HISTORY

Our historyis our future

The Emotion of Time

"My invitation to read is intended to welcome you to the authentic art of watchmaking, which inevitably leads to other levels, embracing all that artisan know-how that has made Italy products unique worldwide. Essentially, it is a story of people, my story, of meetings and sharing."

Valter Franco Ricci

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  • Turin

    Our story begins in the Kingdom of Sardinia, one year before Turin became the capital of Italy. In this setting, Vincenzo Astrua opens a workshop on Via Barbaroux to repair and sell pocket watches, table clocks, and salon pendulum clocks.

  • Alessandria

    In Alessandria, the “Ricci” watchmaking workshop is opened by Valter Franco Ricci, a young watchmaker trained in the technical service departments of Swiss Manufactures.

  • Jewels

    Emanuele Foa hands his store over to Valter Franco Ricci – with whom he was already collaborating – passing on his knowledge of diamonds and sparking inspiration in the young watchmaker of Alessandria, who begins a new and fascinating project: creating his own jewelry and a world of allure linked by the common thread of an unmistakable Style.

  • Turin

    The story of ASTRUA intertwines with that of Valter Franco Ricci, in a metaphorical passing of the torch between watchmakers. In the boutique on Via Roma, alongside the finest watchmaking houses, you'll find jewelry, handcrafted leather goods, writing instruments, and design objects.

  • Alessandria

    Inauguration of the ASTRUA - Valter Franco Ricci Boutique in Alessandria: here too, a concept store is born, dedicated not only to watches but also to the many stages of an endless journey in search of Beauty.

  • Genoa

    The group is growing: ASTRUA arrives at a new city location full of history and unique charm, opening a new boutique in Genoa.

  • Turin

    The ASTRUA Boutique in Turin relocates and refreshes itself, welcoming the people of Turin to Piazza Carlo Alberto, an extraordinary historic setting.

  • Genoa

    The ASTRUA Boutique in Genoa expands, enlarging its space and windows on the prestigious Via Roma. The following year, the Richemont group selects Astrua as the first online retailer for the watches of its brands.

  • Alessandria

    The ASTRUA Boutique in Alessandria multiplies its exhibition space, the Official Technical Assistance workshop, and the administrative and web offices.

  • Turin

    In Turin, the boutique dedicated to Patek Philippe and the Borsalino corner impress with their captivating atmosphere, marking the beginning of a series of new spaces reserved for the finest international brands.

  • Rolex Certified Pre-Owned Watches

    Thanks to the recognized excellence of our Secondo Polso program, Rolex has chosen ASTRUA as its first partner in Italy to jointly launch the official Rolex Certified Pre-Owned program in boutiques and online.

  • Capri

    A new opening in a unique location kicked off summer 2023: the Panerai Boutique in Capri on Via Camerelle, an international crossroads where the windows of the most exclusive maisons look out.

  • Piacenza

    In December 2024, Astrua brings its world and brands to Corso Vittorio Emanuele II in Piacenza, with a boutique that embodies the values and style of our group.

The emotion of time

The Astrua book

Our History, our Style, the projects we have created and the philosophy that unites them: the idea of sharing, with those who enter our World, our inexhaustible Desire for Beauty.

Our Partners

ASTRUA 1860 is an official retailer of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands — from fine watchmaking and accessories for Him and Her, to home interiors, art, and design.

Watchmaking by Tradition

Official Technical Service Workshop

In our Official Technical Service Workshop, the ancient tradition of watchmaking craftsmanship meets the most advanced technologies.

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