Here is a great start to 2021, one of my favourite microbrands, Direnzo, just announced a new model, the DRZ 04, to be launched later this year. Even if you are less familiar with this Swiss microbrand, you can guess from the name of the watch that it will be their fourth model. Sergio Di Renzo, the founder is an architect-turned-watch-designer and brand owner, who like to start out his designs from an idea, a theme, like the Maserati 250F that inspired his debut model or the solar eclipse that was the main theme for his third model the DRZ 03. The DRZ 04 Mondial celebrates the arrival of jet planes that revolutionized the world of air travel, especially that of the Boeing 707 that is credited with beginning the Jet Age.

Even without the logo, I would recognize immediately that the DRZ 04 is a Direnzo. It brings back the most original design elements from the DRZ 02 and the DRZ 03, bringing new details that show the maturity of Sergio’s design vision, such as the skeleton hands, or the shape of the case and case back.

The dials will come in five flavours: grey, blue, white, green and meteorite, all with the date at 6 o’clock, while under the hood, we will find a Swiss Sellita SW-200-1 Elaboré with Incabloc protection. The stainless steel integrated bracelet is Sergio’s personal homage to Gérald Genta, the designer of the Patek Philippe Nautilus or the AP Royal Oak, who Sergio considers to be the greatest watch designers of all times.

The pre-sale is scheduled for March 20 at 5 pm GMT, at a pre-sale price of 599 CHF (about $620 USD) or 750 CHF for the meteorite dial model (about $820 USD), with delivery in June 2021. Don’t miss the pre-sale, follow Direnzo on Facebook and Instagram. For more about the brand and the DRZ 04, visit direnzowatches.com