Orefici might not be a watch brand that many of our UK based readers will be familiar with. However, it could well be a different story for those of you who are based Stateside.
The history of the Orefici watch brand can be traced back to 1933, to Italy, where the grandfather of current CEO Umberto Cipolla owned a small independent jewellery shop in the Via Orefici district of Milan.
The district was, and still is, famous for being home to a large number of antique collectors and goldsmiths who would set about wheeling and dealing their goods on a daily basis.
With its Italian roots, Orefici is also established in Europe, yet it is in America where its brand presence is strongest. Despite only launching its U.S collection in 2010, the brand has built up quite a following, especially online through Facebook and Twitter.
Commercial agreements and links with players from the 2012 NFL champions, the Baltimore Ravens, have also helped to establish the brand further.
As for its watch collection, whilst many will appreciate the overall appeal of its Italian made timepieces in terms of design, the brand predominantly use Swiss Ronda quartz movements with the odd Miyota thrown in for good measure. These might not be all that spectacular but are as reliable as you’re likely to find.
Orefici watches are currently available in the U.S through Neiman Marcus or at the Bergdorf Goodman store in New York and normally retail for less than $1000.
Regata Chronograph Retrograde Edition
The Orefici Regata Chronograph Retrograde Edition timepiece features a Miyota OS22 movement which is housed inside a 48mm stainless steel 316L case. The blue dial includes a double function counter at 6 o’clock, which displays a 1/20 of a second retrograde counter underneath its regular second counter. There is also an AM/PM counter at 3 o’clock and a minute counter 9 o’clock with a date window located at 5 o’clock.
The Regata Chronograph is water resistant to 100m and is finished with an anti allergenic silicone gel strap.
Classico World Time
The Classico World Time is one of Orefici’s more dressier watches, as opposed to the sportier Regata Chronograph above. The most noticeable point of the Classico is the use of Roman numerals instead of Arabic. The exposed date wheel is also something that you don’t see too often. Below the date wheel you find the 24hr indicator, which can also work to display a second time zone.
The Classico world time measures 48mm in diameter and is powered by a Miyota OS11 movement. The watch normally retails for about $650, which for that price, you could probably pick up a half decent mechanical bit of wrist candy. However, if you like big bold watches with plenty of presence, then the Orefici Classico World Time could be just what you’re looking for.
Subacqueo Chronograph
The unisex Orefici Subacqueo rubber bezel watch is powered by a Swiss Ronda 5030D quartz movement and is crated from 316L stainless steel. The case measures 48mm diameter and features a vulcanised uni-directional rubber bezel. The watch also includes a K1 Sapphire with anti reflective coating.
The Orefici Subacqueo is water resistant to 100m and usually retails for around $895.
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