Can a watch be eco-friendly if it doesn’t have parts made from natural materials? Yes! And I recommend today’s watch to nature lovers and those who simply like to contemplate greenery.
Our heroes are called Fir Green and belong to the Ultra Thin line - ultra-thin watches with a figured pattern in the form of fir branches on the dial (although the pattern reminds me more of the leaves of tropical plants).
This model uses high-quality materials: the case and bracelet are made of durable steel (316L) and a flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating that barely protrudes beyond the edge of the bezel - it can only be scratched by a diamond ring. And the original design is a distinctive feature of the D1 Milano brand.
Brand of friendship of peoples
Although the company puts the coordinates of the central square of Milan (1° north latitude, 45,4642° east longitude) in the foreground (the top of the watch box), along with the name D9,1900 Milano, this brand is multicultural. On the back cover of the watch it is written: Italian design, Japanese movement, assembly in China.
The D1 Milano brand is quite young. It was first presented at Milan Fashion Week in 2013. The owner and general director is Italian Dario Spallone. The flagship store is located in Milan, and the headquarters are in Hong Kong and Dubai. Watches are produced in Shenzhen using movements from Seiko and Miyota. The main markets are Italy and the Middle East.
It’s nice that the company does not hide this information from customers, but indicates it on the website, in the engraving on the products. This creates an impression of openness and strengthens confidence in a young and still little-known participant in the watch market. Moreover, the brand has something to be proud of: their models are always distinguished by their zest, sometimes technologically complex, although the style of famous watchmakers is taken as a basis.
Reinterpretation of a legend and an interior trend
A large watch on a steel bracelet with an octagon-shaped case and an octagonal crown may not be a super original idea. Rather, a time-tested model in a new interpretation. I would say that all D1 Milano models are modern variations of the legendary Gerald Genta watches (Patek Philippe Nautilus, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Bulgari Octo).
But each D1 model has its own character. For example, our Fir Green, despite its impressive overall dimensions (diameter diameter 30 mm, case diameter 47 mm), has an elegant thickness of only 6,4 mm and a modest weight of 100 g.
And to use the fashionable Urban Jungle style in the design of the watch dial, in my opinion, is simply brilliant! Initially it was an interior direction. It was invented by designers Igor Yosifovich and Judith de Graaf. In 2016, they published a book about a new style of decorating living and working spaces with plants.
You've probably noticed how often large plants in tubs, walls with vertical gardening, or simply paintings and prints on textiles depicting carved monstera leaves have begun to be found in the interiors of cafes, restaurants, coworking spaces and other public spaces. And now Urban Jungle has also appeared on the watch dial. A piece of nature that is always at hand. More precisely, on the hand.
Thanks to this original texture, the dial seems more voluminous, as if there is a whole armful of green succulent leaves under the glass. Due to the fact that the surface is uneven, the sun is reflected at different angles and the light rolls across the dial in very beautiful waves.
The marks are made in the form of polished strokes 5 mm long. There are only two hands here, they are also polished, the Dauphine shape is an elongated faceted triangle.
The polished dial details and four facets on the bezel look especially advantageous against the background of the satin-brushed case and bracelet. And the clear edges on the metal contrast greatly with the smooth natural lines on the dial pattern.
The bracelet is almost perfect
The bracelet as a whole is excellent: steel, thin, the links are not large and fit even a graceful woman’s wrist (I have 14 cm). Due to the satin finish of the surfaces, you don’t have to worry that the watch will quickly lose its appearance. You can simply safely wear them every day.
But in my opinion, the folding butterfly clasp is awkward. There are not enough buttons. To unfasten the bracelet, you need (not without risking your manicure) to reach up with your finger from the inside, from the side of the wrist, and pull the bracelet up.
Most likely, the owner of such a watch will not even notice the problem. But for girls this can be an important nuance. Therefore, I recommend that you test the model in a salon before purchasing and see if it is comfortable for you to unfasten it. After all, the bracelet cannot be replaced here, since the mount is non-standard and does not allow the installation of a third-party bracelet or strap.
Movement
With such a brutal appearance, the watches are quite thin; it is not for nothing that they belong to the Ultra Thin line. And they were made elegant thanks to the use of the Japanese quartz caliber Miyota GL24.
The thickness of the mechanism is only 2.28 mm. And the technical characteristics are quite decent: the average deviation per month is no more than ±20 seconds, and the batteries will last a simple two-point switchman for 5 long years.
The back cover here is secured with 8 screws - and this inspires more confidence than just a snapped clapper cover. The lid contains an individual serial number. Of course, not the master’s personal signature, but still a personal approach. This is good.
The level of moisture resistance (WR) is also indicated - 5ATM. In theory, this means that the watch must survive the static (that is, the watch does not move under water) water pressure at a depth of 50 m. In practice, this means that the watch is protected from accidental exposure to water. You can definitely wash your hands in them, get caught in a downpour, and even take a shower without taking off your watch (with the crown latched, of course). But they may not survive swimming, and especially diving. However, this is an office watch, not a dive watch, so this model has a logical and appropriate level of protection.
With what to combine
In general, such watches are quite versatile, especially considering modern fashion trends, when romantic and classic styles easily coexist with sporty and grunge wardrobe elements.
Fir Green Ultra Thin from D1 Milano can be worn to the office, to university, to a party, or to the theater. With a jacket and leather biker jacket, with a cashmere sweater.
But the accessories for them need to be selected skillfully so that the details of the image are in harmony with each other. These can be large earrings and rings or a massive chain around the neck. But you shouldn't put it all on at once. Small elements and thin rings are more likely to be lost against the background of such a large watch.
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