In the ever-evolving world of horology, where tradition meets innovation, the emergence of ALTO stands as a beacon of creativity, artistry, and technical mastery. Founded by Thibaud Guittard, a visionary with a rich background in design and a former employee of Audemars Piguet, ALTO is a brand that seeks to redefine the art of timekeeping. Drawing inspiration from the bold and audacious aesthetics of the1970s, ALTO has crafted a timepiece that is not just a functional object but a work of art. The brand’s inaugural creation, the ART01, is a testament to this philosophy, and with the recent appointment of Raphaël Abeillon, a former Senior Watch Designer at Cartier, as Creative Director, ALTO is poised to make waves in the luxury watch industry.

The Genesis of ALTO

Thibaud Guittard’s journey into the world of watchmaking is deeply rooted in his admiration for the avant-garde designs of the1970s. This era, marked by its futuristic vision and bold experimentation, left an indelible impression on Guittard. He was particularly captivated by the wedge-shaped concept cars of the time, such as the Ferrari512S Berlinetta Speciale, Lancia Stratos HF Zero, and the VW-Porsche Tapiro. These vehicles, with their sharp angles and daring lines, challenged conventional design norms and embodied a spirit of innovation that Guittard sought to translate into horology.

Guittard’s vision was not merely to create a watch but to craft a timepiece that would encapsulate the essence of this era. To bring this vision to life, he assembled a team of creative minds, including photographer and author Mathieu César, watch designer Barth Nussbaumer, artist Yorgo Tloupas, and the movement constructors at Le Cercle des Horlogers. This collaborative effort spanned five years, culminating in the birth of ALTO and its first creation, the ART01.

Design Philosophy: The ART01

ART01 is a bold statement in the world of watchmaking, a timepiece that seamlessly blends radical design with refined mechanics. Its design is a homage to the wedge aesthetics of1970s concept cars, characterized by angular facets and a distinctive silhouette. The case, crafted from grade5 titanium, is both robust and lightweight, a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation. The complex structure of the case required over20 machining steps and three years of development to perfect, resulting in a piece that is as much a marvel of engineering as it is of design.

One of the most striking features of the ART01 is its sapphire crystal. This unique component combines a curved and faceted outer surface with a hemispherical inner surface, a technical feat unprecedented in watchmaking. This innovative design not only protects the dial but also creates captivating visual distortions, playing with light to produce dynamic reflections that change with the viewing angle. This interplay of light and shadow transforms each glance at the watch into a new visual experience, making the ART01 a truly dynamic piece of art.

The dial itself is a tribute to ancient Greek art and architecture, embodying a sense of depth and dimension. Constructed from bead-blasted and black-coated brass, it features hexagonal geometric lines that converge towards the center, creating a focal point that draws the eye. This design maximizes light entry, enhancing the visual impact of the watch and establishing a dialogue between shadows and brightness through its louvered openings.

In a bold departure from traditional watchmaking conventions, the ART01 features a seconds hand that moves counterclockwise, while the hour and minute hands maintain the standard clockwise motion. This subtle yet provocative detail invites the wearer to reconsider their perception of time, challenging established norms and encouraging a reflective experience.

The Movement: A01 Caliber

At the pithy of the ART01 lies the A01 caliber, an automatic micro-rotor movement conceived and designed exclusively for ALTO. Developed in collaboration with Le Cercle des Horlogers in La Chaux-de-Fonds, this movement exemplifies Swiss watchmaking excellence. Its architecture is both complex and elegant, visible through the sapphire caseback, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate the intricate mechanics that power the timepiece.

The micro-rotor design ensures a slim profile, enhancing the watch’s ergonomic comfort without compromising on performance. This movement not only underscores ALTO’s dedication to technical innovation but also aligns with the brand’s aesthetic ethos, where form and function coexist harmoniously.

Monochrome Editions

A New ChapterBuilding upon the success of the initial ART01 release, ALTO has introduced two new ‘Monochrome’ editions, available in Grey and Black. These iterations maintain the distinctive design elements of the original while offering a refined, minimalist aesthetic. The monochrome palette accentuates the watch’s architectural lines and geometric facets, providing a contemporary twist on the retro-inspired design.

The ART01 Monochrome editions continue to feature the unique sapphire crystal and titanium case, ensuring that the watch’s visual impression remains uncompromised. The bead-blasted and black-coated brass dial, with its hexagonal geometric pattern, is rendered in monochromatic tones, enhancing legibility and reinforcing the watch’s modern appeal.

Leadership and Vision: Raphaël Abeillon Joins ALTO

In a strategic move to further elevate its creative direction, ALTO has appointed Raphaël Abeillon as its new Creative Director. With over a decade of experience at Cartier, where he contributed to both classic and avant-garde designs, Abeillon brings a wealth of expertise and a fresh perspective to the brand. His passion for historic motor racing and design aligns seamlessly with ALTO’s ethos, promising to infuse future collections with a blend of tradition and innovation.

Abeillon’s appointment signifies ALTO’s commitment to artistic exploration and boundary-pushing design. His vision is expected to guide the brand towards new creative horizons, fostering connections that transcend conventional watchmaking and venture into the realms of art and culture.

A Limited Edition Masterpiece

The ART01 is not only a showcase of ALTO’s design philosophy but also a testament to exclusivity and craftsmanship. Each edition is limited to25 numbered pieces, ensuring that owners possess a unique piece of horological art. Priced at CHF18,450 (excluding VAT) or EUR19,100 (excluding VAT), the ART01 offers connoisseurs an opportunity to own a timepiece that is as rare as it is remarkable.

ALTO represents a new chapter in the world of luxury watchmaking, a brand that dares to challenge conventions and push the boundaries of design. With the ART01, Thibaud Guittard and his team have created a timepiece that is not just a functional object but a work of art, a testament to the fusion of history, art, and innovation. As ALTO continues to evolve under the creative direction of Raphaël Abeillon, the brand is poised to make a significant impression, redefining what it means to wear a watch and inviting us all to experience time in a new and profound way.

 

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