Every once in a while, a watch appears that feels almost otherworldly. Not because of flashy complications or oversized proportions, but because of an elusive presence on the wrist. The Disco Volante Onyx Diamonds by Furlan Marri belongs to this rare category. Its name, Italian for “flying saucer,” tells part of the story: a perfectly circular case with no lugs, a black onyx dial as deep as night, and the sparkle of laboratory-grown diamonds that shine like distant stars.
A case that defies gravity
The design begins with the case, a 38mm disc of polished stainless steel that seems to hover above the wrist. By eliminating lugs entirely, Furlan Marri reinforces the impression that the watch is weightless, almost detached from the strap that holds it. The silhouette recalls mid-century experiments in futuristic watchmaking, yet the execution is strikingly modern. It feels refined, balanced, and unmistakably different from the countless integrated sports watches that dominate today’s scene.
Onyx and diamonds: a minimalistic stage
The dial is a single plate of hand-cut onyx, its surface polished to a mirror-like depth. On this dark stage, brilliant-cut laboratory diamonds mark the main hours, offering bursts of light against the infinite black. The effect is understated yet dramatic, not unlike stepping into a planetarium. Furlan Marri keeps everything else discreet: a printed logo, leaf-shaped hands, and nothing more. The restraint is deliberate, leaving the dialogue between onyx and diamonds to speak for itself.
And yes, these diamonds are grown in a lab rather than mined from the earth. Chemically and optically, they are indistinguishable from natural stones, but they carry the advantage of being ethically sourced, precisely calibrated, and more accessible in cost. In other words, they bring the sparkle without the baggage.
A movement with Geneva’s touch
Flip the watch over, and the mystery of the case gives way to a more traditional form of artistry. Inside beats the Peseux 7001, a hand-wound Swiss calibre famous for its slim profile of just 2.5mm. Furlan Marri has gone far beyond a stock movement, though. The bridges have been redesigned and hand-finished in Geneva, with techniques usually reserved for haute horlogerie. Think black-polished screws, mirror-beveled edges, côtes de Genève, and a crown wheel bridge finished in true black polish.
The result is more than just a reliable engine with a 42-hour power reserve. It’s a statement of intent: Furlan Marri wants this watch to be judged not only for its striking design but also for the care invested in its mechanics. Collectors who have long associated the Peseux 7001 with discreet dress watches will appreciate how far the brand has pushed the movement’s potential.
Bridging design and fine watchmaking
The Disco Volante Onyx Diamonds sits in a unique position. On the surface, it could be mistaken for a minimalist fashion piece. Look closer, and you find the hallmarks of serious horology: thoughtful proportions, artisanal finishing, and a movement that rewards the loupe. It’s a balancing act rarely achieved, placing the watch in dialogue with vintage Piaget or early Jaeger-LeCoultre dress watches, yet executed with the distinctly contemporary language Furlan Marri has made its signature.
Pricing & availability
The Furlan Marri Disco Volante Onyx Diamonds is priced at CHF 3,500. Production is not strictly limited, but output remains small due to the complexity of working with onyx dials and diamond settings. This is not a mainstream daily wearer—it’s a piece aimed at collectors, design enthusiasts, and professionals who appreciate understatement with a twist.
In the end, the Disco Volante lives up to its name. It feels like a small unidentified object hovering at the edge of the familiar, a watch that quietly challenges our expectations of what modern independent watchmaking can be.
