Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Hand-Chiselled Case of the New Anoma A1 Prehistoric
Anoma's sculptural A1 model receives a hand-chiselled case inspired by the raw surfaces of prehistoric tools.
Anoma was founded in 2024 and entered the watchmaking scene with the distinctive, rounded, triangular-shaped A1 model. Inspired by a 1950s free-form table designed by Charlotte Perriand, the original A1 has since evolved through small-series releases, the Slate and the Optical, and, more recently, the permanent Abyss and Stone models. The young London-based brand now presents a new Anoma A1 version, the Prehistoric, a limited edition featuring extensive hand-chiselling.
The inspiration is quite unusual. Founder Matteo Violet Vianello developed the idea after visiting a Constantin Brancusi exhibition at the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Brancusi’s collection of primitive artefacts served as the starting point for a watch intended to recreate the rough, scarred surfaces of stone and flint.
The A1 case remains 39mm by 38mm and measures 9.45mm thick, with 50m water-resistance. Thanks to the triangular profile, the absence of conventional lugs, and the inward-curving lower section, Anoma claims it wears closer to a 37mm watch. The crown is recessed, totally obscured from the front view and can be accessed from the back. The difference is entirely in the surface treatment. Each 316L stainless steel case is hand-chiselled by French engraver Steven Brunel for approximately 5 hours. The process creates uneven planes, cuts and marks across the case. As the chiselling is performed entirely by hand, no two examples will be identical.
On the dial, approximately 600 individual lines forming the sunburst pattern are cut by hand into the brass base. It is then finished in deep anthracite, creating a monochromatic appearance that recalls early stone tools. The simple display with curved leaf-shaped hands remains in keeping with the minimalist character of the A1.
The A1 Prehistoric relies on the Sellita SW100 automatic movement. The compact calibre operates at 28,800 vibrations/hour and offers approximately 42 hours of power reserve, displaying only the hours and minutes.
The new Anoma A1 Prehistoric is worn on a grey Italian leather strap, closed with a pin buckle that is treated the same as the case. Production is limited to 100 pieces for 2026, with deliveries scheduled for October. Orders open on 8 July 2026, and the price is GBP 2,900, excluding duties and taxes. For more information, please visit anomawatches.com.
2 responses
Chiseling implies the use of a chisel and a mallet. You can’t chisel steel, it doesn’t flake or spall. I think these are made with an electric burr grinder by the engraver, and then polished down to create this pattern. Really cool effect, but not chiseled.
Definitely not my style. Then again there is a watch and price point for everyone out there.