The Genesis of a Saucer
In the world of high-watchmaking, the term 'Disco Volante' carries a certain weight. It evokes an era of post-war optimism, where designers were obsessed with the aerodynamic curves of the space age and the sleek lines of Italian automotive design. During the 1950s, firms like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Omega experimented with cases that lacked traditional lugs, creating a circular, saucer-like appearance that sat flush against the wrist. For decades, these pieces were the darlings of niche auction circuits—until Furlan Marri decided to bring the silhouette back to the mainstream.
The Furlan Marri Disco Volante is not just a reproduction; it is a reinterpretation. Andrea Furlan, whose background includes stints at Chopard and Hublot, understands that modern collectors crave the 'soul' of vintage pieces without the 'headache' of vintage reliability. This model, specifically the Ref. 20201 'Havana,' utilizes a multi-part case construction that allows for a level of finishing usually reserved for the five-figure price bracket. The stepped bezel, the hidden lugs, and the cow-horn-adjacent strap integration all point to a brand that is obsessing over the details that matter.
The Architecture: 38mm of Pure Design
To understand the Disco Volante, you have to understand its proportions. At 38mm in diameter and a mere 8.1mm in height, it occupies a specific niche in the market. Most modern 'dress' watches still hover around the 10mm mark, but by utilizing the manual-wind Peseux 7001, Furlan Marri was able to shave off those crucial millimeters. The result is a watch that doesn't just sit on the wrist; it integrates with it. The lack of lugs means that the watch wears smaller than its 38mm would suggest, making it a perfect choice for those with smaller wrists or those who prefer the classic 34-36mm vintage aesthetic but want the presence of a modern piece.
The case is finished with a mix of brushed and polished surfaces. The 'saucer' edge is polished to a mirror shine, reflecting the environment and making the watch appear even thinner than it is. The dial is a multi-sector affair, with different finishes for the hour track, the center disc, and the small seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock. This play of light is what Vivir collectors look for—it’s a watch that looks different at a 4 PM cocktail hour than it does under the fluorescent lights of a gallery opening.
The Heart: A Customized Peseux 7001
Purists will be pleased to know that Furlan Marri didn't take the easy route with the movement. While the Peseux 7001 is a known quantity, the version found here has been given the 'Furlan Marri treatment.' Through the sapphire caseback, one can see bridges that have been redesigned with circular graining and Côtes de Genève. The edges are hand-beveled, a rarity at this price point. It’s a movement that invites inspection with a loupe.
The choice of a manual wind movement is a deliberate one. In an age of smartwatches and 'set it and forget it' automatics, the Disco Volante requires a daily interaction. Winding the watch each morning is a tactile experience; the click of the ratchet wheel and the resistance of the mainspring provide a connection to the mechanical nature of timekeeping. It is a reminder that time is something we have to actively maintain.
Cultural Context: Why the Indie Scene is Winning
We are currently living through a golden age of independent horology. The 'big three' (Patek, AP, Vacheron) are increasingly difficult to acquire, leading a new generation of sophisticated collectors to look toward brands like Furlan Marri, Baltic, and Ming. These brands aren't just selling watches; they are selling a perspective. The Disco Volante represents a shift away from the 'hype' sports watch—the integrated bracelet steel sports watch that has dominated the last decade—and a return to elegance.
Wearing a Disco Volante says something about the owner. It says you know your history. It says you value design over a logo. It says you aren't afraid to wear a watch that doesn't look like a diver. In the circles of young collectors in New York, London, and Tokyo, this is the kind of piece that earns more respect at a meetup than a standard-issue Submariner. It is a conversation starter.
The Vivir Verdict
Is the Furlan Marri Disco Volante perfect? For its intended purpose, it comes very close. The only drawback for some will be the 50m water resistance, which means this is strictly a 'land' watch. You won't be taking this to the pool in Ibiza. However, if you're looking for a piece that captures the magic of mid-century design with the reliability of modern Swiss engineering, there is simply nothing else in the $2,500 range that competes. It is a slim, sophisticated, and culturally-forward timepiece that deserves a spot in any serious collection.
