Anonimo Epurato Steel
The Anonimo Epurato Steel, unveiled in 2018, provides a refreshing alternative to the brand’s Militaire and Nautilo models. Steve Ashby gets up close and personal with one version of this watch, sporting an opaline off-white dial.
A relatively young brand, Anonimo was founded in Florence, back in 1997. The firm quickly made its mark on the watch industry, producing timepieces for professional divers. Before long the brand was designing timepieces with a maximum water-resistance of 1000m. In fact, the company’s Professionale watches were capable of even deeper submersion.
In 2013, Anonimo, like many other brands before it, moved its HQ to Switzerland. Since then its watches have been powered by Swiss-made movements. Thankfully, in terms of style, Anonimo’s models has stayed true to its roots, retaining the brand’s unique flair and Florentine identity.
The Anonimo Epurato Steel, unveiled last year, evinces a more restrained appearance than the brand’s much-loved diving watches. Some of the Maison’s established design codes, such as the prominent Arabic numerals at 4, 8 and 12 o’clock, together with the square cushion case have been incorporated into the new Epurato collection. Nevertheless, despite this commonality, the Epurato sets itself apart from its other siblings by embracing a new and highly original design language.
Firstly, the case width is less than some other Anonimo models, measuring an ergonomic 42mm in diameter. The cushion-shaped design is sleek and angular, with some sections polished to a mirror-like shine and other surfaces featuring a brushed steel finish.
The aforementioned surfaces are complemented by a stunning fluted bezel which catches the light from every angle. A matching fluted crown sits between polished and brushed steel guards. The crown of the Epurato sits in the customary position, adjacent 3 o’clock. However, this represents a departure for Anonimo. The crowns fitted to the Militare and Nautilo models have their crowns located at 12 and 4 o’clock, respectively.
The steel case and bezel perfectly frame the galvanic opaline off-white dial. The hours are denoted with stainless steel baton markers, with the exception of the indexes at 4, 8 and 12 o’clock, where Arabic numerals are employed. The steel case sits adjacent a black minute track, while the polished hands have been coated with Super-LumiNova, enhancing readability. The uncluttered dial is embellished with the company’s logo and features a date display at 6 o’clock.
Prior to this review, I always thought square watches were a tad cumbersome, therefore, I was pleasantly surprised by just how comfortable this timepiece is to wear. I suspect that this can be attributed to the Italian, hand-crafted strap and the agreeable fit it confers.
The black and grey colouration of the strap proves attractive, with a gradient effect imbuing the leather with a slightly worn look. The dark colours contrast perfectly with the steel case and white dial, while a quick-release lever on the underside of the strap makes easy work of removing it, should the need arise. The look is completed with a stainless steel pin-buckle bearing the Anonimo logo.
Anonimo’s Epurato collection is available in a wide range of colour options and material variations, reaffirming the model’s capacity to suit all styles. Steel variants are available with black, blue, green and cream dial options. In addition, a bronze version is also available, providing a deferential nod to the brand’s maritime history.
Every version of the Anonimo Epurato is powered by an automatic Sellita SW 200-1, decorated with Côtes de Genève motif. The 26-jewel movement has been customised with an Anonimo rotor, displayed proudly through an exhibition case back. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 VpH (4Hz) and the power reserve is capable of delivering 38 hours of autonomy.
After seeing the watch, I was amazed to learn it was available for less than £2,000, with the bronze variants retailing for not much more. Judging by the finishing of the case and the fluted bezel alone, I had expected the price to be significantly higher. Quite simply, the Epurato delivers luxury and affordability at the same time.
Closing Remarks
I struggled, and believe me I genuinely tried, to find an occasion where this watch would prove unsuitable and I failed every time. Considering its tangible quality, I was amazed by the model’s keen pricing. Based on its origin, it is not surprising that the Anonimo Epurato looks similar to the much sought-after Panerai Luminor, albeit it is more accessibly priced.
The smaller size of the Epurato, when contrasted with other Anonimo models, will certainly augment brand appeal and entice a new, broader audience. Personally, I have small wrists, but the 42mm case did not look out of place on my arm. Furthermore, it felt incredibly comfortable to wear. Lastly, for those readers like myself, who can’t justify buying a different watch for every social occasion, this watch proffers an extraordinary dose of versatility. With its impressive build quality and notable style, this Florentine charmer is certainly worthy of consideration.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Anonimo Epurato Steel
- Reference: AM-4000.01.100.W11 (Galvanic opaline off-white dial)
- Case: Stainless steel; diameter = 42mm; water resistance 5ATM (50 metres) sapphire crystals to front and case back
- Functions: Hours; minutes; central sweep seconds; date
- Movement: Sellita SW 200-1; automatic movement; frequency 28,800 VpH (4Hz); 26 jewels; power reserve 38 hours minimum.
- Strap: Black-grey calf leather with ‘gradient effect’ paired with a steel pin buckle
- Price: £1,990 (RRP as at 9.12.2019)
Press loan
The press sample was kindly provided by https://www.jurawatches.co.uk