CODE41 has been making a name for itself as the go-to independent for crazy mechanics at even crazier prices. There was 2022’s Mecascape—a pseudo-skeleton, hand-wound travel clock with GMT function that was the size of an old-school iPhone. Last year, it launched a tourbillon that came in under £10k, and earlier this year, it unveiled its Moon INCEPTION—a gorgeous moonphase with a photo-realistic moon surrounded by constellations.
This latest launch is something a little different. Rather than focusing on mega-mechanics, it finds founder and creative director Claudio D’Amore in a more philosophical mood.
“In the tumultuous arena of the global economy and modern conflicts, resilience is becoming our superpower,” he explains.
For D’Amore, these turbulent times have given him time and reason to reflect, and this new collection, UNIFY, is the result of this contemplation.
UNIFY
For CODE41, the design is relatively simple—no mechanical magic apart from a very reliable Sellita movement, should you opt for the automatic version. There’s also a quartz Ronda version. However, as always, the more you look at the watch, the more it reveals. As the name says, this is a timepiece designed without bias in terms of its target audience.
“As a designer, I like beautiful objects, but my true love lies with those that have soul,” says D’Amore. “That is why I have conceived this new piece with a clear intention that it be simple, strong and timeless but above all serve as a canvas for strong ideas.”
Design
In principle, that means a gender-neutral 38mm diameter, a case that combines the curves of a cushion with the angles of an integrated steel design, and a variety of colourways, including contrasting sub-dials, on which, when the second-hand reaches 12, the universal sign for peace is revealed.
Yet the most interesting thing about this collection is that D’Amore intends to use it as a blank canvas to amplify the voices of artists and personalities from all walks of life through limited editions.
Sharoz Makarechi
First up is Sharoz Makarechi. Marakechi is an American artist and activist who immigrated to the US during the Islamic Revolution, a series of events that culminated in the overthrow of the Pahlavi Dynasty. This last Iranian royal dynasty ruled for almost 54 years before being deposed in 1979 by the revolution.
Makarechi describes herself as a writer, brand adviser, creative director, curator, production designer and producer. Through her company, Plaid America, she uses businesses such as her cannabis brand, Substance, to raise awareness about such issues as the disproportionate number of black Americans who are incarcerated.
CODE41 used two of Marakechi’s powerful graphic creations as design inspiration for two versions of the UNIFY. One, which features the colours of the Equity flag on the sub-dial against a white background, will be part of the permanent collection. Proceeds from the sale will go towards the Equal Justice Initiative, an organisation that defends human rights and impartial justice.
The other has a black hand raised in a fist against a blue sky on the dial – a symbol of collective rage born out of the murder of George Floyd. It is a powerful piece, both as a watch and as a reminder of continuing injustices suffered by people of colour.
Pricing and Availability
Alongside the Equity flag version, two other dial colours of the UNIFY will be added to the permanent collection—one in anthracite blue and one in satin-brushed grey. The sub-dial is at nine on the mechanical version, while it’s at six on the quartz.
As with all CODE 41 watches, it adheres to its commitment to total transparency throughout the whole supply chain and, as always, it is ridiculously good value. Makarechi’s limited edition is just £1,430, the core collection with a mechanical movement is £1,300, and the quartz is just £750.
Pre-orders are open now and there are only 88 of Makarechi’s design available so as is always the case with CODE41, procrastination will leave you empty wristed.
It will be interesting to see who else CODE41 decides to collaborate with on UNIFY in the future, but for now, it has a powerful collection with an even more arresting message.
Pre-order now at code41.com >
