloci which allows two different time zones to be displayed simultaneously and independently , an expression of both the fleeting nature of time and space and their precise mastery . On the case , four crowns positioned adjacent to the four dials allow each individual time zone to be adjusted .
The strap of the QuattroValvole Nardi Edition model , directly attached to the case via a system that does not require lugs , is in black leather with green stitching and a steel MV folding clasp .
Coming from different , although similar , eras and contexts , Meccaniche Veloci and Nardi both combine tradition with innovation .
Nardi ’ s tradition is steeped in a love of detail and the particular skills the brand has always applied to the creation of every steering wheel . The stages prior to and after polishing and veneering are carried out according to traditional methods . Modern times bring us the sophisticated machines and computerised tools , while from the past we have inherited the knowledge and experience to select and craft precious materials such as natural leathers , woods and veneers .
Luxurious vintage cars , the perfect hosts for Nardi steering wheels , represent a timeless , more leisurely era when speed was born of passion and not of impatience . Similarly , the new Meccaniche Veloci Nardi Edition watch expresses the sheer class of an unhurried man who feels at ease anywhere in the world and is capable of driving his own time rather than being its copilot .
“ We are excited to be working with Meccaniche Veloci to produce an exclusive watch with unique character , just like our steering wheels ”, says Lorenzo Cerofolini , CEO of Nardi-Personal SpA . “ We share Meccaniche Veloci ’ s passion for cars , beauty , precision and attention to detail , all factors that ensure our products are admired and renowned the world over . Nardi steering wheels provide all the pleasure of direct contact with high-end materials such as natural leather and hand-crafted and -finished precious wood , and represent a unique choice in terms of design and comfort . There is a different choice of grip for every driving style . A Nardi steering wheel is a classic . Time passes , but a Nardi steering wheel remains a dream come true !”
Issue 49 2021 The Art of Luxury
69