An homage to Stone Age craft.Anoma is back with a new take on its 1950s-inspired asymmetrical A1, but unlike previous riffs, which varied the dials but left the cases untouched, the A1 Prehistoric features a hand-chiselled case inspired by Stone Age human tools.
Initial thoughts
The original Anoma A1 was inspired in part by the sculptures created by Constantin Brâncuși, specifically his ability to convey movement and create tension. But Brâncuși was not just a painter and a sculptor — he also collected primitive human artefacts.
In Brâncuși’s view, early hand-carved tools like arrowheads and hand axes represent some of humanity’s earliest — and therefore purest — forms of creativity and craftsmanship.
The A1 Prehistoric takes inspiration from these ancient tools with its distinctive case finish. To create it, Anoma turned to French engraver Steven Brunel to bring the Prehistoric to life. With hundreds of blows from his chisel, Mr Brunel removes material by hand until the case resembles a primitive stone tool.
With so many uneven facets, the play of light across the case should be quite remarkable. Furthermore, each case will look slightly different since the strikes are made freehand. In an industry that is built on precision, perfection and order, the Prehistoric deviates sharply from the norm with a finish that revels in our primal impulses to shape the world around us.
One thing that hasn’t changed much is the value proposition that has defined the A1 since its debut. At £2,900, the Prehistoric is priced £700 above the A1 Optical, but still represents a compelling value.
The design won’t be for everyone, but the obvious handwork and the highly original concept easily justify the premium.
Stone Age inspiration
Mr Brunel starts with the standard A1’s polished triangular stainless steel case, and over the course of five hours, hand-chisels the surface to create this highly unique finish evoking the organic designs of tools made by ancient man.
It’s created from hundreds of violent blows, resulting in a handmade finish where each case is entirely unique and no two A1 Prehistorics are exactly alike.
The case finishing, whilst achieved through Mr Brunel’s expertise in hand-chiselling, is quite reminiscent of knapping, the technique ancient man used to make arrowheads and primitive stone tools.
Whilst knapping is historically seen in obsidian and flint tools, applying this finish style to stainless steel creates a different finish and look where the metal has absorbed the impacts, displaying a slight graining, almost like vertical brushing to the centre of the strike-points.
The Prehistoric’s dial hasn’t escaped an ancient inspiration either — each individual line on the sunburst pattern being hand cut into the brass dial plate. The dial is finished with a grey coating chosen to further evoke the dark colours of ancient obsidian and flint arrowheads that carry the same appearance as the case.
Under the skin
Beyond the neolithic case and hand-engraved dial, little else has changed. The case is still roughly 39 mm x 38 mm, but wears smaller due to the lug-less design and triangular shape. The case is just 9.45 mm thick and curves slightly to the wrist, but that still leaves room for the Sellita SW100 inside.
The Sellita SW100 is a small automatic movement just 17.5 mm in diameter, a factor that helps the A1 maintain its svelte form. Normally a movement that displays hours and minutes with central seconds, but the latter has been replaced with a simple round cap to moonlight as a two-hand calibre. It’s a clever solution employed by several brands, including Rolex for the 1908 collection.
The shortish 38-hour power reserve is a consequence of the movement’s small size, but is sufficient for a watch worn daily, and the lack of a date simplifies the setting process.
The grey leather strap complements the Prehistoric’s look, and the A1’s signature asymmetric pin buckle has been given the same hand-chiselled finish as the case.
Key facts and price
Anoma A1 Prehistoric
Diameter: 39 mm by 38 mm
Height: 9.45 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 50 m
Movement: Sellita SW100
Functions: Hours, minutes
Winding: Self-winding
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 38 hours
Strap: Leather with pin buckle
Limited edition: 100 pieces
Availability: Orders open July 8, 2026, with delivery in October 2026
Price: £2,900 excluding taxes
For more information, visit Anomawatches.com.
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