When you hear “luxury timepiece or watch”, you are likely to think of Rolex or Patek Philippe. But one brand which aims to make a noise in the watch segment is Stefano Ricci. Just what or who is Stefano Ricci?

For starters, Stefano Ricci is a luxury lifestyle brand, named after himself. The brand, which is based in Florence, Italy, is known for their menswear, home, and lifestyle pieces. In the Philippines, Stefano Ricci is present through their standalone boutique in Solaire Resort & Casino located at the Entertainment City in Metro Manila.

While the brand has been around since 1972, it was only in last year when Stefano Ricci entered the world of high horology with their SR Octagon watch line. Locally, the Philippine boutique has a stock of the SR Octagon Chronograph Diamond Lux Edition which is limited to 10 pieces worldwide. 

SR Octagon Chronograph Diamond Lux Edition

Design

The design of the watch is definitely unique and a little polarizing even. The first thing that might come to mind for people is that the watch is either inspired primarily by Chinese beliefs or the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak due to its octagonal shape. But this is not the case. According to Mr. Stefano Ricci, the main inspiration for the watch springs from his hometown. Further, the reference to the octagonal shape of the watch is from the notable structures in Florence: Battistero di San Giovanni, the Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Tribuna of the Uffizi. Mr. Ricci intends for the watch to be an entire tribute to Florence. 

The case of the SR Octagon Chronograph Diamond Lux is made of 18K white gold and it has a watch face diameter measuring 45.5mm and a thickness of 14.8mm. The dial is in a deep blue shade and features the chronograph function and a date window, aside from the time. This Diamond Lux model has 88 diamonds, totaling to over 8 carats, throughout the watch set with the ancient a battuta method wherein the metal is hammered around the precious stones before being polished. When you flip the watch to see the back side, you will be amazed with the intricate hand-etched caseback cover. The cover can be flipped open to reveal the beautiful movement powering the watch.

The SR Octagon wears big and will definitely suit those with large wrists. The heft of the watch is really evident from all angles. Further, as with any other watch in gold and with diamonds, the watch naturally wears heavy on the wrist.

Despite the size and the heft, the strap of the watch feels comfortable as it is made from alligator leather. Notably, the watch clasp is also octagonal in shape and features 24 diamonds.

Movement

The SR Octagon Chronograph features a self-winding mechanism with a power reserve of 42 to 50 hours depending on the usage of the chronograph function. The base of the movement is by watch manufacturer Parmigiani Fleurier (PF331) combined with a Dubois-Dépraz Chronograph module. As a chronograph, the watch indicates sub-dials for small seconds (at 3), chronograph hours (at 6), and chronograph minutes (at 9). 

Thoughts

The SR Octagon watch line was created in order to expand the Stefano Ricci lifestyle to fine watches. 

The design of the watch is definitely a conversation-starter. Stefano Ricci will definitely have the watch industry talking. As to whether the watch design will be embraced or rejected, this is yet to be seen. 

Going beyond the design, you will realize that the watch is really well-made. To their credit, Stefano Ricci really tried to put together a watch with the best possible case, material, and movement. While the brand cannot boast of centuries of watchmaking heritage, their maiden attempt at watches is respectable from a quality standpoint.

The SR Octagon Chronograph Diamond Lux watch retails for just a little over P13,000,000.00.

You may visit Stefano Ricci at its boutique located at The Shoppes at Solaire Resort and Casino. You may also contact them at: +63 2 9754369 and manila@stefanoricci.com