Hands-On Review of the Furlan Marri White Sector Ref. 2161-A

Originally published on Wrist Enthusiast 11th May 2023

Isn’t it interesting how trends change. Throughout the 2010’s it felt like wristwatches were getting bigger and bigger with each release. Yes we had the usual suspects sticking with their 36mm staples, however the trend leaned further away from that and towards heavier, shinier, unit-like sports watches, pluming with elaborate flashes of colour, which now can often be thought of as quite crude. But now, into the 2020’s, the interest in the lower end of the luxury market seems to have shifted, towards a more elegant, “less is more” approach.

This is where creators no longer took inspiration from what they may have thought the future looked like, but more focused on elements of history, twisting them with modern touches to produce what produce something which appeal to the more “modern” individual, perhaps in keeping with the current uptrend of “Old Money Style”. This is where duo Andrea Furlan and Hamad Al Marri arrived on the scene in 2021; with a Kickstarter campaign which, stood out well enough to bring their first products successfully to market, the launch model references 1022-B Farro and the Ref. 1031-A Havana Salmon, two impressive mecha-quartz chronographs, taking historical reference from notable brands such as Lemania and Vacheron Constantin. Of course, just as many microbrands who seem to hit things just right, they sold out and started the ball rolling for the partners into their next model, the “Sector”.

You’ll note firstly that there are 3 models within the Sector range, each not only depicting the dial colours, in Salmon, Grey and this particular piece I have here, the White, but also each model has its own specific “Ref.” Number, much like the classical pieces they draw inspiration from. It’s slight nods such as these to their horological DNA which is indicative of the character of these pieces. This range in particular, is Furlan Marri’s first move into the world of fully mechanical, automatic wristwatches. As a subtle 3-hander, I can’t think of a better place to start.

THE DETAILS

All Furlan Marri timepieces arrive in a plush, yet respectfully small leather-covered clamshell box, lined with suede and finished with gold printed text. In fact, I’ll get one of the only things that doesn’t appeal to me out of the way quickly - it’s nothing to do with the watch itself, more what’s contained within that text. On the inside of the leather box, and the outer textured storage box, there is a tagline that reads, “Attractive Wristwatches”. And this is a harsh criticism, however following long searching through FM’s branding, website and social media, this tagline doesn’t exist, however others do, which is a frustrating inconsistency with the branding. So it was unexpected and while yes, the FM is indeed an Attractive Wristwatch, I’m not sure I need telling. Lots of other brands let the watch itself do the talking.

However dubious taglines aside, what’s important is what stares right at you once you peel apart the two halves of the box. This particular model, the White Sector / Ref. 2161- A features a highly polished 37.5mm stainless steel case, with particularly classic-looking “cow horn” lugs. The case is well proportioned for a relatively small watch, with a 46mm lug to lug measurement. The finishing on the case for this budget is exceptional, with alternating facets around the case either highly polished, or fine linear brushed. The back of the watch features the same finishing, along with a decagonal caseback, which is of course, an exhibition. Without opening the case and removing the movement I sadly cannot confirm, but I am told the inside of the inner case is machined to a perlage finish. Which is interesting, because to go to these lengths on an area one cannot even see at all, is quite a discerning effort.

Despite this model being labelled the “White” Sector, the dial is in fact a very fine metallic silver. There’s also another nod to the dial in the name, because the dial itself is split up into sectors, detailed using electrical discharge machining, rather than stamping. This allows for incredibly clear and sharp fonts and line work on a small, delicate dial. Giving it almost the appearance of a surgical instrument. The indices are complimented beautifully at 12, 3, 6 and 9 with highly polished Breguet style numerals. Again another feature which is usually reserved for watches of a higher price point is the hands, which have a wonderful flow to them, but are also properly heated blue - as opposed what quite a few lower end watchmakers use, which are usually coloured with dye. It’s these kinds of finishes which set this piece apart from others in the price bracket. Generally you just don’t get these, however the beauty of small micro brands manufacturing watches in small quantities, they can control the details like this fairly easily.

Behind the sapphire caseback hides the pleasantly decorated movement, a G100 from La Joux-Perret (formerly Jacquet -Baume), owned by the Citizen group and supplies high end movements for brands such as Armin Strom, Romain Jérôme and LVMH group. It features a tungsten rotor, carefully engraved with the brand name, (along with another different slogan). The movement comprises of a 68hr power reserve after a healthy wind, which is very easily done with the sharp, but not too sharp finishing on the crown. If I had one comment to say about the movement, is that the rotor is a little loud. Perhaps I’m spoiled, but it can be distracting on the wrist when I can hear my watch. It’s certainly not a rattle, more of a slight swoosh of the bearings on the rotor. Nevertheless the movement is great for this price point, it’s well presented and keeps ideal time.

Along with the 3 dial options, each piece comes supplied with a contrasting coloured leather strap. Perfectly finished, with the ever-so-handy quick release spring bars. Interestingly the strap supplied fitted to the watch has curved ends which sit perfectly around the case. The secondary strap is straight, and there are additional holes machined into the lugs to facilitate the different style.

As Furlan Marri gathers more traction on social media, and bringing in attention at events as such as the recent Wind Up Watch Fair in San Francisco, I can easily see where this watch fits in with the neo-classical period in watches we are slowly entering into. Smaller, thinner, more elegant with high-precision detail finishing. This piece ticks all those boxes and more, and stands out as a small brand pushing out to bigger things. Keep an eye on Furlan Marri, I think we shall be seeing bigger things from them in the future.