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The First Timepiece From This Albanian Watch Brand Is A Unique Masterpiece
If there’s anything to know about Albania, it’s a picturesque country in the Balkans with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. The country prides itself on its intricate filigree jewelry that embody the spirit of its ancient culture. Brands such as Artistic Jewellery Pirro is one such ambassador championing Albania’s expertise in this field, by creating high-end jewellery and unique timepieces. To which, Pirro presents its first-ever masterpiece, “Primordial Passion”.
The timepiece, which reportedly took five years in the making, features an extravagant dial display comprising 16 micro-sculpted Albanian folk dancers made out of 18K yellow gold. These figurines, each one representing the hours (in addition to four in the center piece) and the country’s 12 regions, measure just 9mm to 10mm in height and are rendered with hyper-realistic detail. They’re all enclosed underneath an anti-reflective sapphire crystal dome within a 46.5mm 18K yellow gold case.
We must emphasize that such sculptural engravings demand a high-level of expertise. Closing in on the figurines as depicted in these macroscopic images, each minute detail, from their facial expressions to the embroidery on their clothing, are captured spectacularly in intricate detail. Take for example one of the musicians in the centerpiece who’s depicted with a flute — all ten fingers interact with the golden rod in hyperrealistic fashion, to which the proportions from his tipped hat down to the curled boots even provide a close emulation of its texture. Multiply this strategy to 15 other differing Albanian folklore characters of the same size and you’ve got yourself a theatrical masterpiece on the wrist.
Pirro shares that the engraving is “achieved by a method that has not been crafted before” and that they’ll be revealing more details in the near future.
“I want to measure time with timeless beauty, by creating artistic and unique watches that transcend functionality to become enduring pieces of art.” — Mr. Pirro Ruço, Founder of Artistic Jewellery Pirro
The encircling figurines are conjoined in a dance and are placed on a micro-mosaic arrangement made from Murano glass stones. Against the different shades of red that show off a red-to-black gradient, these 1,500 stones are cut in eight different colors and 64 precise shapes, creating a vivid backdrop that reflects the intensity and vibrancy of Albanian culture. The fine gold geometric pattern cleverly forms the Pirro brand motif hidden among the inverted “P”s.
Taking note also of the lug design that is expressly ornate, akin to overly decorated cabriole legs on a rich piece of mahogany only fit for the Louis XV period. What we mean to say is, even placing the watch down on a tabletop makes for an admirable accent.
The back of the watch continues this artistic narrative, featuring an engraved micro-relief scene of the folk dancers. All gold components of the entire construction are produced in-house by Pirro, thanks to their investment in the latest Swiss manufacturing technology. Powering the time-only display is a central mechanical movement, developed in collaboration with Geneva-based watchmaker Agenhor. The movement enables the intricate choreography of the dancers and is complemented by bi-color hour hands, shaped like eagle claws, crafted from black and yellow 18K gold.
The watch is presented as a pièce unique and is a current entry in the Artistic Crafts category in the 2024 Le Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).
Arguably, the pronounced crystal dome may deter one’s thoughts from wearing the watch with your favorite dress shirt. Will it slide under my French cuff?, you wonder. But we’re convinced that the Primordial Passion isn’t made for such conventional manners. It’s a showpiece that puts Albanian culture center-stage (perhaps literally in the case of this watch), not to mention the exemplary level of precision exercised to arrange the variously-sized Murano glass stones in an aesthetically pleasing pattern (the smallest measuring just 0.2mm across). It’s no conventional timepiece that’s for sure — so perhaps an automaton version next?
Tech Specs: Pirro Primordial Passion
Movement: Manual-winding central fix movement developed by Agenhor; 50-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours and minutes
Case: 46.5mm × 22mm; 18K yellow gold
Dial: 18K yellow gold with 1,500 Murano glass stones in a micro-mosaic pattern
Strap: Lizard leather strap
Price: CHF 1.2m
Availability: Pièce unique
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