PIO MANZÙ, 1968
OBJECT
The Cronotime desk clock by Pio Manzù, designed in 1968, was originally a Christmas gift commissioned by Fiat for their employees. This small design object encapsulates Manzù’s poetic approach, including irony, precision, and his passion for automotive design.
After studying at the Ulm School od Design, Manzù began working as an external consultant for Fiat’s design and styling department. His love for technology and cars is evident in the Cronotime, which resembles a finely crafted mechanical component turned into a household object.
Cronotime embodies the spirit of 1960s Italian design, intelligent, elegant, yet accessible and playful. Made of ABS plastic, it was first marketed by Ritz-Italora and later by Alessi from 1988 onward.
The clock is both sculptural (Pio was the son of sculptor Giacomo Manzù) and practical, featuring three rotating shells that allow the clock face to be easily adjusted.
Cronotime by Pio Manzù: Awards and Recognition
The Cronotime by Pio Manzù is now considered a symbol of 1960s Italian design and has enjoyed great success in terms of both public acclaim and sales. Today, it is part of some of the world’s most prestigious design collections, including those at MoMA in New York, the Triennale di Milano, and the Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam.
Pio Manzù could have been one of the great Italian designers of the last century, but unfortunately, he died at just 30 years old in a car accident while on his way to Fiat to present one of his prototypes. As a result, we have few examples of his work, aside from the iconic Parentesi lamp, which he co-designed with Achille Castiglioni.
Alessi
Founded in Italy in 1921, Alessi is a leading manufacturer in the design of kitchen utensils and household items. Known for collaborations with world-renowned designers like Jasper Morrison and Richard Sapper, Alessi combines functionality, innovation, and unique aesthetics, transforming everyday objects into works of art. Its creations are exhibited in design museums worldwide.
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DETAILS
Alessi
The original version of the Cronotime desk clock by Pio Manzù is available online on Amazon.com >
Height: 8.5 cm
Width: 7 cm
Plastic ABS
