Hello, dear friends of IWS, as you know, we are fascinated by stories of longevity and tradition that distinguish some of the most important Italian realities in the watchmaking sector. For this reason, today we take you back in time to 1860 to narrate the story of Astrua, a name that has not only marked the time of watches but also the history of Italy itself. Welcome to the world of Astrua, a journey through history, elegance, and passion for luxury watchmaking and jewelry.
The Origins: 1860, The Birth of an Icon
Astrua’s story begins in the Kingdom of Sardinia, one year before Turin became the Capital of Italy. In this historical setting, Vincenzo Astrua opened an artisan workshop in via Barbaroux, a place where artisanal mastery breathed life into pocket watches, table clocks, and salon pendulums. During that era, it was the savoir-faire of the individual watchmaker that made the difference, skillfully assembling each component and signing the dial with their name, a symbol of quality and prestige.
To put it into context, during those years, Italy was not yet united, Garibaldi was fully engaged in the Expedition of the Thousand, Giosuè Carducci had just took the chair at Bologna and Lenoir invented the first combustion engine. Imagine how much history, how many vicissitudes Astrua has lived through in these 164 years of existence.
The Evolution of the Brand: From Vincenzo Astrua to Valter Franco Ricci
From its inception in 1860, Astrua’s story continues, characterized by tradition, excellence, and passion. Meanwhile, in 1972, 112 years after the founding of Astrua, the “Ricci” watchmaking laboratory opens in Alessandria by the hand of Valter Franco Ricci, a young watchmaker already appreciated for his mastery. The young enthusiast spends about 17 years learning and perfecting his art.
1989 marks an important point for Ricci, who inherits from his mentor Emanuele Foa his shop, the knowledge of diamonds, and a vision: to create jewelry and a world of seductions united by an unmistakable style. The foundations are laid for what would become Astrua as we know it today. A place dedicated to the research and realization of Beauty, in all its forms, starting from Time.
In 1993, the story of Astrua and Ricci unite. Two names, two stories that intertwine in a metaphorical passing of the baton between watchmakers, bringing to the boutique not only watches but also jewelry, artisanal leather goods, and design objects.
New Horizons: The Expansion of Astrua
The ’90s and 2000s see Astrua grow and renew itself. In 1994, Alessandria welcomes the Boutique ASTRUA – Valter Franco Ricci, a concept store where the search for beauty knows no end. Openings follow in Genoa and Turin, unique spaces, but all united by the search for excellence and the unmistakable style of Astrua: incredibly curated boutiques, attentive to respect for tradition and simultaneously projected forward, thanks to the use of cutting-edge technology. The automated system that uses futuristic tubes to bring watches from the warehouse, directly into the hands of the customer is one example of success. It’s impossible to meet someone who has been in Astrua, who does not tell of this fascinating system.
In recent years, Astrua has continued to expand and innovate. The boutiques in Alessandria, Genoa, and Turin have expanded, offering spaces dedicated to precious fragrances, leather goods, and international brands. In 2023, Astrua receives recognition from ROLEX, choosing the company as an Italian partner for the launch of the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches, reaffirming the brand’s uniqueness and excellence.
Beyond Time
Astrua is not just a boutique, but an authentic forge of research and development, where creativity and mastery blend to create unique jewelry, tailor-made leather goods, and refined furnishing accessories. Each product is then accompanied by exclusive gift packages, guarantees, and certifications, testifying to the brand’s commitment to excellence and attention to detail.
Signed Astrua Watches
Now, friends of IWS, let’s talk about something you will certainly like a lot! As a testament to Astrua’s historical relevance to the world of watchmaking, numerous examples of watches with double signature on the dial have remained. Some of these, given the importance and rarity, have also reached dizzying figures at auction between 2015 and today. Let’s look at some examples together!
Patek Philippe ref. 130 in stainless steel
When we talk about Astrua-signed dials, we cannot fail to mention this incredible timepiece produced in 1938. It is a very probably unique example of Patek Philippe ref. 530 in steel with a sectorial dial. When it went up for auction at Christie’s in 2016, this watch shook the vintage market for several reasons. Firstly, there are only three ref. 530 in steel with a sectorial dial. Moreover, the model in question is the first produced, as well as the only one to have the double signature Astrua Torino. Finally, the model had been kept in the same private collection for forty years in exceptional conditions. A real gem that beat at auction the figure of 1.2 million Swiss francs.
Patek Philippe ref. 130 in yellow gold
The second watch signed Astrua Torino we are talking about is a Patek Philippe ref. 130 in yellow gold. Here too the Astrua Torino signature is placed at 6 o’clock on the white dial, testifying to the importance of the Boutique for a maison like Patek Philippe. It is believed that only four ref. 130 are signed Astrua.
Rolex Explorer ref. 1016
Astrua is not only important for Patek Philippe, and this Astrua-signed Rolex Explorer ref. 1016 proves it. This watch, produced in 1969, went to auction at Phillips in 2016, beating the figure of 18,750 CHF. We immediately notice that the Astrua Torino signature here is replaced by the slimmer “ASTRUA”, probably because it is more in line with the modernity of the years.
Conclusions
Astrua represents a story of passion, innovation, and style, a brand that has spanned generations, preserving its essence while evolving to meet the tastes and needs of its customers. From Vincenzo Astrua to Valter Franco Ricci, the journey continues, not only marking time but also the history of elegance and luxury in Italy and the world, with fascinating and cutting-edge boutiques capable of offering visitors a unique experience thanks to the finely thought-out environments and the selection of objects of excellence, from new and certified pre-owned watches to high jewelry.
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