In the highly competitive world of mechanical watchmaking, CODE41 is opting for an alternative strategy in three key words: community, transparency, excellence. CODE41 is a salutary and welcome anomaly. Crowned with multiple successes since its launch in 2016, the young Swiss brand continues to perfect its winning formula. From high-quality timepieces created in a participatory ecosystem and total transparency to prices that defy all competition. A tenacious challenger of the status quo that embodies strong values, CODE41 pushes the limits with each new project, and is now establishing itself as one of the most original voices in next-generation watchmaking.
ANOMALY Evolution, the prodigal heir
This summer, the ANOMALY Evolution is back with a vengeance — and in an additional color — to satisfy all those who were unable to get their hands on the Creator Edition. First offered in 2021, the ANOMALY Evolution bore the heavy responsibility of replacing the ANOMALY-01 and -02, emblematic CODE41 models whose movements were practically no longer available due to the crisis that hit the entire sector. A mission that it accomplished with flying colors, with 1,000 watches sold and more than a million Swiss francs collected.
The direct heir to the watch that began it all, the ANOMALY Evolution is the ideal ambassador to the CODE41 philosophy. Participatory through and through, the watch has been created entirely in line with the directives of the community, who have had their say by way of voting on the design and even the materials used. A small but important detail: owners of the first ANOMALY of its name have had a special say in the matter. Invited to
work sessions at the brand’s premises, their views proved to be a precious help in renewing this iconic collection.
An enhanced ANOMALY
The Evolution model has only retained the best of the previous ANOMALYs: the technical design of the -01, the Swiss movement and date of the -02. A perfectly mastered fusion finished off with numerous improvements. As is customary at CODE41, meticulous attention has been paid to the quality of the components and the ergonomic details. The watch benefits from the robust Swiss Sellita SW200-1 movement in its Elaboré, or Special version,
a slimmer profile and a transparent back for admiring the movement from every angle. Made from a block of high-quality 316L stainless steel, it features a sapphire crystal with anti- reflective coating on both sides.
Deep within, the Incabloc shock absorber protects it from impacts, while the crown has been reinforced for more intensive use. The readability and watertightness have also been optimized with, among others, a Luminova coating that is twice as powerful as on the original model. Although the ANOMALY Evolution’s not typically seen as a dive watch, Code41 still takes time to test the watch’s 100M water resistance rating with a pressurized dome for each individual model, now that’s attention to detail!
In its second edition, this timepiece is offered in a range of 4 different colors, the latest of which has been added especially for the occasion. It is the charcoal gray and orange version that has received the favor of the community, a timeless contrast which suits the strong character of the watch perfectly.
Not the be contrarian, but my favorite one of the lineup is the monotone dark gray dial version. Paired with a creme canvas strap, this iteration is very understated but bound to attract tons of compliments and intrigued looks.
The ANOMALY Evolution is available from CHF 1,348 in multiple combinations of colors and interchangeable straps; unbeatable value for money in terms of its uncompromising list of technical specifications.
CODE41’s winning formula
Always popping up where least expected and immediately after the release of a very high-end tourbillon model, CODE41 is following up with the second edition of a cult watch for an extremely reasonable price. A level of versatility that is testament not only to their technical mastery, but also to the genuine respect shown toward its community and the fundamental values to which it is so attached.
The young Swiss brand, ever true to its principles, strives for a superior form of watchmaking, to be sure, but also one that is ever more inclusive and transparent. A recipe that should hit the bullseye once again with the release of the ANOMALY Evolution Edition 2, already available for pre-order on the official CODE41 website.
With only 300 units available, you shouldn’t ponder too long on the possibility of getting one. My watch enthusiast instinct tells me that these will fly off the virtual shelves in a derisory amount of time. It’s a perfect prospect for someone who places lots of value on encouraging a micro-brand that keeps the Swiss horology tradition alive while continuing to find ways to implement new tasteful designs.
| Key information – ANOMALY EVOLUTION |
| ● Opening of pre-orders: 21st of June 2023 at 3 pm (CET) ● End of pre-orders: 19th of July 2023 ● Price: Available for a price of 1348 CHF TTC / 1348 € TTC / 1190 GBP TTC / 1170 USD HT ● Delivery: From March/April 2024 ● Number of pieces: 300 |
Code41 is set to deliver the Anomaly Evolution within a year of closing the pre-order round. This is pretty impressive in a world where getting the most basic and cookie cutter Toyota Corolla takes about as much time. This shows that the brand has built meaningful relationships with their suppliers and business partners over the years, and they know how to execute a great plan on a tight schedule.
| Technical Specifications |
| ●Case material: high-quality 316L stainless steel ●Crystal: sapphire on front and back. Anti reflective treatment ●Display: hour, minute, second in center. Date at 7 o’clock ●Nighttime display: Luminova on hands and indices ●Watertight: to 100 meters. Individually tested under a pressurized dome ●Weight: 86 grams / 116 grams with leather strap ●Diameter: 41.5mm ●Thickness: 11.2mm ●Strap: lug width 24mm / quick-release system ●Movement: Sellita SW200-1 Elaboré/Special ●Number of jewels: 26 ●Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour / 4[Hz] ●Precision: -7/+7 seconds per day ●Power reserve: 38 hrs (when not in use) ●Stop seconds mechanism ●Incabloc shock absorber ●Winding: automatic via oscillating weight. Bidirectional winding ●Precision test: fine–tuned in 3 positions |
About CODE41
CODE41’s mission is to make the art of watchmaking accessible to all. Founded in 2016
by Claudio D’Amore, today CODE41 is the first community mechanical watchmaking
brand, established in Lausanne, Switzerland. Since the very beginning, CODE41 has bet
on involving the community in each step of the creation of its projects, while guaranteeing
total transparency on the origin of the components as well as the prices of its watch and
accessory models
Follow them:
https://code41.com
https://www.facebook.com/code41watches/
https://www.instagram.com/code41watches/
https://www.youtube.com/c/CODE41Watches/
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