Furlan Marri is launching a new collection within their Mechanical family that revives a popular Disco Volante style, and as we’ve come to expect from the young Geneva based brand, they’ve nailed the details. The new collection is called the Disco Volante, which is Italian for Flying Saucer, and it’s a style of case that hails from a certain era of the mid 20th century that uses a flat, round midcase with a hidden lug and recessed crown. Here, the case incorporates some art deco elements as well, which serves as a perfect accent to the contemporary dial with a big personality. The Disco Volante is launching in three colorways, and none are shy on character, but there’s a bit more than meets the eye with these ones.
Furlan Marri has shown a remarkable level of maturity for having only launched the brand in 2021, from their earliest meca-quartz designs to the stunning Secular Perpetual Calendar produced for the Only Watch auction. The brand’s knack for capturing an old-school spirit in a modern execution has caught the attention of many collectors and enthusiasts. The Disco Volante is another step forward here, featuring an innovative design that shows an understanding of history, and a movement choice that strikes a perfect balance between aesthetic and practicality.
For the first time, Furlan Marri is using the hand wound Peseux caliber 7001, and while that may sound like an easy detail to skim over, the brand has paid special attention to bring the movement up to the same standard as the rest of the watch. Furlan Marri have redesigned the bridges and worked in a variety of impressive finishes, all of which adds up to what might be the most elegant looking Peseux caliber we’ve come across in recent memory. It’s a welcome sight through an exhibition caseback, and further, it allows for the svelte dimensions the brand was after.
The Disco Volante uses a steel case that measures 38mm in diameter, and since the lug is tucked under the case, it also measures 38mm from top to bottom. More impressively, the watch measures a hair under 9mm in total thickness. The thoughtfulness with which the underside of the case has been designed allows for the slender construction which will no doubt pay dividends on the wrist.
Perhaps the most impressive detail of the new Disco Volante is the dial. The central portion of the dial surrounded by chapter rings for the hours on the inside, and minutes on the outside. There is depth between each, with a layer of lume separating the hours and minutes, while framing the subsidiary seconds located at 6 o’clock. This makes for a dynamic presence in all lighting conditions. The design itself is also big on personality, with flourishing details joining more contemporary touches to create an unusually compelling composition.
The Disco Volante is launching in three colorways that won’t be entirely unfamiliar to the brand. The Havana Disco dial leans into their trademark salmon and brown tones, while the Disco Verde uses a similar aged motif in greens. Finally, the Disco Celeste takes a more modern approach with a white dial with blue accents. Each offers a unique personality, and each will be a part of the permanent collection.
The new Disco Volante collection is available now directly from Furlan Marri, and is priced from CHF 2,500. Furlan Marri
