very year - since our publications began in 1927 - we have the privilege and honour of discovering newcomers to the watchmaking industry, who contribute their own values and creativity to enriching the industry. At the same time, they broaden the scope of watchmaking to new audiences.

The latest comes from Albania, where Mr. Pirro Ruço is already a recognised jeweller: now Artistic Jewellery Pirro is trying its hand at watchmaking with an impressive first model, Primordial Passion, which combines the company’s know-how with the heritage of ancestral Albanian culture.

The result of five years’ work, the watch features twelve Albanian folk dancers to mark the hours. They are all crafted in yellow 18K gold, representing twelve regions, each unique and diverse in their respective regional embroidery, reflected in the micro figurines through hyper-realism.

Each figurine has been finely designed and engraved within a micron range of 9-10mm height, preserving the originality of sculptural artwork.

This masterpiece, encapsulated under an anti-reflection sapphire crystal dome, is a true technical prowess and has required exceptional expertise. The central fix mechanical movement, resulting from the fruitful cooperation with Agenhor, the Geneva based watchmaker, enables the assembling of this composition.

Beneath the black onyx Pirro emblem, four instrumentalists in 18K gold are seated within the black gold eagle sculpture. Another notable characteristic is the bi-color hour hands in black and yellow 18K gold, shaped like eagle claws, indicating the hours and minutes.

The dial is composed of a diverse artistic micro-mosaic in a red-black gradient of Murano glass stones, consisting of 1500 stones in eight different colors and 64 cuts, the smallest measuring only 0.2mm. The gradient and brand texture are adjusted accordingly to their shades to indicate the hours. The fine gold geometric pattern on the dial, confining the micro- mosaic stones, forms the Pirro brand motif. The back cover reflects the illustrated scene with the folk dancers engraved in micro-relief.

The watchcase, crafted from 18K yellow gold, measures 46.5mm in diameter and 22mm in height, including the sapphire crystal dome.

Due to the specific requirements and technical challenges of this complex project, the maison invested in the latest high-end Swiss manufacturing technology to craft this exceptional masterpiece. As a result, all the gold components of the watch, including the figurines and the case, have been produced in-house by Pirro.

“I want to measure time with timeless beauty, by creating artistic and unique watches that transcend functionality to become enduring pieces of art,” emphasizes Pirro Ruço.

Since its inception in 1995, Artistic Jewellry Pirro, founded by Mr. Pirro Ruço, has managed to preserve and promote the rich and ancient Albanian heritage. By encompassing a wide range of works, the maison has taken on this challenge bringing the rich heritage of ancient Albanian jewelry to the present, with dedication and creativity. Every piece crafted by the brand is a valuable artifact, worthy of being passed down through generations, representing an important part of the country’s history and culture.

Renowned for exquisite jewellery, medals, coin reliefs, figurines, miniature sculptures, and handmade filigree artwork full of history that are filled with spirit and energy, the brand has built a spiritual bridge between the past and the future. Through tireless work and dedication to quality and authenticity, the brand has become a national symbol of pride and a custodian of ancient Albanian culture.

And this now also applies to watchmaking!

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Case:

• 18k yellow gold
• 18k yellow gold crown
• Sapphire crystal dome with anti-reflective coating

Dial:

• 18k yellow gold
• 16 micro figurines of 9-10mm height in 18k gold
• Micro-mosaic in a red-black gradient of Murano glass stones
• 1500 stones in eight different colors and 64 cuts, the smallest measuring only 0.2mm.

Movement:

• Mechanical Manual-Winding
• Power Reserve: 50 h, 21600 vph

Hands:

• Bi-color hour and minutes hands in black and yellow 18K gold

Strap:

• Lizard Genuine Leather
• Pin buckle 18K yellow gold

Dimensions:

• 46.5 mm diameter, 22 mm height