Italy is synonymous with exceptional design across various fields, from stunning automobiles and high fashion to innovative coffee machines.
The Italian knack for transforming everyday products into exquisite pieces of art speaks volumes about its creative spirit.
This flair permeates the world of watchmaking, particularly evident in the Labormatic from GaGa Laboratorio.
Design Philosophy and Features
At the heart of the Labormatic’s design is Mo Coppoletta, a renowned tattoo artist whose talents extend far beyond ink.
Mo is not just a master of tattoos; he has made a name for himself as a designer working with esteemed brands, especially in the watch industry.
His journey began with ‘A Sailor’s Grave’ in collaboration with the now-closed Romain Jerome, and has included partnerships with Stepan Sarpaneva on the S.U.F. Helsinki line as well as a touch of his creativity on Bvlgari’s Octo Finissimo.
With GaGa Laboratorio, Coppoletta embraced the freedom to craft a completely novel timepiece, drawing from the classic lines of post-war Italian design.
The design philosophy from this era is much richer and more layered compared to contemporary interpretations.
To visualize this difference, think of modern Italian design as a perfectly shaped scoop of gelato, while post-war Italian design represents that same gelato served in a lavish glass, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pistachios.
The Labormatic stands out with its remarkable seven-piece construction that features elegantly flared lugs and an eye-catching crown situated at 12 o’clock.
Telling the time happens through a wandering hour mechanism: a disc gradually rotates to indicate the hour, avoiding the jarring motion of a jump function.
GaGa Laboratorio enriches this display with half-hour markers, all complemented by a dedicated hand for the minutes.
Instead of a traditional second hand, a central emblem marks the seconds.
Mechanics and Variants
The Labormatic isn’t just a beautifully crafted timepiece; the dial’s various components create an effect of depth, reflecting light in unique ways that set this watch apart in a saturated market.
With a 42mm diameter and a 13.30mm thickness, the watch is designed for comfortable wear.
However, adjusting the time can be a slight challenge since the strap may block the crown when pulled out.
Thankfully, the watch features a quick-release function for the strap, making it straightforward to remove and adjust.
This minor drawback feels insignificant for anyone familiar with Italian design, where aesthetics often take precedence over practicality.
Inside the Labormatic, GaGa Laboratorio has chosen the La Joux-Perret LJP – G100 caliber, celebrated for its reliability and robust 68-hour power reserve—an essential feature for discerning watch enthusiasts today.
With many watches now demanding power reserves of over 48 hours, it is refreshing to see a movement rise to meet such benchmarks.
To enhance the watch’s striking appearance, the oscillating weight is custom-made, beautifully aligning the back of the watch with its stunning face.
Models and Pricing
The Labormatic is available in two unique models, each differing not only in color but also in overall aesthetic.
The first, named Cinquanta, boasts a vibrant mint-green dial where minute indicators sit in a black frame, highlighted by a bold red arrow.
The second, intriguingly called Bauhaus, pays homage to the famous German design movement, though its connection to the watch’s lavish appearance may not be overtly obvious.
With elegant red minute hands, the Bauhaus version adopts a more subdued color palette, showcasing the case’s intricate design through contrasting black and coated segments.
In this model, the hour indicators alternate between black and grey, while the Cinquanta opts for a harmonious blend of mint green and cream tones.
In terms of straps, GaGa Laboratorio has made a wise choice by opting for sophisticated Saffiano leather instead of more exotic materials.
This selection enhances the overall appearance of the watch while maintaining high standards of craftsmanship.
With an attractive price point of 3,900 CHF, both models deliver exceptional quality and integrity in design.
Owners should be prepared for these timepieces to spark conversations, as their aesthetic appeal is truly striking.
For more details, check out GaGa Laboratorio at GaGa Laboratorio.
Source: Watchtime