this hand-chiseled watch takes cues from ancient stone tools collected by brâncuși
the london watchmaker reworks its sculptural triangular timepiece with hand-carved steel surfaces inspired by prehistoric artifacts and early human craftsmanship.
anoma releases hand-chiseled a1 prehistoric timepiece
Independent watchmaker Anoma looks thousands of years into the past for its latest release. The new A1 Prehistoric transforms the brand’s signature triangular wristwatch into a timepiece that resembles an unearthed artifact, replacing polished industrial finishes with deliberately irregular hand-chiseled surfaces. Inspired by prehistoric stone tools and the raw creative marks left by early makers, the limited-edition timepiece embraces imperfection as a form of craftsmanship, pairing Swiss mechanical engineering with techniques more commonly associated with sculpture than horology.
a five-hour hand-finishing process leaves every watch unique
The project began after Anoma founder Matteo Violet Vianello visited the Centre Pompidou’s exhibition dedicated to Constantin Brâncuși, where the sculptor’s collection of prehistoric hand axes, arrowheads, and primitive tools became the catalyst for a new interpretation of the A1. Rather than reproducing the forms of ancient artifacts, the watch borrows their tactile qualities—rough planes, visible tool marks, and surfaces that reveal the human hand behind their making.
Each 316L stainless steel case is individually hand-chiseled over approximately five hours by French engraver Steven Brunel, whose work has previously been exhibited at the Louvre. Instead of concealing evidence of fabrication, the process leaves every case with its own unique network of facets, grooves, and scars. The matching pin buckle receives the same treatment, ensuring no two watches are identical.
engraved watch dial echoes weathered flint
The handcrafted approach continues across the dial, where approximately 600 individual lines are engraved by hand into a brass blank before receiving a deep anthracite finish reminiscent of weathered stone. Together with the textured steel case and monochromatic palette, the watch takes on the appearance of an archaeological object while retaining the proportions of Anoma’s original sculptural design. Its asymmetrical, lugless case measures 39 by 38 millimeters but wears closer to a conventional 37-millimeter watch thanks to its compact geometry and inward-curving profile.
Beneath the expressive exterior, the mechanics remain intentionally straightforward. The watch houses a Swiss automatic Sellita SW100 movement with a 38-hour power reserve, 50 meters of water resistance, and a grey Italian leather strap that allows the textured case to remain the focal point. Limited to 100 pieces, the Anoma A1 Prehistoric opens for orders on July 8, 2026, with deliveries expected in October.
project info:
project: Anoma A1 Prehistoric
brand: Anoma | @anomawatch
design: Matteo Violet Vianello
engraving: Steven Brunel
