Often mistaken for George Clooney, the dashing Frédéric Bastiat can easily be identified by the sporty Anonimo watch resting on his wrist, rather than the Omega so closely associated with the American actor.
Anonimo CEO, Frédéric Bastiat.
His wardrobe of watches includes a steel Militare Classic with taupe-coloured strap, stylishly co-ordinated with the belt and suit he donned at the relaunch of Anonimo in Bangkok, at TKI Perpetual watch and jewellery store, Siam Paragon.
“Men have only a few accessories. Watches compare to jewellery for us, but they are worn not to show off but to read the time with an appreciation for the mechanics and technology involved in the watchmaking,” said the French CEO.
Thailand is a marketing priority, he noted, as there is already a strong customer base to reintroduce the brand, whose name is Italian for “anonymous”.
“The founders didn’t want to put their names on the watches. With the unique design, the watches speak for themselves,” he explained.
Founded in 1997, Anonimo specialised in making timepieces for submariners and combat divers of the Italian Marina Militare. The Florence-based company moved its manufacturing to Switzerland three years ago, while its iconic bronze cases and leather straps are still crafted in Italy.
The triangular logo may refer to the Matterhorn that stands between the two countries. In addition, a standout triangular hour index on the dial gives the Militare a unique face.
Militare Alpini Power Reserve Indicator and Chrono.
“The triangle is a mythical and religious symbol. It also represents many positive things, such as stability or achievement, the latter for instance when reaching the top of a mountain,” he said. “This relates to the marriage between our Italian sporty style and Swiss precision, which takes Anonimo to new heights in watchmaking.”
The 43mm Militare is also recognisable by its cushion-shaped case with the crown positioned at 12 o’clock, now protected and locked by a patented system fully built-in between the horns of the bracelet.
Originally designed by a military engineer, the slightly larger Nautilo diving watches have been redesigned with a new case incorporating a special structure to protect the crown, unusually placed at 4 o’clock.
The Militare collection includes a three-hand automatic model and chronograph, the latter in both steel and bronze versions.
Anonimo claims to have been among the first watchmakers to use zinc-enriched marine bronze, with the bronze work by Florentine craftsmen, who have been making the hand-finished cases since 1939.
Wearing the bronze watch from three weeks to two months, the skin’s acidity changes its colour into a matte and greyish patina while stabilising and strengthening the material.
Limited edition Militare Alpini timepieces boast robust bronze cases, their backs engraved with the Matterhorn. The model pays tribute to the 4th regiment of the Italian Alpini defence corps, who have to endure the physical and technical requirements of working in remote mountains.
The redesign resulted in a sandwich construction that allowed for a thinner case, and a modified strap-attachment system at 12 o’clock, with stronger resistance and a screwed back.
The chronographs and models displaying a power reserve indicator come in white and khaki variations inspired by the Alpini Corps uniforms in winter and summer.
“The Militare Alpini series marks the rebirth of Anonimo, which we will keep consistent with our DNA, to offer distinct and sporty yet elegant watches,” said Bastiat.
This source first appeared on Bangkok Post Lifestyle.