IntroducingThe Anoma A1 Optical – A Familiar Sculptural Case, Now With An Engraved Dial

The London-based independent, dare I say microbrand, Anoma is back with the third installment in its outside-the-box A1 series. You might remember 2024's OG blue dial and the Slate from this past March – both with the same sharply angular yet oddly organic case that appeared to transform depending on how light hit them. Now comes the A1 Optical, an updated dial that leans even harder into visual disorientation.

This version trades the more structured dials of the previous two A1s for something far more striking. The entire dial has been engraved with fifty slightly offset triangles, each cut one at a time using a dragged engraving machine. The end result is mesmerizing and shows what really sets Anoma apart: its ability to pull inspiration from beyond the watch world with grace as Anoma's founder, Matteo Violet-Vianello, cites the influences of Bridget Riley and Ferruccio Gard, both notable artists in the Optical Art space.

Whereas other dials of this sort may be stamped, laser-etched, or even printed, the lines seen here are individually carved into the metal base and then sandblasted and hand-polished to a shine. The extra effort allows for a surface that catches and distorts light as you move your wrist. Two dial color options of the A1 Optical are being offered: Silver and Copper.

Like the previous A1s, the Optical uses a triangular steel case that feels both futuristic and natural, as if it had been tumbled smooth organically. It measures 38mm in width and 39mm in height, but wears closer to 37mm thanks to the lack of traditional lugs. The subtly curved caseback helps the 9.45mm-thick case hug the wrist comfortably.

Inside is a Swiss automatic Sellita SW100 – the same reliable movement found in earlier models – and the watch comes on a grained grey Italian leather strap.

To mark the launch, Anoma tapped optical artist Adam Fuhrer to create a new work based on the dial pattern. The first 300 pieces of the A1 Optical – 150 in silver and 150 in copper – will be individually numbered and ship with a numbered version of this artwork, pen-plotted, meaning each is subtly unique.

Pricing is set at £2,200. Orders open on August 7, 2025 at 14:00 GMT, with deliveries expected in October. Non-numbered pieces, after the initial 300, will follow later.

Anoma has carved out a space that didn't previously exist, at least in new or modern offerings. The Optical's dial is a worthy third in the A1's now trilogy. The Slate was, essentially, a simple dial color change when compared to the first A1, so, while we're still seeing the same model and case design from Anoma, I have to commend the entirely new dial. Ultimately, it's a well-executed expansion of Anoma's previous releases and suggests that anything coming in the future from the young brand will be drawing upon influences of art and architecture.

The Optical is more of a risk, commercially, and I'll commend that as well. The original A1 made waves in 2024 – I saw it all over my Instagram feed. But an engraved dial of Optical Art-inspired concentric triangles is a harder sell. This likely appeals to a smaller market. Anoma has done well to carve out this space, and this release leans further into it. I'll be interested to see how this more creative dial is received.

Despite all the visual complexity, the execution appears to be refined. While I have not yet experienced this version in the metal, I can say that the A1 Slate's dial was impressive in its finishing, and I expect nothing less here. The triangle pattern could have come off as gimmicky, but, judging by the photos, it appears to walk the fine line between engaging and overdone. I can't believe I'm saying this, but it almost feels restrained.

And finally, my initial reaction when alerted to this release is similar to how I felt the moment I saw the Slate for the first time: "Very cool, but when will Anoma's second case design hit my inbox?" I have to quickly remind myself that this brand is just over a year old. Entirely new case designs take time, and I will give Anoma more of it. I suppose my yearning for what's next is due to the success of the A1. The watch world rarely sees entirely new designs at this price point, and I can't wait to see where this brand goes from here, but that doesn't diminish my excitement for the new A1 Optical.

Brand: Anoma Watches
Model: A1

Diameter: 39x38mm
Thickness: 9.45mm
Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
Dial Color: Engraved Silver or Copper
Indexes: None
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Strap/Bracelet: 18mm grained Italian leather strap in grey

Caliber: Sellita SW100
Diameter: 17.2mm
Thickness: 4.8mm
Power Reserve: 38 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 bph
Jewels: 28

All watches are delivered with a two-year warranty.

Price: £2,200
Availability: The Anoma A1 Optical will be available on August 7, 2025, at 14:00 GMT.  Delivery is scheduled for October 2025, starting with the first 300. Non-numbered pieces will follow later.
Limited Edition: Production is not limited, though the first 300 pieces are individually numbered (150 Silver, 150 Copper)

For more info and to pre-order, visit Anoma Watches.