Watchmaker Enrico Margaritelli, CEO and Chief Designer of CT Scuderia, sparked by his passion for vintage café Italian motorcycle racing, believes that these sporty automatic watches, embody the heritage of sport racing and the utmost sophistication in Italian design. Inspired by the sleek, definitively shapes from a racing dashboard, these watches embody the signature Italian design aesthetic. CT or Conta Tempo literally means to ‘count time’.
With their interchangeable perforated leather straps, there is nothing like experiencing the same leather utilized in luxury sports cars. Added bonus, the timepiece can be separated from the strap to be used as a stop-watch alone. Each watch includes a unique black stainless steel case, with a back of each watch shows the intricacy of the movement, and the enamel colors of the Italian flag. Sterling silver blue screws make this brand instantly recognizable.
As a third generation Italian watchmaker, Enrico says his biggest inspiration, is, his grandfather, Ariodante Margaritelli, a dedicated watchmaker in Parma, Italy. Ariodante created highly technical precision watch instruments for the military during World War I and II. The clean lines of ContaTempo Scuderia were envisioned by Enrico’s gravitation towards unusual shapes, lines, and patterns as well as his enthusiasm for Italian design and vintage sport racing designs.
The Manual asked Enrico why CT Scuderia and the café racer inspiration behind the brand is perfect for the modern man today.
“The return of the Café Racer lifestyle is a kind of emotional reaction to the excess of modern design that comes with globalization. Advanced technology and computer systems have made cars, motor bikes, watches, and boats where all models have begun to look similar to one another. Modernization has created a ton of product that all looks the same and that is lacking in personality. It is difficult to recognize the brand whereas the café racer tends to be unique and individual.
CT Scuderia is following the same direction, creating our watches based on what is new and fresh whilst maintaining and respecting tradition. The result is a different look but wearable for every day and with every type of dress code. The modern man today does not want to sacrifice the new re-appropriation of classic details when it comes to the evolution of modern utility. There are customers that will never drive a modern car, bike, or scooter, but will search for an original that holds these same aspects.”
Further integrating luxury elements into its design, their watch bands are hand crafted with the finest Italian leathers incorporating the same perforated leather used on superior luxury sports Cars. With watches named Café Racer, as well as, Salt Flat Racer, Salt Flat Racer “0-60”, and Master Time, it’s easy to see how racing is in this brand’s DNA.
