Chotovelli e Figli, translated to Chotovelli and sons, is a third Generation of ‘orologiaio’ (watchmaker) From Torino. These big size Watchmakers are known for their bold and exclusive designs derived and inspired by old gauges and speedometers of classic “Made In Italy” cars and the aviation industry.

It all started in the late 1920’s with Simone Chotovelli, the first Chotovelli Orologiaio. His craftsmanship and specialty in repairing and restoring old mechanical and automatic movements was well known. In 1967 he passed the knowledge and know-how to his son Yitzchak Chotovelli who continued the wishes of his Father and by that carried on the legacy to become a well-established watchmaker. In 2005, brother and sister Ilan and Tamara Chotovelli revived the family tradition, launching a unique Retro Pilot collection, unsurpassed in craftsmanship and style. The recognition and demand of these timepieces around the world is a testimony to their premium quality and exceptional eye for detail.

The 8000 Series (otto mila) came out Early 2010. This series features a black or White dial with Arabic numerals. Inspired by vintage gauges and Speedometers made by the Italian iconic car maker Alfa Romeo.

So today we are looking at the Chotovelli Gauge watch and the specific reference is Jts 8000-3. The watch comes in this generic looking cardboard box. You open the box and there you have the watch. From the picture at they’re website it actually looked huge, but in flesh it is rather ok-ish size, I have bigger watch. Plus this one is lugless so it wears smaller.

Took the watch out of the box and immediately you are blinded by the polishing, it just reflects every light that it almost looks black. The polishing is definitely good. The case is made from stainless steel, 45 mm in diameter and 13.10 mm thick. The case is lugless so the 45mm size feels like 43mm. On the sides of the watch you will find carbon fiber, so it definitely screams automotive design. The crown is on 4 o’clock. It is big and easy to grab, and I really like that position, because it is easier to set time when it is on the wrist. The glass is flat sapphire crystal.

The dial is inspired by the Alfa Romeos gauge design, I don’t know from which particular model, but you really can tell from looking at the pictures online, that they have similarities. Although the Chotovelli Gauge watch is basically a homage to Manometro by Giuliano Mazzuoli, it looks the same, but Manometro costs 3000 dollars. The dial is matte black with red outer line and white minute markers. The numbers ar written in this fat font that you usually see in sports car gauges. There is no lume, but as Chotovelli said: “Luminous elements are unnecessary, a distraction, nothing superfluous detracts from the functions it performs.” 

The movement is a reliable Miyota 2415. This movement is actually commonly used in big watches like this. I don’t know the particular reason, but I’ve seen many affordable brands that make oversized watches use these movements. Movement is pretty reliable, you can’t go wrong with Japanese quartz movements. The strap is the only point I don’t like about the watch because you need to buy the strap either from them or order something special. The strap is good quality and comes with deployant clasp which is machined nicely and works good.

Overall the watch is great, I like it. Probably because I love Alfas. When I was a small kid, father had an Alfa Romeo 164 Q4 so that kind of has some good memories, so that’s why I like this watch so much. The quality and design behind this watch is very good for the price, of course you won’t get Seiko quality, but good enough. If you are a truly Alfa Romeo enthusiast or just like cars in general, then buy it, it will definitely fit you nicely and compliment your ride.

 Price: 225.00 $ @ chotovelli.com

• Case: Stainless Steel 316 & Carbon-fiber

• Size: 45 Diameter, Thickness 13.0 mm

• Movement: Japan MiYota 2415

• Glass: Sapphire Crystal

• Strap: Genuine Camel Calf Leather

• Dial: Shiny Black, Luminous Arabic numerals

• Water resistant: 100 M / 330 Ft

• 24 month international warranty