The Azimuth Mr. Roboto R1 bypasses traditional dial formats to replicate the face of a vintage tin toy. This mechanical novelty relies on a heavily modified ETA base caliber rather than an entirely bespoke movement to achieve its distinct layout.
The left "eye" displays the hour, the right tracks GMT, and a retrograde hand handles the minutes across the "mouth." Encased in a massive 42x50mm steel tonneau block, the watch functions primarily as a kinetic conversation object rather than a standard daily wearer.
Founded in 2003 by two Singaporean enthusiasts and now operating out of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, Azimuth is an independent watchmaker specializing in unconventional case shapes and alternative time displays. The brand draws heavy inspiration from automotive culture, science fiction, and vintage toys, bypassing traditional dial layouts in favor of wandering hours, retrograde minutes, and reverse-running hands.
Rather than developing proprietary calibers from scratch, they heavily modify reliable base movements like the ETA 2836 to power these mechanical novelties, keeping retail prices highly accessible compared to other avant-garde independents.
Overall Grade: 8.5 / 10 | Great Condition, Visible Wear Production: 2010 Contents: Full-set Genre: Sports Watch
Size: 42x50mm Thickness: approx. 15mm Lug Width: 24mm
Case: Stainless steel case, brushed finish, mirrored bevels, visible wear Bezel: Stainless steel, integrated, visible screwheads, brushed, visible wear Dial: 3 dial aperture for dual time zones and retrograde minutes indicator Hands: Steel, triangular retrograde hand, 2 hour-disc for local and home time
Crown: Stainless steel, winding key mechanism, pull-down, visible wear Crystal: Sapphire, domed, visible wear Bracelet: Black rubber strap, visible wear Caseback: Stainless steel with sapphire window, screwed down, visible wear Movement: Automatic GMT Caliber: Modified ETA 2836-2