Let me start by saying I’m no watch aficionado. To me, a watch is more of a functional bracelet - a practical yet stylish accessory that just happens to tell time.
For over a decade, wearing a watch has been second nature to me. Without one, I feel like something’s missing, almost as if my outfit is incomplete. I know I’m not alone in this - many of us feel the same way.
When it comes to watches, my priorities are clear: it’s all about design and style. In today’s world, creating a good-quality watch isn’t rocket science; the bar for "acceptable" quality is pretty high. What truly sets newer brands apart is their design. That’s exactly why Filippo Loreti caught my attention - they embody the idea of "affordable luxury," aiming to deliver high-quality, stylish watches at reasonable prices.
Luxury watches are synonymous with craftsmanship, timeless design, and steep price points. Shelling out thousands for a timepiece isn’t an option for everyone, but Filippo Loreti promises to bridge that gap by offering luxurious designs without the heavy markup.
Who Is Filippo Loreti?
This brand took Kickstarter by storm in 2015. Founded by Danielius and Matas Jakutis, Filippo Loreti quickly gained attention for its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality watches by bypassing traditional retail channels.
Initially setting out to raise $20,000, the brothers smashed their goal, collecting $926,620 in just 30 days. By the time their second collection launched in 2016, they had raised a staggering $5.17 million from over 18,000 backers.
Their designs pay homage to three iconic Italian cities: Venice, Rome, and Milan. Prices range from $249 for minimalist three-hand models to $519 for more complex automatic pieces - remarkable value compared to traditional luxury brands.
Filippo Loreti Venice Black Gold Automatic
The watch I received was from the Automatic collection - a sleek Venice Black Gold model. Its design is a bold all-black with a matte finish on the strap, case, and dial, contrasted beautifully by gold hands and markers.
Even though I’m not usually a fan of gold accents (they often come off as flashy), Filippo Loreti nailed it here. The matte black steel case and full-grain leather strap tone down the gold just enough, giving it a refined and understated elegance.
And that’s just the beginning:
Movement: Powered by a Japanese Miyota 9100 automatic movement, this watch offers a 40-hour power reserve (I timed mine at 39 hours and 20 minutes).
Details: The transparent case back reveals the intricate movement, along with its serial number. My piece is number 0383 of just 1,641 made - limited edition, indeed.
Inspiration: Drawing from the Basilica di San Marco in Venice, the watch blends Italian architectural elegance with a sleek, modern aesthetic.
What truly impressed me is how user-friendly this watch is. Every detail on the dial is thoughtfully arranged, providing a wealth of information at a glance:
Central hour, minute, and second hands
Power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock
Day of the week at 9 o’clock
Month at 3 o’clock
Day/night indicator at 6 o’clock
Date positioned at 4:30
The proportions are perfect, making this watch versatile enough to pair with a sharp suit or a laid-back jeans-and-t-shirt look. The butterfly clasp adds convenience, allowing for easy adjustments.
The Filippo Loreti Venice Black Gold isn’t just a timepiece - it’s a statement. Its bold design and practical features have earned it compliments from friends, with most guessing its value far exceeded the $519 retail price.
While the brand doesn’t disclose its manufacturing or assembly locations, their confidence shows through a 10-year warranty on every piece. That, paired with stunning design and thoughtful craftsmanship, makes this watch worth every penny.
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