Alessi has been part of the Italian product design industry since the 1920’s and they have made some of the most iconic everyday kitchen utensil items as well as watches, tabletop products, clocks, etc.  They have collaborated with designers and architects such as Jean Nouvel, Zaha Hadid, Toyo Ito, Michael Graves, and Achille Casiglioni to name a few.

I was struck by the new design of the Alessi Daytimer Watch from the Alessi 22000 series watch line designed by Will Alsop.

“The Daytimer is formed of Alsop’s vision of objects in the world. We see it present in the landscape; it has landed in the universe of objects, naturally, effortlessly. It has a smart, adaptable, docile form, which encases it technological core while at the same time it is ironic and natural. Although apparently clumsy, Daytimer wraps complacently round the wearer’s wrist, presenting the owner with is 3D display; the OLED screen conveniently turning towards its owner and wanting to play. Daytimer wants to be owned by its wearer, although inevitably it will attract the attention of others. Daytimer polygonises a human wrist. It loves humans and it wants to be close to them. Or part of them.” by Alessi.com

The Alessi Museum also has a great new series any industrial design or product design enthusiast should collect.

http://www.alessi.com/promozioni/designinterviews/dvd.jsp

http://www.alsoparchitects.com/

http://www.alessi.com/en/