This Hot New Watch Brand Is Back With Another Mind-Bending Release

Anoma only debuted in the summer of last year with the original version of the A1. However, the model is so distinct in the landscape that the brand quickly built hype. Despite the infusion of more design-forward shaped watches, few new ideas are quite as exciting as the A1. That’s especially true in the microbrand scene where brands tend to riff on the classics. Since that first release, Anoma has continued to layer on a couple of exciting new versions. The grey “Slate” variant followed the original in March of this year. The Optical is a big step forward creatively, though, and shows off the versatility of this triangle-shaped watch.

Subtle yet intricate, the A1 Optical’s dial—especially when paired with its rounded triangular case—doesn’t have too much direct competition. At 2,200 GPB (~$2,923) it’s positioned toward the upper end of the microbrand market—as opposed to the high-end independent market inhabited by a brand such as Berneron—but given the thoughtful design, high-touch execution, and significant cost that goes into developing such a piece, the price doesn’t strike one as outrageous. As we’ve said before regarding the A1, there will certainly be those who bristle at the idea of paying $3K for a steel watch without an in-house movement but the value proposition here is really in the design and aesthetics of the watch. And there’s no denying these watches are beautiful.

As a special bonus, the first 300 pieces made, split evenly between the dial colors, will receive a special pen-plotted artwork by optical artist Adam Fuhrer commissioned by Anoma and based on the A1 Optical’s dial design. (After the initial run sell out, Anoma will continue making the A1 Optical in a non-numbered edition.) Just be sure to have your finger hovering on the “BUY” button on August 7th at 10 am ET when orders open, as the brand already has a waiting list 10 times longer than the number of pieces available.