Gorilla is a Swiss independent brand founded by former Audemars Piguet designers, utilizing carbon fiber, ceramic, and titanium to create bold sports watches.
Overview
Founded: 2016
Based in: Cressier, Switzerland
Typical Price Range: £800–£3000 GBP
Known For: Fastback, Outlaw Drift
Website: gorillawatches.ch
Brand Story
Gorilla was launched in Switzerland in 2016 by Octavio Garcia (former Creative Director of Audemars Piguet) and Lukas Gopp (former designer for AP and IWC). Driven by a desire to push materials boundaries, the designers created Gorilla to offer bold, automotive-inspired sports watches that combine ceramic, carbon fiber, and titanium at microbrand prices.
Design Language
The brand’s aesthetic is defined by layered square-case architecture, anodized aluminum accents, and bold racing colorways. Dials feature open-worked details, wandering hour complications, and high-visibility scales inspired by instrument gauges.
Movements & Manufacturing
Gorilla utilizes reliable automatic movements from Miyota (specifically the 90S5) for their core collection and Swiss automatic movements from ETA/Sellita for premium complications like their wandering hour drift models.
Notable Models
The Fastback is their signature sports watch featuring a layered carbon case and ceramic bezel, while the Outlaw Drift features a mechanical wandering-hour complication.
Why Enthusiasts Care
Gorilla represents the design vision of two former Audemars Piguet designers, offering high-spec materials like forged carbon and ceramic at an accessible price. Their bold, colorful cases offer a distinct wrist presence.
Official Website
Featured Models
Fastback
A bold automotive sports watch crafted from layered carbon fiber, ceramic, and titanium, designed by former Audemars Piguet designers.
