The red-colored hands are relatively easy to read and nicely designed. While not as famously short as the hands on the Manometro models, the hands should be longer. I have a lot of respect for the slick designs of Giuliano Mazzuoli, but I do feel as though he is “hand shy.” A good example of this is the seconds hand which seems to just abruptly end in length before reaching out to the end of the dial. Perhaps there is some reason the brand is doing this. Their attention to detail is clearly very good, so the hands must be too short for some reason. I’d like to know what his feelings are on the matter. Though like I said, the hands are “acceptably sized” on the Trasmissione Meccanica.

Water resistant to 50 meters, the case and dial are clearly the main allure of this timepiece. Oh, and I have to mention the benefit of placing not only the brand name, but also the model name right on the dial (and case back for that matter). Over the dial is a domed sapphire crystal, that seems to have AR coating only on the inside. It is possible that a double AR coating may have worked a bit better, though I am not sure as many people like it when light plays a bit with their crystal.

Also typical of Giuliano Mazzuoli watches (aside from the Contagiri that has no crown) is the longer, larger crown placed at the 2 o’clock position. This seems to add character and is a design touch that I enjoy. You’ll see the brand logo engraved in the end of the crown. Another place you’ll see the logo is on a little lip placed on the buckle, as well as on the case back. The complete experience is very much “Giuliano Mazzuoli” and that is also quite Italian. It amuses me how Americans have issues pronouncing not only the brand name, but pretty much every product they have released. You feel a little more “Italiano” just wearing this piece.

Inside the Trasmissione Meccanica is a Swiss ETA 2824 automatic movement. Nothing fancy, but you really don’t need anything more special when it comes to powering a three-hand watch with a closed case back. People are going to invest in a cool watch like this for the case and dial. Which is a good thing if you are a car, engine, or transmission (gearbox) lover.

Which leads me to the principle question of who this watch is designed for. It isn’t per se about cars, but more about mechanical things related to most vehicles. While it is easy to claim ignorance as to why Giuliano Mazzuoli produced such a piece, the answer is inherently in the question. He made the Trasmissione Meccanica because he liked the idea. The reason why Italians are so often trendsetters is that because it seems inherent in their culture to do just so whatever they please. If they want to wear, ride, drive, or play with something interesting they will go ahead and just build it. And those trends can be contagious, which is why French and Italian fashion companies tend to do so well.

So what I am saying is that while I’ve never thought to myself “what I really want to wear is a transmission-themed watch,” now that someone has produced one, I seem to understand the logic in it. The Trasmissione Meccanica is not a timepiece I’d wear on a daily basis, but if I were a car lover and gear head (as many watch lovers are), it would be a uniquely appealing product to add to my collection of lifestyle paraphernalia. Giuliano Mazzuoli has produced four versions of the Trasmissione Meccanica. There is the ref. TMB06 in brushed steel on a rubber strap with a slightly lighter dial style, the ref. TMM07 also in brushed steel on rubber with a slightly darker dial style, the ref. TMGMM06 in gunmetal steel on a rubber strap, and finally the as-reviewed ref. TMGMP05 in the gunmetal steel case with the black leather strap (with red contrast) stitching. Price is $4,900 on leather and $5,100 on rubber. giulianomazzuoli.it

Necessary Data
>Brand: Giuliano Mazzuoli
>Model: Trasmissione Meccanica
>Price: $4,900 – $5,100
>Size: 43mm
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Sometimes
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Car guy who absolutely wants something interesting and also out of the ordinary.
>Worst characteristic of watch: Hands could be a bit longer, no lume on the dial.
>Best characteristic of watch: Just plain cool design with impressive detailing and unique inspiration.