Sometimes the best way forward is to remember where you started. Furlan Marri, the Swiss brand that has captured collectors’ hearts over just four years, is proving this philosophy with their latest release – two stunning new mechaquartz chronographs that honor both their origins and horological heritage.
The ‘Sabbia Rosa’ and ‘Ardesia Blu’ represent a triumphant return to the formula that launched the brand from a Kickstarter campaign into the upper echelons of affordable luxury watchmaking.
Full Circle
When Furlan Marri first appeared on the scene, they made waves with heritage-inspired quartz chronographs that offered vintage aesthetics without vintage complications. That initial success has blossomed into a diverse portfolio including perpetual calendars, mechanical chronographs, and their distinctive Discos Volante collection. Yet mechaquartz chronographs remain the accessible entry point into their three-tiered approach, and these new models demonstrate why this foundation remains so compelling.
Both new chronographs draw inspiration from the legendary Patek Philippe Tasti Tondi style, but with distinctly modern interpretations that showcase Furlan Marri’s design philosophy.
The ‘Sabbia Rosa’ (Italian for “red sand”) channels classic vintage Patek aesthetics through a faded two-tone rose and silver dial that feels authentically aged without resorting to artificial patination.
Meanwhile, the ‘Ardesia Blu’ ventures into territory that Patek never explored – a vertically and circular brushed blue dial that brings contemporary sophistication to the single-counter chronograph format.
The technical foundation remains impressively practical. Both watches feature the reliable Seiko VK64 mechaquartz movement, which combines the smooth sweeping chronograph hand of a mechanical movement with the accuracy and convenience of quartz power. This hybrid approach delivers the visual satisfaction of traditional chronograph operation while eliminating the maintenance concerns that often deter everyday wear.
Design Excellence in Every Detail
The 38mm by 12mm case proportions strike the perfect balance between vintage inspiration and modern wearability. Crafted from 316L stainless steel with 50-meter water resistance, these chronographs are built for daily use rather than display case admiration. The ‘Sabbia Rosa’ features elegant 4N rose gold PVD coating that complements its warm dial tones, while the ‘Ardesia Blu’ maintains the clean lines of natural steel.
Each variant tells its own story through carefully considered details. The ‘Sabbia Rosa’ features raised and applied Roman numeral indices with highly polished steel and gold PVD coating, paired with curved and domed hands that enhance the vintage aesthetic. The cream and champagne dial tones create depth through matte finishes and double-printed text that adds visual richness without overwhelming the composition.
The ‘Ardesia Blu’ takes a more contemporary approach with stamped Roman numerals and a deep blue dial that combines matte and glossy finishes. The circular and vertical brushing creates texture that plays beautifully with light, while double-printed text maintains the premium feel established by its rose gold sibling.
Both models feature domed vintage-style sapphire crystals with five layers of anti-reflective coating plus one fingerprint-resistant coating – a practical touch that shows Furlan Marri’s attention to real-world usability. The ‘Sabbia Rosa’ includes both 60-minute chronograph counter and 24-hour indicator, while the ‘Ardesia Blu’ focuses on the essential 60-minute counter for cleaner dial aesthetics.
Strap options reflect each watch’s personality: the ‘Sabbia Rosa’ comes with brown and cream leather options featuring matching stitching and PVD-coated pin buckles, while the ‘Ardesia Blu’ offers dark velvet blue and baby blue leather straps. At CHF 585, these chronographs represent exceptional value for Swiss-designed, heritage-inspired timepieces that prove sometimes the best innovation is perfecting what already works.
