Background
We had the thrill of meeting Alex, founder of Alpharo, at Hands on Horology last year. He showed us the bold “Cyclone White” Model 1, and our curiosity took off. A month later, we saw the full lineup in person.
The “Maelstrom Blue” and “Galaxy Black” versions were just as striking. We also sat down with Alex to hear about his ten-year journey to create Alpharo.
He shared how seeing the Milgauss hands from Rolex first sparked his imagination. It made him ask a simple question: what else is possible in watch design?
Case
At 38 mm in diameter and just 9.8 mm thick, the Model 1 meets classic dress watch proportions. Yet it feels far from traditional.
The lugs follow the same curved language as the dial, avoiding straight lines wherever possible. The crown features 12 grooves that mirror the arcs on the dial. These details show clear intent. Nothing feels accidental.
The case is slim and refined, but it carries a strong identity.
Dial
The Alpharo Model 1 takes inspiration from non-Euclidean geometry and asks a bold question: what if lines were not straight?
The curved hands and 12 spirals break away from convention. At first glance, the dial may seem hard to read. That feeling fades quickly. Your eye adjusts, and the design begins to make sense.
We spent time with the “Maelstrom Blue” model. Its fumé, translucent lacquered dial shifts beautifully in changing light. It draws you in slowly. The more you look, the more you notice.
Movement
Turn the watch over and the story continues. A small porthole reveals the rotor moving inside. It feels like a window into the mechanics.
A debossed Poincaré disk decorates the caseback, tying the design to the theme of geometry and discovery. The movement supports the concept without distracting from it.
Wearing Experience
On the wrist, the Model 1 feels light and well balanced. The slim profile helps it slide easily under a cuff. While it meets dress watch standards in size, its personality goes far beyond that category.
It feels bold yet controlled. Distinctive, yet wearable. The curved design language makes it stand out without becoming overwhelming.
What Would Make Me Happier
The curved hands are central to the Model 1’s identity, but they may not be for everyone. For some, their sweeping shape will feel bold and refreshing. For others, they may take time to adjust to. That is part of the watch’s charm, but it also opens the door to future variations.
Where I see real potential is in dial colour. The design lends itself to experimentation. From deep jewel tones to lighter, more playful shades, there is a wealth of opportunity to explore how colour interacts with the spirals and curved hands. Different finishes or levels of contrast could shift the mood of the watch while keeping the geometric concept intact.
The foundation is strong. Now it feels like a canvas waiting for even more creative expression.
Price: £699
Specifications
- Dial: Sculpted spiral pattern in three variants:
- Maelstrom Blue (translucent lacquer fumé)
- Cyclone White (bead-blasted silver)
- Galaxy Black (charcoal sunburst fumé)
- Case Diameter: 38 mm
- Thickness: 9.8 mm (including crystal)
- Lug-to-Lug: 45.3 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Case Material: 316L stainless steel
- Crystal: Double-dome sapphire crystal with anti-reflective undercoating
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM / ~50 m
- Movement: Miyota 9039 automatic (Japanese made, with hacking and hand-winding)
- Power Reserve: ~42 hours
- Frequency: 28,800 bph
- Jewels: 24
- Hands: Curved hands — heat-blued on white, rhodium-plated on black/blue
- Strap Options: Leather or stainless steel Milanese mesh bracelet
- Caseback: Solid screw-in with sapphire exhibition “porthole” over balance wheel
