Anoma updates its shaped A1 with a new Slate dial, and we got our hands on it

Russell Sheldrake

• Anoma follows up from its original A1 with a new dial colour in the A1 Slate. 
• The new model will enter standard production and be open to pre-orders from March 10th. 
• Marking the second step in the young brand’s life, the original A1 is no longer in production, with this being the only model available. 

You’ve likely seen this smooth, triangular case on your Instagram feed already. The brainchild of Matteo Violet-Vianello, Anoma has captured the hearts and minds of esoteric collectors around the world with its sculptural form and unique inspiration. Now, the brand is developing the original A1 with its blue dial, and evolving it with the new A1 Slate model. Alongside the new dial colour, it gets a slightly refined case to make it more functional, with the new model becoming the first one in the brand’s permanent collection.

The original A1 brought attention to sculptural shapes and considered details at an accessible price point, and this is the base on which the A1 Slate is being built. The dial has not only changed in colour to this dark grey, but the texture on the dial has evolved too. It sticks to the concentric triangles to mirror the case shape, but now the industrially engraved pattern adds more texture to the centre, helping lighten the dark layers of enamel, creating contrast between the inner and outer sectors.

The case has also seen minor updates, not so much in terms of its symmetrically asymmetrical shape or design, but in functionality, with a refinement in the machining tolerances, allowing things like strap changes to be done with greater ease. Each of these cases is cut out of one block of steel, with the bezel, midcase and caseback paired with each other. This is an extra step, and a level of attention to detail you rarely find at this price point, which shows Matteo’s dedication to delivering what matters to collectors.

The insides of this watch are completely unchanged from the first model, as Anoma stuck with the Sellita SW100 with a 42-hour power reserve and bidirectional winding. It’s one of the smallest automatic stock movements that you can get, and allows the A1 Slate to keep its size down and fully embrace the sculptural element of its design.

While this new dial colour doesn’t feel like a giant leap from Anoma, it shows that Matteo is committing to develop the A1 further instead of jumping on to the next shape and telling a new story straight away. While it might not be the most endorphin-inducing release imaginable, it can be good to see consistency and incremental change that speaks to a more considered approach, rather than falling foul of community demands to create more exciting shapes.

Those who either bought or tried to buy one of the original A1s will note that this new piece is markedly more expensive – a whole £500 before tax – and that could irk some who only see a dial change and not much else. However, Matteo wanted to highlight this, and had this to say: “The First Series was priced lower to incentivise and thank early supporters. The new price reflects refinements to the case, a more complex dial, and ensures the business can sustain operations and invest in exciting future projects.”

Anoma A1 Slate pricing and availability

The Anoma A1 Slate will open its pre-order window on March 10th at 2pm GMT, Time+Tide has also got a small allocation that will only be available from our London and Melbourne Studios. Price: US$2,300, A$3,700 (A$4,070 inc. GST), £1,800 (excl. VAT) 

Brand	Anoma
Model	A1 Slate
Case Dimensions	39mm (D) x 9.45mm (T)
Case Material	Stainless steel
Water Resistance	50 metres
Crystal(s)	Sapphire front
Dial	Slate grey
Lug Width	18mm
Strap	Grey leather, shaped steel pin buckle
Movement	Sellita SW100, automatic
Power Reserve	42 hours
Functions	Hours, minutes
Availability	Pre-orders open March 10th In-store at T+T Studios London and Melbourne
Price (excl. VAT)	US$2,300 A$3,700 (A$4,070 inc. GST) £1,800