Enjoying La Dolce Vita with the Labormatic by GaGa Laboratorio
There must be something special about Italy because it is otherwise hard to explain how so much incredible design comes from this area. Whether it is cars, clothing, coffeemakers, you name it, the Italians have turned it into something special. The most incredible aspect of it all is that they even make it look easy. A few lines, some details, and another classic is born. In terms of watchmaking, they do it with seemingly the same ease, as the Labormatic by GaGa Laboratorio proves.
The design of these watches is sketched by Mo Coppoletta, who is best known as one of the leading names in the world of tattoo artists. Yet to call him just that would be a grave injustice, as he is also a gifted designer collaborating with various brands, including those in the watch world. The first was the design for 'A Sailor's Grave,' by the unfortunately now defunct brand Romain Jerome. After that, he teamed up with Stepan Sarpaneva for his brand S.U.F. Helsinki and Bvlgari to give his take on the Octo Finissimo. With GaGa Laboratorio, the canvas was empty, as there was no existing watch as a basis, allowing Coppoletta to reimagine the lines of post-war Italian design.
This type of Italian design is more elaborate than the current style. To explain this, see today's Italian design style (and I am generalizing here) as a scope of perfectly made gelato. Post-war Italian design is that same scope of gelato, yet now presented in a beautiful ice coupe, topped off with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pistachio nuts. For the Labormatic, this starts with the seven-piece case that stands out due to its flaring out lugs and crown at twelve o'clock. The time is shown through the window at twelve o'clock, and is a so-called wandering hours. This means that the disc behind it turns slowly and does not jump. GaGa Laboratorio plays with this way of telling time by also showing the half hours in this window. This is a nice touch, although a hand also indicates the exact minute. There is no hand for the seconds as instead, the central emblem turns around.
Not only is the case itself well-rounded, but so are all the different elements on the dial. This gives not only a sense of depth but also a play of light. It also makes these watches profoundly different than anything else on the market. With a diameter of 42mm and a thickness of 13.30mm, the wearability of these watches is superb. Setting the time was sometimes challenging, as the strap got in the way when the crown was pulled out. Fortunately, the strap comes with a quick release, allowing you to take it off, set the time, and put it back on in a matter of seconds. I didn't even mind this as much as I should for some reason. It may be because I am used to driving Italian cars, where functionality is sometimes gratefully sacrificed in the service of design.
In terms of the movement, GaGa Laboratorio opted for the La Joux-Perret LJP – G100. A fine choice, as this movement is not only reliable, it also comes with a power reserve of a generous 68 hours. Regular readers might know that this is a pet peeve of mine, as in today's world of watches, in my opinion, a 48-hour power reserve is the bare minimum. Unless brands are going to break ultra-slim records, more should be doable and expected in the world of high-end watches. Thanks to a customized oscillating weight, the back of the watch joins in with the design of the front.
GaGa Laboratorio offers the Labormatic in two versions that are more different than just their color. The first is called Cinquanta, with a beautiful mint-colored dial that indicates the minutes through a black frame with a red arrow. The second one is strangely called Bauhaus, after the famous German design school, and it is not something that is at the top of my mind when it comes to this lusciously looking watch. Apart from the charming red hand that tells the minutes, the Bauhaus is a more monochrome proposition. Here, you also get to see the case's complexity better, as some parts have a black coating. These are separate segments that together form the case. GaGa Laboratorio alternates every hour between a black and a grey background in the window for the hours. The Cinquanta has the same, yet there it is more subtle in mint green and cream.
GaGa Laboratorio also shows great style with its choice of straps. No exotic alligator or fancy lizard, but beautiful high-quality Saffiano leather was chosen for them. This perfectly gives the watch itself a platform to shine, while no concessions are made to quality. That goes for both watches in general, as the build quality looks and feels very good. This all together also makes the price of 3,900 CHF more than fair. That is if you don't shy away from a little attention, because these watches are also true eyecatchers on the wrist.
For more info, visit GaGa Laboratorio, here.
