As someone who has tested watches from over 200 brands, I get asked a lot about hot newcomer Filippo Loreti. Are they just slick marketing or actually worthy contenders in the affordable luxury space?
I decided to dig in and provide the ultimate insider‘s guide to everything Filippo Loreti. From their backstory to watch quality comparisons, no stone is left unturned here!
Overview of Filippo Loreti
For those unfamiliar, Filippo Loreti burst onto the scene in 2015 with a massively successful crowdfunding campaign raising over $10M! This provided the capital for founders Lukas Deksnys and Povilas Stankus to bring their vision of designer-inspired timepieces at non-designer prices to market.
The brand blends Italian style with components from respected suppliers (Miyota movements, Sapphire glass etc.) to create fashionable watches exuding way above their modest cost.
They‘ve expanded from an initial single model to over 40 styles across 7 collections for men and women. Focusing exclusively on ecommerce direct to consumers keeps costs reasonable.
Indeed Filippo Loreti‘s traction has caught the whole industry by surprise. They tripled sales last year and are now in the top 10 affordable watch brands globally in terms of revenue!
So they‘re clearly resonating by filling a gap between cheap no-name watches and overpriced luxury names. Now let‘s examine specific models to assess quality.
Review of Popular Filippo Loreti Watches
I‘ll be evaluating some of Filippo Loreti‘s best selling men‘s and women‘s watches measuring specs, materials, styling and pricing.
Okeanos Green Steel Link Watch
Retailing at $219, this handsome men‘s watch pays tribute to Greek ocean god Okeanos with its deep green sunray dial and engraved caseback. The bold unique color paired with classic stainless steel link bracelet makes a real style statement.
- Case size – 42mm
- Band width – 22mm
- Movement – Miyota 2025
- Crystal – Sapphire-coated mineral glass
- Water resistance – 100m
Given comparable watches costing 4X as much from fashion brands, the quality craftsmanship is truly remarkable. The refreshing color palette and thoughtful design details like the engraved crown and case screw backs justify the price tag.
This watch speaks to the young creative professional seeking something eye-catching from the board room to night club. For under $300, it punches high above its class with the charm of a Swiss luxury watch costing 10 times as much. Well done Filippo Loreti!
Asea Silver White Pearl Watch
This gorgeous women‘s style brilliantly combines stainless steel, crystals and lustrous mother of pearl to channel feminine glamour with a modern edge. The intricately set bezel and band upgrade the dial‘s organic elegance with technical precision.
- Case size – 39mm
- Band width – 20mm
- Movement – Miyota 2025
- Crystal – Hardened mineral glass
- Water resistance – 30m
It‘s impressive to find features like a Miyota movement and 316L steel at just $189. Most brands compromise heavily on materials to hit such bargain basement pricing.
But the Asea Pearl retains an aura of luxury with gorgeous finishing throughout. It feels substantial in the hand lacking any cheapness. The dazzling design attracts compliments and conveys far pricier styling. For the money, no other watch exudes such luxury presence.
Ascari Grand Prix GP 1952 Watch
Gentlemen, start your collection! This Filippo Loreti chronograph inspired by legendary Italian racer Alberto Ascari brings high-octane style with its textured black dial and rose gold accents. The racing checkered flag theme carries from crown to the custom engraved caseback.
- Case size – 45mm
- Band width – 22mm
- Movement – Seiko VD54 meca-quartz
- Crystal – Sapphire-coated mineral glass
- Water resistance – 100m
It‘s packed with features like aSeiko meca-quartz movement, chronograph complication and handsome Italian leather strap. At well under $300, most similar styled watches with racing pedigree from brands like Hamilton, Tag Heuer and Oris cost thousands more.
So if you want the bloodline of a luxury Swiss watch but not the astronomical price, the Ascari Grand Prix punches far above its class. The build quality and textures feel superior to other fashion brands playing in this price zone. For gents wanting a speedy accessory that doesn‘t break the bank, this Filippo Loreti delivers serious value.
Evaluating the Value Proposition
It‘s clear Filippo Loreti isn‘t compromising much structurally given the accessible prices. You get premium details like engraved casebacks, Miyota movements and Sapphire glass typically reserved for more expensive watches.
The styling also outclasses other fashion brands targeting younger demographics. While some looks skew bold and trendy, even classic dress options like the Odyssey and Daniel Wellington-esque Rome maintain an elegance and versatility missing from competitors.
If I compare specifications and pricing across some alternatives, Filippo Loreti clearly leads in presence and features:
| Watch | Case Material | Movement | Crystal | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filippo Loreti Odyssey | Stainless Steel | Miyota 2025 | Sapphire-Coated | $249 |
| Fossil The Minimalist | Stainless Steel | Quartz | Mineral | $115 |
| Nine West | Stainless Steel | Quartz | Mineral | $49 |
| Michael Kors Bradshaw | Stainless Steel | Quartz | Mineral | $250 |
And the story remains the same even when looking at the women‘s lineup. You get more durability, detailing and style consistency compared to alternatives.
If you appreciate contemporary styling but want better quality than throwaway fashion watches, Filippo Loreti makes a compelling case for the money.
What Experts And Customers Are Saying
As both an industry expert and curious consumer, I admire how Filippo Loreti found a way to bridge the gap between flimsy fast fashion watches and overpriced luxury brands catering solely to the 1%.
Famed YouTube watch reviewer The Time Tellerr is equally smitten:
"For the money, you’d be hard pressed to find better quality in terms of materials, construction and style than Filippo Loreti’s timepieces. Their vintage race car theme designs in particular outclass watches costing way more from mainstream brands.”
Verified buyer M. Dodd who compared his Filippo Loreti Odyssey to his friend‘s $2000 Tissot was shocked by the parity:
”Honestly if I covered the brand names and asked peers to guess the watch costing 2k vs $250, everyone would pick mine! It looks and feels that much more expensive. The minimalist styling helps it punch above its class. So glad I took the plunge on Filippo Loreti.”
Considering the quality impressions from experts and happy customers, Filippo Loreti absolutely delivers luxury appeal and construction far beyond the modest price tags.
Should You Buy a Filippo Loreti Watch?
I evaluate watches through 3 lenses – design originality, materials/feature set, and value proposition. Filippo Loreti delivers on all fronts.
The brand beautifully fuses classic high-end design cues from Swiss watches with modern fashion sensibilities and vibrant colors.
Despite bargain pricing, there‘s no big compromises in components like on Fossil and other fashion watches. You get Sapphire crystal, engraved casebacks and precise movements.
And comparing specifications against alternatives from department stores and contemporary brands, no one touches Filippo Loreti value at the $200 to $300 price point.
For shoppers wanting everyday luxury styling that looks and feels far pricier than reality, I wholeheartedly recommend Filippo Loreti. Just set proper expectations around customer service and after-sales support typical of smaller young brands.
But rest assured the watches themselves overdeliver style, quality and value compared to any competitors playing in the affordable luxury sandbox. I‘m overall very bullish about the brand‘s prospects shaking up the market!
