Alto takes its next step with the ART 01 Falcon Eye, the most complex stone dial on the market

Russell Sheldrake

• Young independent brand Alto adds a limited edition falcon’s eye dial to its catalogue. 
• Sections of the semi-precious stone have been cut up and arranged from darkest in the centre to lightest on the outside to represent a real eye. 
• Limited to just 12 pieces, it will cost €61,500.

When it comes to esoteric young brands, Alto sets the benchmark for how far you can push boundaries in traditional watchmaking circles without technically breaking any rules. The precocious start-up entered the market last year with the ART 01 and its staggeringly complex case, dial, crystal, and movement that seemed to ask questions of the rest of the industry – with a faceted, curved sapphire creating dazzling effects on a terraced dial, sitting inside an elongated octagon case and all running off a bespoke movement with a backwards-running seconds hand.

In other words, there is a lot to get your head around when it comes to Alto – and now this disruptor has brought out its third watch, which not only leans in on the trend of stone dials but does so in a typically Alto fashion.

This new watch reinterprets two novel features from the original ART 01. Firstly, its distinctive slatted dial is now completely made from the semi-precious stone falcon’s eye. This deep green stone can carry many different colours and shades through it and lean to incredibly complex patterns when cut normally, but Alto has gone a couple of steps further and has decided to apply the stone to its slatted dial design, arranging these slats so that the colour gradient fades as it gets to the centre, like a real eye.

Not only is the level of consideration when it comes to these details incredibly impressive from Alto’s Creative Director Raphael Abeillon, but the skill of the dial makers to produce these dials is almost unmatched, in my opinion. While there are plenty of other stone dials out there right now (with the number seemingly increasing by the day) this one feels like it takes the concept of stone marquetry and elevates to a level no other brand has thought of going to before.

The next change from the original is in the case material, where lightweight titanium has been swapped for luxurious 3N yellow gold. The satin finish has stayed the same, giving a sense of continuity in the design language, but the addition of yellow gold not only helps elevate the stone dial but also gives a warmer tone for the rich green to play off, without overpowering it thanks to the satin-brushed finish.

Everything else inside this watch stays the same. The A01 calibre still sits inside, with its backwards-running seconds hand. This movement was developed specifically for Alto by specialists Le Cercle des Horlogers and has a fascinating architecture to it which speaks to the classic automotive inspiration that lies behind the watch. Powered by a thick micro-rotor, it has a 48-hour power reserve with bridges made from gold-plated titanium.

Overall, this watch pushes Alto forward in the direction that its founder Thibaud Guittard had intended when he started it last year. As they continue to make watches that feel more like concept cars rather than a daily driver you would pick up from a lot, now they have begun to play in fine crafts with this extremely well-considered stone dial. While it may still be early in the year, I’m going to say this is the best stone dial of 2025. Big call, I know.

Alto ART 01 Falcon Eye pricing and availability

The Alto ART 01 Falcon Eye is limited to just 12 pieces with pre-orders open now. Price: €61,500

Brand	Alto
Model	ART 01 Falcon Eye
Case Dimensions	41mm (D)
Case Material	3N yellow gold
Water Resistance	50 metres
Crystal(s)	Sapphire front and back
Dial	Falcon’s eye marquetry
Strap	Green nubuck strap, pin buckle
Movement	Calibre A01, Le Cercle des Horlogers-developed, micro-rotor automatic
Functions	Hours, minutes, reverse seconds
Availability	Limited to 12 pieces
Price	€61,500