“Primordial Passion” by Pirro is the first luxury watch produced in Albania, which not only functions as a timepiece but also as a work of art that showcases Albania’s rich cultural heritage. This watch is made from 18-karat yellow gold and features 12 handcrafted Albanian folk dancers, each representing a different region of Albania. The figures, sized between 9-10mm, exhibit extraordinary craftsmanship. To learn more, Businessmag conducted an exclusive interview with the creator of this masterpiece, Pirro Ruço, founder of Argjendari Pirro!
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind creating the masterpiece “Primordial Passion”? What motivated you to include Albanian folk dancers in the design?
The inspiration for creating a watch came after my first visit to Baselworld in 2014, one of the world’s most prestigious watch and jewelry fairs. After many years of working with jewelry, achieving high levels of design and technology, what truly impressed me at the fair was the mechanical complexity and innovation in the watchmaking industry. That’s when I began dreaming of creating a unique watch, something that had never been done before, which could blend Albanian identity with my company’s own ethos.
How was the process of creating the hyper-realistic microscopic figures representing the 12 regions? How did you manage to execute such intricate details?
The idea behind this design comes from a desire to represent and honor Albania’s cultural heritage in a unique and artistic way. As evident in my previous creations and my company’s identity, I have always been inspired by our ethnography and traditional costumes. For me, the folk dancers symbolize the energy, unity, and spirit of the Albanian people. By integrating them into the design of this watch, my aim was to bring to life this collective spirit that is so essential to our history and identity.
How did you approach the challenge of reflecting traditional Albanian craftsmanship in the watch’s design?
After a detailed study of the cultural traditions of these twelve Albanian regions, each figure was conceptualized to embody the psychology and unique elements of these regions. Each 9mm micro-figure was carefully crafted, aiming to convey the rich emotions and traditions of these regions, creating a link between the past and the future. In terms of the technical aspect, that’s still a secret I haven’t fully revealed. But for now, I can say that I used the latest Swiss machinery and I have an extraordinary team of artisans who contributed to the realization of these highly sensitive and meticulously crafted details.
Can you describe the significance of the engraving on the back of the watch and how it complements the overall design?
When you turn the watch over, the back cover reveals a micro-relief of the dancers, reflecting the three-dimensional scene from the front. This micro-relief is also an advanced technique that perfectly complements the magic of the dance of the 12 folk dancers, with the smallest details surrounding the central ring featuring the Pirro logo with a 3D eagle.
What does Argjendari Pirro’s participation in the 2024 Grand Prix in Geneva mean for Albanian craftsmanship on an international stage? How has recognition from such a prestigious competition impacted your brand and future projects?
The Grand Prix in the watchmaking field can be paralleled with the Oscars in cinema. Participation doesn’t just mean competition, it signifies the acceptance and approval of “Primordial Passion” by Pirro among the most famous global watchmakers who have decades, or even centuries, of experience in the international market. This is the first time that Albania is represented with its own watch in this competition, and for us, it’s an honor to have made history as the first brand, but it also brings great excitement and responsibility to continue this journey with even more exclusive creations.
Could you share any challenges you faced during the creation of “Primordial Passion” and how you overcame them?
During the creation of “Primordial Passion,” facing various challenges was inevitable, as it was my first watch. One of the main difficulties was representing the unique typology of Albanian folk dancers through extremely precise engraving on a small 9mm space. This required a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail, ensuring that each micro-figure faithfully conveyed the ethnography and costume design of Albania. To overcome this challenge, I spent hundreds of sleepless nights conducting deep research and making considerable investments in advanced Swiss machinery. This process demanded full dedication and commitment, but the result was worth it.
What is your view on the role of unique and precious watches in representing cultural heritage and personal status?
Unique and precious watches play an important role in representing cultural heritage and expressing personal status. For example, incorporating traditional motifs into a watch’s design can honor a particular heritage, turning it into a storytelling tool that reflects the values and aesthetics of a culture. On the other hand, luxury watches are also a strong indicator of personal status. Due to their exclusivity, technical sophistication, and intricate designs, they have always been associated with wealth, success, and individual style. Owning a high-end watch is often a statement of personal achievement and refined taste, combining functionality with symbolic value, making it a desirable accessory for those who want to display their status in a cultured and conscious way.
How does “Argjendari Pirro” plan to continue merging traditional art with contemporary design in future collections? Is there a message or story you hope to convey through your watches, particularly with “Primordial Passion”?
My philosophy for future watch collections is to measure time with eternal beauty. My goal is to create watches that are not only functional and technically perfect but also carry artistic and aesthetic values that transcend the impact of temporary trends. Each watch will have a special message, giving voice to the rich stories of Albanian and international art and culture. I believe that combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary technologies will create watches that not only tell time but are also works of art that will stand the test of time. This approach will bring a new dimension to watch design, making them appealing to collectors and art lovers around the world.
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