In the pursuit of horological excellence, dimensions often tell a story just as compelling as the complications within. Achieving true thinness in a wristwatch requires not just careful design but also considered engineering and material selection. The echo/neutra Rivanera Black Watch is a compelling testament to this, representing the culmination of two years of design work aimed at creating a timepiece that masterfully combines the svelte elegance of a dress watch with the modern sportiness inherent in titanium and a contemporary sandblasted finish.
The Rivanera’s defining characteristic is its exceptionally thin profile. Measuring a mere 5.5mm in height without the crystal, or 5.9mm including the flat sapphire glass, it is a watch designed to slide effortlessly under a cuff and wear with remarkable comfort. This thinness is achieved, in part, through the choice of material and the movement it houses.
For the case, echo/neutra opted for Grade 5 titanium – a superior alloy composed of 90% titanium, 6% aluminium, and 4% vanadium. This provides greater scratch resistance than the more commonly used Grade 2 titanium, ensuring the watch maintains its refined appearance over time. The goal was to create a watch that felt both contemporary and remarkably lightweight, enhancing wrist comfort.
At just 21 grams in total weight, it achieves this goal with aplomb. The case features a fine-grain sandblasted finish that creates a beautiful contrast with the polished edges, resulting in stunning light reflections that highlight the sharp, bold lines of the design.
The design itself draws the eye to an Art Deco-style dial, featuring applied indices that are meticulously crafted to reflect light from every angle, adding visual intrigue. This elegant dial is housed within the thoughtfully finished titanium case. The sharp lines and contrasting finishes – a medium-grain sandblasted main body juxtaposed with polished details on select angles and edges – create a truly unique interplay of forms and materials, adding a refined touch to the overall look. The watch measures 40mm in width and has a compact 40mm lug-to-lug measurement with a 20mm lug width, ensuring a comfortable and well-proportioned fit on the wrist.
Powering the Rivanera is the renowned Swiss ETA 7001 manual winding calibre, presented in Elaboré grade. This movement is a classic choice for thin timepieces, measuring just 10½ lignes (23.3 mm) with a thickness of a mere 2.5 mm. Designed and manufactured in Switzerland, this manual movement features 17 jewels and provides a reliable 42 hours of power reserve when fully wound – a nod to traditional watchmaking appreciated by enthusiasts.
The watch offers a practical 30m water resistance with a push/pull crown, reinforcing its focus on refined wear rather than deep submersion. Adding further value and versatility, the Rivanera will be available with two premium strap options: a black Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan and a black Alpine calf leather. Horween Shell Cordovan is celebrated for its extreme durability, dense, smooth texture, and ability to develop a beautiful patina, while Alpine calfskin offers a soft, textured material ideal for elegant everyday use.
Offering this remarkable blend of ultra-thin design, lightweight Grade 5 titanium, a classic Swiss manual winding movement, sophisticated Art Deco dial, and premium strap options at a price point of £1293, the echo/neutra Rivanera Black Watch stands out as a compelling piece for those who appreciate minimalist design, technical elegance, and serious horological substance.
