Art 01 Monochrome Grey

In 2025, Maison ALTO presents a rigorously minimalist vision of watchmaking. This year also marks the arrival of Raphaël Abeillon as Creative Director. "By joining ALTO, I inherit the ART-01 and its singular identity. Its strength and distinctiveness are qualities I am committed to developing while cultivating a sophistication that is intrinsic to the Maison."

The ART 01 is a complex timepiece based on a complementary duochrome palette: black and titanium grey. This year, ALTO deconstructs its original model into an unprecedented monochrome duo.

Monolithic simplicity. The theory of light and pigments

Deconstructing the ART 01. Simplifying its purity. Extracting its essence. ALTO embraces the theory of light—light as a material. The ART 01 now emerges in two new iterations: MONOCHROME BLACK and MONOCHROME GREY. Two bold interpretations in which every detail contributes to perfect harmony. Defined by monolithic simplicity, these two new pieces stand in contrast, like shadow and light, night and day—so similar yet so distinct. The spectacle each version unveils before our eyes is both intriguing and striking. Thibaud Guittard: "We seek minimalism in the service of contemplation. We pursue perfect monochromy in these pieces. In a world where excess has become the norm, these two creations embody a pure and radical simplicity. Thus, ALTO explores color as a material.

Monochrome Grey

The ART 01 MONOCHROME GREY pays tribute to the grey of titanium—a brutalist reinterpretation of the signature ART 01 case volume. Every element of this piece references the microblasted titanium of its case. "It is often said that achieving harmony through simplicity is one of the greatest design challenges. This piece is no exception. The different materials and finishes composing the ART 01 MONOCHROME GREY each interact with light in their own way. Achieving the perfect coordination and harmony among the microblasted titanium case, the rubber strap, and the dial required extensive experimentation" explains Raphaël Abeillon, ALTO's Creative Director. Grey is neither absence nor neutrality. It is the perfect equilibrium between light and shadow, matter and motion. In its titanium hue, it embodies both power and finesse—the raw elegance of a metal forged to endure.

The Dial

A New Dimension in Watchmaking The dial of the ART 01 FIRST EDITION pushed the boundaries of traditional watchmaking with an unprecedented three-dimensional design, offering a unique visual depth. Every relief, every contrast was a metaphor for the passage of time—ever-changing, elusive, and in perpetual motion. The dials of the new ART 01 MONOCHROME EDITIONS continue to captivate, opening new visual perspectives.

Titanium and the passage of time

itanium is a paradox in itself: incredibly strong yet surprisingly lightweight. Like time, it appears immutable, elusive, fluid, and constant. On the wrist, each ART 01 MONOCHROME EDITION weighs just 56g, yet asserts an unmistakable presence. Its deep grey and intense black shift with the angle and the light, giving them a soul of their own.

Time is sculpted with precision, carved by the subtle contrast of each surface where color expresses itself. No excess, no embellishment—only the essence of design and engineering, embodied in the aesthetic language unique to ALTO.