Toscana & Chianti News

Luxury

A TEAM OF CHAMPIONS

When the name fits like a glove. Full Carbon IB.01, the range of watches made in Florence in 2011, based on an idea conceived by Federico Massacesi and Ivan Basso, says it all.

Robust yet lightweight, sporty and elegant at the same time, Full Carbon IB.01 can boast that it is made from 100% carbon, only weighs 85 grams and is based on a high-tech and foolproof Swiss mechanism.

Two leading Italian names are behind the Full Carbon watch: Federico Massacesi, the Florentine entrepreneur who is well-known in the world of watches and leading manufacturer of Italian products, and Ivan Basso, the champion cyclist.

The idea for this project stemmed from the meeting of these two minds. A focus on design on one hand and the need for lightness on the other: the two sides of the partnership between Federico and Ivan; a passion for sport and adventure together with the need for a practical watch for outdoor activities.

Born out of a great friendship between the two, the partnership resulted in a high-tech product that can be used at any time because of its elegant appearance and the materials used.

"The challenge in making this object stems from the creativity of producing a watch with specific requirements for a racer like Ivan," Federico told us.

"The creative experience of Full Carbon seemed impossible: I asked myself, what does a wheel on Ivan's bike have to do with a cog in my watch?" The answer to this question signalled the start of a Grand Prix range, whereby the cogs in the face cut through time, just like the wheels on a bike cut through space.

"It's like having a feather on your wrist," Ivan pointed out, satisfied. "Wearing a watch that is worth having, which is like the high technology of our bikes, is like being in control of our everyday lives. It's a wonderful feeling."