Thank you Matas for taking the time to speak with us today. Please share us more about yourself and your background in this industry.
Thanks for having me, Jeremiah.
My background is in business operations and my brother Danielius, also a co-founder of Filippo Loreti, has design and fashion management background.
Several years ago we were searching to buy a watch but the prices of great designed watches in the retails shops were beyond affordable. And that got us thinking, there must be something special inside these watches that they’re so expensive.
It turns out that whenever we buy a luxury watch we always pay 10 to 50 times what that watch costs to make. For example the watch that costs $50 to make often sells in the range of $500-$750 and beyond.
We thought there should be a better way to do that!
We’re inspired by the Warby Parker (glasses) and Everlane (clothing) model – offering luxury quality goods directly to customers and cutting out everyone in between.
How did you get started with Filippo Loreti?
Firstly we started brainstorming concepts via Skype since Danielius was at the time studying in Italy and I was in the UK.
Then we started flying over and meeting with various technical design consultants, jewellery designers, etc.
Essentially Danielius took the design part and I was mainly responsible for the supply chain and marketing.
Where do you get the idea to create this brand. What inspires you when it comes to design?
We both fell in love with Italy when we’re children – our grandfather had an Italian friend who used to send these fascinating post cards from places all across the country. That actually lead to Danielius starting his undergrad in Italy. Each series represent our favourite Italian destination.
As you may have guessed, our grandfather’s friend name was Filippo Loreti.
Let’s talk about your various market. Which countries and/or cities do you think will be your biggest market for this launch
I would say that the US, Australia and Asia are the biggest markets – perhaps because Italy is something that is far and exotic.
Actually as for our Kickstarter campaign we are seeing big traction from all over the world!
It got fully funded in 48 hours and doubled that amount in the next 48!
Do you plan to create more watches in the future, or will this be more of a one-time, one-design idea?
We are driven by the idea of never ending journey and exploration of both design and technical capabilities, so when we think about the future we would like to see the brand having the cornerstone principles of limited edition collections with high dose of good storytelling and fair pricing models.
Our current collection is limited to 500 pieces.
Danielius has many design ideas but there is only so much time in a day! Our first collection is powered by various complexity of Quartz semi-mechanical movements.
In our next collection we will definitely be experimenting with automatic movements
Is there anything you’d like to highlight to the Gracious Watch readers related to your current model?
I would invite all the readers to check out our Kickstarter collection! Here is the link to Filippo Loreti Kickstarter campaign
Where will the watches be available after the launch?
After the Kickstarter campaign has ended, we’ll be selling online-only as to avoid the middlemen and keep our affordable price point.
What are your goals for Filippo Loreti Watches in the next 5 years?
We’d like to keep making limited edition luxury watches, introduce various complexity movements, perhaps make our own some day!
What do you personally look for in a timepiece?
Reliability and great design. I personally prefer rough edges and brushed finish, so I mainly wear our Como series.
Follow Filippo Loreti on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filippoloretiofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filippoloretiwatches/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/filippoloreti/
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2050848594/redefining-italian-luxury-watches
Official Website: https://www.filippoloreti.com/
Venice Series
Venice Silver Watch
Florence Series
Florence Blue Gold Watch
Como Series
Como Silver Watch
Bosa Series
Bosa Silver Watch
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