ANONIMO
ANONIMO EPURATO MATTE BLUE
1 790.00 CHF
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Buy a pre-owned Anonimo watch at The Swiss Collector
Founded in Florence in 1997 by Federico Massacesi and former Officine Panerai craftsmen, Anonimo is an independent watchmaker whose philosophy can be summed up in one word : product before name. It's this very principle that gave the brand its name : "anonimo" means "anonymous" in Italian. Since 2013, the brand has been based in Le Locle, Switzerland, combining Florentine DNA with the Swiss Made label. Its cushion-shaped cases in steel or bronze, minimalist dials with triangle-arranged markers (a nod to the "A" of the brand) and Sellita automatic movements make Anonimo a discreet but solid reference in technical sport watchmaking. At The Swiss Collector, our pre-owned Anonimo selection is constantly evolving, with every piece being unique.
Anonimo's History : From Florence to Le Locle
Florentine Origins and the Panerai Heritage (1997–2005)
When Officine Panerai was acquired by the Vendôme Group (later Richemont) in 1997 and relocated from Florence to Switzerland, several of its craftsmen and managers chose to remain in Tuscany and launch their own house. Federico Massacesi founded Anonimo with the conviction that quality should speak for itself. The manufacture produced robust, technical watches in small batches, initially aimed at the Italian market, using ETA or Valjoux movements enhanced with proprietary complications. In 1998, the Millemetri was unveiled : water-resistant to 1,000 metres and tested at 2,100 metres depth by the CNS (Cooperativa Nazionale Sommozzatori) off the coast of Sicily. In 2001, the Militare was launched, recognisable by its patented crown positioned at 6 o'clock.
The Dino Zei Era and the Bronze Revolution (2003–2013)
In 2003, military engineer Dino Zei (also a former Panerai man) joined Anonimo and developed the Nautilo collection, introducing the bronze case to sport watchmaking. Anonimo was among the first watchmakers in the world to produce a dive watch with a bronze case, a material that develops a unique, natural patina over time. The Dino Zei line, dedicated to the most ambitious collector pieces, also emerged under his influence. Facing financial constraints, the brand underwent a period of transition from 2009, temporarily renamed Firenze Orologi.
The Swiss Chapter and Renaissance (2013–Today)
In 2013, a group of European investors acquired Anonimo and relocated the house to Le Locle, Switzerland. The brand adopted the Swiss Made label through the use of Sellita movements and refocused its range around three lines : Militare, Nautilo and Epurato. The watches retained their Florentine DNA (cushion case, crown at 6 or 12 o'clock, Kodiak-treated leather straps) while benefiting from Swiss precision and reliability. Anonimo became official timekeeper of the World Rally Championship, reinforcing its image as a technical brand committed to extreme sports.
Anonimo Collections
Key References & Secondary Market Prices
Militare automatic steel 43 mm, crown at 6h, Sellita SW200
CHF 1,080 – 1,790
Militare Chronograph steel 43 mm, bicompax, crown at 6h
CHF 1,990 – 3,530
Militare Chronograph bronze 43 mm, unique patina, limited edition
CHF 2,800 – 3,530
Nautilo automatic steel 44 mm, rotating bezel, 300 m water-resistant
CHF 1,055 – 1,480
Nautilo automatic bronze 44 mm, natural patina, full set
CHF 2,000 – 2,700
Epurato automatic steel 42 mm, blue or black dial, Sellita SW200
CHF 1,320 – 2,220
Dino Zei / special editions GMT, chronograph, bronze, rare dials
| CHF 2,600 – 5,280 |
Prices vary depending on condition, box and papers, and model rarity. Contact our The Swiss Collector experts for a precise valuation.
Anonimo vs Panerai vs Bell & Ross : which one to choose ?
Anonimo shares with a handful of houses a positioning around technical sport watches with a strong identity, often compared to Panerai and Bell & Ross by enthusiasts.
Anonimo
The choice of the connoisseur seeking a technical watch with an Italian soul, without paying the notoriety premium of the major houses. Bronze cushion cases, minimalist dials, and Florentine heritage make it a collectible piece at accessible prices on the secondary market, with a genuine community of passionate followers. Fully independent, limited production, reasonable pre-owned prices.
Panerai
The undisputed reference for Italian sport watches. Owned by Richemont, Panerai benefits from significant resources and global name recognition. Its cases are more imposing and its price positioning is significantly higher. A solid investment on the secondary market, with superior liquidity compared to Anonimo.
Bell & Ross
The French house specialising in square-cased watches inspired by aviation instruments. Bell & Ross shares with Anonimo a technical sport positioning and a community of passionate enthusiasts, but leans toward aviation rather than diving. The BR 01 and BR 03 are more accessible on the secondary market and benefit from greater international visibility.
The Swiss Collector's verdict
For a technical sport watch with a truly unique identity, an artisanal Florentine heritage, and accessible pre-owned prices, Anonimo is hard to beat. For maximum name recognition and easier resale, Panerai is the benchmark. For the aviation world, Bell & Ross is the reference.
Anonimo and Notable Personalities
True to its name, Anonimo has never sought to build itself on celebrity wrists. The brand has preferred to earn its reputation among demanding professionals and discerning collectors.
Pre-Owned Anonimo Buying Guide
- Budget : Prices range from CHF 1,080 to CHF 5,280 depending on model and condition. The automatic steel Militare is the most accessible entry point, while Dino Zei editions and bronze pieces command higher prices.
- Condition : We classify each piece (mint, very good, good, worn) with high-resolution photographs. For a bronze Anonimo, patina is a sign of authenticity and the watch's life story (it's not a defect).
- The Swiss Collector guarantee : All our watches carry a 12 to 24-month warranty depending on condition and configuration.
- Secure delivery : Insured and trackable shipping worldwide.
Servicing a Pre-Owned Anonimo
Recommended service interval
Anonimo recommends a full service every 5 to 7 years depending on use.
Signs of good condition
Verified water resistance, crown screwing down without play, no deep case scratches, leather strap in good condition.
Specific point of attention
The patented crown system at 6 or 12 o'clock is a technically precise component. At The Swiss Collector, we systematically verify its correct functioning before listing any Anonimo for sale.
At The Swiss Collector
All pre-owned Anonimo watches are inspected by our partner watchmakers before listing. Need a service ? Our partner workshops handle full maintenance and overhaul. Contact us for a personalised quote.
The Swiss Collector's View on Anonimo Watches
"Anonimo is one of the best-kept secrets in sport watchmaking. Born from the Florentine heritage of Panerai, this independent house produces technical watches with a strong character that larger manufactures often struggle to match. The bronze cushion cases, patented crown systems and Dino Zei editions are genuine collector's pieces : still accessible on the secondary market for those who know where to look."