Giorgio Piola seems to intuitively understand how to make legible hands and dials. The layered dial makes good use of color, empty space, and contrast to result in a compelling design which is also easy to read. The dial is rich with different colors and hand shapes, but somehow it all works together. I very much like the novel red hands and checked chronograph seconds hand in person – even if in pictures they might at first appear gimmicky. I also really like how materials and textures such as carbon fiber are used to enhance the thematic appeal of the watch face, but again do not act to remove utility from the timepiece. Like or dislike the look of the G5, I think it will be hard to argue that it fails in any major ways to be a very easy to understand chronograph.
Giorgio Piola uses carbon fiber, forged carbon, titanium, aluminum, and steel for the watch. Style-wise you do get the idea that Giorgio Piola was in at least some ways inspired by Hublot. Hublot produces Ferrari-branded watches and Giorgio Piola is clearly a big fan of Ferrari, so seeing similarities here makes sense. Giorgio Piola made it clear that he wanted the watch to include reminders of the world that inspired it. The titanium brake disc bezel is an obvious example, and others include the “START,” “RESET” labels on the chronograph pushers, the F1 engine-inspired crown, and the various bright colors on the dial. Let me once again point out that despite this being a “themed” watch, the dial does not have any extra decorative elements which would remove from its status as a tool. This is a big deal in my opinion when it comes to evaluating the design merit of such a product.
At 48mm wide and about 15mm thick, the G5 has a lug-to-lug distance of about 57mm. It is a sizable watch for sure, but it fits comfortable especially when the strap is secure enough. The case is relatively light as well given the materials used, and it has a water resistance rating of 100m. Aside from the titanium bezel and red aluminum ring under the bezel, most of the G5’s case is produced from forged carbon. Once an exotic form of carbon material used exclusively by Audemars Piguet, forged carbon has been a lot more democratized in the last several years and is no longer nearly as exclusive as it once was. The material has an attractive, organic look to it and is finely machined making for a handsome black-colored case. The caseback of the watch along with other more precise parts are in metal, since my understanding is that forged carbon is challenging to machine with such detail in small sizes or batches.
An important question to ask is whether the G5 is fashionable or simply for F1 fans looking for another timepiece to remind them of their passion for motorsports. While the watch certainly is the latter, I’d suggest that the quality of the design is more than enough for this to be a fashion product. By that I mean someone who doesn’t know about Giorgio Piola’s work or where some of these design inspirations come from would still otherwise find the watch attractive. That is ultimately up to each individual wearer, but I don’t think this watch is exclusively destined to be worn by fans and team managers who spend their time hanging out in the paddock before and after races. This is something that anyone compelled by the colorful and technical world of car racing can easily come to enjoy, in my opinion.
As I said above, inside the watch is a Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement. Giorgio Piola maintained the full set of complications for the movement, which includes the time, 12-hour chronograph, date, and day of the week on the dial. The latter two elements are neatly framed by a red window on the dial. The movement operates at 4Hz (28,800 bph) with a power reserve of approximately two days. I will say that I like the pressing action of the dual rubber-clad chronograph pushers even if the design of these elements is perhaps a bit more on the gimmicky side than I’m normally accustomed to enjoying.
The market for new watches from new brands is crowded. Even though Giorgio Piola is an established name in the Formula 1 world and his illustrations are top-notch, he has yet to really establish himself in the world of watches. In my opinion he comes with a background that offers a lot of credibility when it comes to producing wristwatch designs. Few get it this right so quickly, and the brand has enough backing to offer its customers requisite support and service. The Giorgio Piola G5 is produced as a limited edition of 500 pieces with a price of $2,985 USD. Learn more or order Giorgio Piola here.
Necessary Data
>Brand: Giorgio Piola
>Model: G5
>Price: $2,985 USD
>Size: 48mm wide, about 15mm thick, and about 57mm lug-to-lug
>When reviewer would personally wear it: When wanting inspiration to drive fast or at least fantasize about vehicles that do so. Not an uncommon occurrence for anyone who admires automobiles.
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Watch and Formula 1 lover who wants something both exclusive and relatively reasonably priced.
>Best characteristic of watch: Excellent early attempt by a new brand with a great personality to create a “watch nerd approved” mechanical watch inspired by the world of Formula 1 looks, materials, and expectations. Good legibility, design, and wearing comfort.
>Worst characteristic of watch: Large case will not be wearable for all people. Strap needs to be cut in order to be fit to one’s wrist size. Deployant clasp could be upgraded for a more cohesive high-end look.