Last Updated on March 13, 2021 by swisswatchreview
In an age when most people turn to their phones to tell time, watches have become something of a luxury item. While high-end brands continue to dominate the market, the hefty price tags are often offputting for the average buyer. This leaves luxury watches off the table for many people. This is the problem that Filippo Loreti hopes to fix. Filippo Loreti is a watch brand that claims to sell luxury Italian watches at a fraction of the price by cutting out the middle man. Does the bold claim live up to its promise? A closer review of Filippo Loreti watches is in order.
The Hype Around Filippo Loreti
The watch industry has a lot of longstanding brands. Filippo Loreti, by contrast, is a newcomer. Founded in 2015, this company was not the extension of an established jewelry or fashion brand. Instead, it was a crowdfunded idea that relied heavily on the support of buyers. According to the brand’s website, 30 thousand people donated more than $10 million to bring Filippo Loreti to life.
The reason so many people backed the idea was that it espoused a radical notion. By cutting out the middle man, Filippo Loreti aimed to make luxury watches at an affordable price. The brand makes all its watches by hand, and each one is its own limited edition. For all this, buyers can expect to pay a fraction of the price compared to other luxury watches on the market.
Clearly, the hype is understandable. Filippo Loreti makes big promises about its watches and its business model. However, promises are not always reality. Before you buy Filippo Loreti, it is a good idea to learn a little more about the average buyer’s experience with this rebellious upstart brand.
The Whole Story of Filippo Loreti
The story detailed above is true, but it is certainly not the whole story. Filippo Loreti has positioned itself as a luxury brand. A lot of its promotional content talks about Italian watches, which are the ultimate in timepiece luxury. However, the truth is that Filippo Loreti is not an Italian brand. In fact, the brand has no connections to Italy in its ownership or its manufacturing.
Filippo Loreti was actually founded by two Lithuanian brothers. More tellingly, the watches sold by Filippo Loreti are not made in Italy or Lithuania for that matter. The manufacturing of the watches can be traced to the Shenzhen province in Hong Kong. In other words, these watches are made in China like so many other knockoff products.
To be fair, not all Chinese-made products are cheap or junky. A lot of high-end manufacturing can come out of the region. While the Italian branding is clearly a little misleading, it might not ultimately have an impact on the quality the consumer receives. However, to assess that question, it is important to look more closely at the watches themselves.
Filippo Loreti Watch Review
By the best estimation, a Filippo Loreti watch is a pretty average watch. It is going to be nicer than real bargain brands like Casio, but it is not anywhere close to the luxury that is being promised. In reality, these watches are going to be reliable and acceptably attractive. If buyers are used to paying less than $100 for a watch, then the impact of jumping up to a Filippo Loreti at $250 might seem reasonable.
That being said, it is worth noting that these watches are not all that revolutionary. The brand built itself on the idea of disrupting the watch industry. However, there are plenty of other brands that offer similar quality at even better prices. These watches come with a standard stainless steel casing and sapphire crystal. The batteries, on average, are standard Chinese fare. Comparing these base materials, Filippo Loreti is actually more expensive than its competition.
Ultimately, the brand does not deliver the luxury materials it promises. Additionally, to save on costs, it has relied on lackluster craftsmanship. This does not mean that Filippo Loreti makes horrible watches. However, it does mean that the branding does not match up to the reality. In short, these watches are okay, but anyone who wants luxury should really look elsewhere.
Customer Satisfaction
Everything discussed so far relates mostly to the concept behind the brand. Before ordering a watch from Filippo Loreti, it is also a good idea to look at the actual delivery. On this front, the reality is even more problematic for Filippo Loreti. Reports abound about the quality of the brand’s customer service. Needless to say, very little of it is positive.
To start, a lot of people who order a watch from Filippo Loreti simply never get their product. Shipping times are exceedingly slow. When contacted, representatives often explain that since each watch is made to order, the manufacturing will take some time. However, the delays from placing an order to receiving said order can easily take weeks. In some cases, buyers have to wait months. Others never receive their watches at all.
This poor customer service is paired with very aggressive marketing tactics. To be fair, Filippo Loreti is not the only brand to take an aggressive approach. A lot of reputable brands will spam email inboxes with daily ads. However, Filippo Loreti also has a pretty questionable affiliation program, and there is evidence that a lot of its positive reviews may not be valid.
The Bottom Line
In the end, there are worse watches on the market. The quality of Filippo Loreti is acceptable, but it is a far cry from the luxury that is being touted. For buyers looking for an affordable watch with a bit more flair than budget brands, this could be a good fit. However, the horrific customer service and painfully slow shipping are other factors to consider. An acceptable watch is only acceptable if and when it shows up. Ultimately, there are more reasons to stay away from this brand than there are to trust it. Consumer money is best spent elsewhere. Anyway lets take a look at some popular Filippo Loreti models, the design and features for the price can be tempting:
1. Venice Moonphase Silver Mesh
Designed by keeping the landscapes of Italy in mind, FilippoLoreti’s Venice Moonphase Silver Mesh is a sight for sore eyes. The moonphase visualization encapsulated inside the beautiful crystal sapphire glass protects the watch from scratches.
The inside of the glass dome consists of the moonphase, date of the month wheel, day wheel, and month wheel. The stainless steel mesh bracelet contrasts nicely with the overall look of the watch. The back of the watch has an Italian landscape printed which makes it even more appealing.
The anti-reflective coating keeps your eyes safe from the harsh glares in sunlight and aids to clear timekeeping. Another plus point, the watch is 50 meters water resistant to keep your timekeeper protected even underwater.
Features
- 5ATM water-resistant
- 316L stainless steel casing
- Sapphire glass
- Deployment side clasp
- Japanese Miyota 6POO movement
- 40 mm case diameter
- 9 mm case thickness
- 10-year warranty
2. Ascari Grand Prix GP 1951
The silver flashy Ascari Grand Prix is a watch that every man would desire. It is not just a watch; it’s like making a fashion statement. With its dynamic design, chronograph minute hand, and pushers, you can always show off your sense of style.
With a robust stainless steel link bracelet, you won’t have to worry about its longevity. The sapphire-coated mineral glass is also one of its desired features. It features luminous indexes, minute and hour hands to blow your mind.
The watch was named after the most famous legendary racer Alberto Ascari.
Features
- Has stainless steel link bracelet
- Chronograph pushers
- AM/PM indicator
- Reset button
- Date display
- Water-resistant
- Ten years international warranty
3. Okeanos Rose Gold Green Link 2020 Edition
Okeanos, named after the Greek God Oceanus, is an intricate watch with luminescent details. The luminescent seconds and hours hands light up even in the darkness, so you stay updated on time and date even in the worst of times.
For your deep swims, measure the depth and diving time effectively through the rotational bezel present within the glass dome. Don’t be afraid to take the watch underwater with you in your showers as the watch is waterproof up to 100m/330 ft.
The date window keeps you updated with the date at all times. Wearing this watch on your wrist will be a privilege for the like-minded.
Features
- Waterproof up to 100 m
- Stainless steel link bracelet
- Unidirectional bezel
- Sapphire coated mineral glass
- 42mm case diameter
- 10-year warranty
- Day display
4. Marilyn- Muse Series
Combining dynamic features like stainless steel link bracelet, 316L stainless steel case, and water resistance make this watch all the alluring to wear. Iconic women inspire each watch in this collection that is why they come with feminine detail and luxestraps.
Each part of Marilyn is of the highest quality, and expert artisans design them using premium material. With this chic design in your collection, your watch will be the gossip of the next party you attend.
This timepiece will give you the confidence of the iconic women that they’re named after. It’s a must-have in your watch collection.
Features
- Fair price range
- Premium quality luxe design
- Iconic style
- Timeless design
- Hardened mineral glass
- Water-resistant
- 2-year international warranty
5. Asea Silver White Pearl
For women with class and exquisite taste, the Asea Silver White Pearl is the best option. The watch features a mermaid artwork on its case back. The most attractive part of the watch is its luxurious mother of pearl indicators set regally behind the sapphire glass case.
As the watch is limited edition, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll meet someone with the same wristwatch. It is perfect for modern-day mermaids traveling through water or soaking vitamin D under the sun. It is a watch made for delicate wrists that takes elegance to a whole new level.
Features
- 2-year international warranty
- Contains Swarovski indicators
- Luminous hands and indexes
- 100m water resistant
- Stainless steel link bracelet
- Mother of pearl dial
- Miyota 2025 movement
- 1 mm case thickness
- 34 mm case diameter
6. Marble Rose Gold White
Another intrinsic item for the ladies out there, the Marble Rose Gold watch with an Italian leather strap, sits comfortably on your wrist. The watch does not have any indicators, which makes the watch attractive.
The subdued black print in the dial enhances the look of the wristwatch. The rose gold casing and bezel give the watch a more lady-like look. Like the other FilippoLoreti wristwatches, the Marble Rose Gold White watch also has water-resistant technology that keeps your watch working and out of water damage even after contacting water.
Features
- 2-year international warranty
- Hardened mineral glass
- 5 ATM water-resistant
- 9 mm case thickness
- 40 mm case diameter
- Miyota 2035 movement
- Italian leather strap
- Stainless steel case