DeGrisogono Instrumentino 18K Gold Automatic Wristwatch
 
As soon as I saw this watch, I knew it had to be acquired.
 
Never mind that the name needs a bit of practice to roll off the tongue. Once you have mastered the name you will feel downright Italian telling people what it is and I assure you, that will occur with great regularity.
 
I like Italian inspired design and I am a connoisseur of car design houses like Pinninfarina and Zagato. Apparently, this fascination doesn’t end with automobile designs. I find this watch is dramatic as well as being eye candy (yes, a hackneyed expression no doubt, but it does apply here.).
 
Let’s face it, with such a small canvas it is difficult for any watchmaker to render something that is fresh and exciting to look at, but this is that.
 
While DeGrisogono is a Swiss jeweler, there is no hiding the Italian influence of their creations.
Now apparently the company has run into hard times and declared bankruptcy -- not for a failing of profits but instead, because of international intrigue and shenanigans involving its owners and their misuse of funds from African countries and the repurposing of bank funds. This story is worth a trip down the rabbit hole and makes the creations of the De Grisogono company just that bit more interesting.
 
This DeGrisogono Instrumentino is a superb design and very rare as well. I can bet that you will never run into another one at the country club or on an evening out. You really can’t say that about your Datejust, can you?
 
Cheers,
David Grainger