At the moment, I find myself fascinated by a few very different—yet equally compelling—subjects.
ANANSI
Anansi is an African mythological figure who spun a silver web to the realm of his god in order to steal a chest filled with stories and bring them to Earth. Because of this, Anansi is strongly associated with cunning, creativity, and a touch of trickery. His symbol is the spider’s web, which carries all of this symbolic weight.
Because of that, I recently started reading Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman. I’m almost halfway through, so I should be finishing it soon.
Watches
My interest in horology is nothing new. With the salary from my first job, one of the very first things I bought was an X Games XMSPM 020, manufactured by Orient Brasil. Unfortunately, they no longer produce the original plastic straps, and its design is so unique that fitting a metal replacement isn’t really an option.
As a result, it eventually ended up forgotten in a drawer. One day, my father noticed the abandoned watch and decided to bring it back to life. He fitted it with a generic plastic strap and started wearing it on construction sites. My father is a big, strong man—a true old-school bricklayer (except for the stereotypical beers at the local bar; he has always preferred drinking moderately in the comfort of home).
The outcome was almost inevitable.
One morning over breakfast, I noticed my mother trying to tell me something, though she wasn’t quite sure how.
My father had cracked my beloved watch.
It happens. There was no point in getting upset.
Recently, I bought a replacement case, but without the original strap, I still haven’t been able to wear it again.
Brazilian Watch Market
The Brazilian watch industry has recently caught my attention. TECHNOS, for example, is a company that generates nearly half a billion reais in annual revenue and continues to grow steadily. It is publicly traded, operates a factory in the famous Manaus Free Trade Zone, and appears to be a very well-structured business. I have to admit, it has sparked my interest in visiting the factory someday.
TECHNOS doesn’t occupy the ultra-luxury segment, but neither is it a budget brand. Its average watches sell for around R$400 or more.
It carries a legacy—a distinctly Brazilian interpretation of luxury. Founded in Switzerland and effectively “naturalized” as a Brazilian brand during the 1980s, TECHNOS produces remarkably well-built watches. I rarely come across complaints about their quality. Some models remain in service for thirty years or more.
It is a brand that deserves greater recognition, and I already have my eye on one of its models.
I also discovered STATERA, a Brazilian high-end watchmaker that produces entirely mechanical watches. They operate their own enameling workshop and combine domestic and imported components to create what have already become their iconic timepieces.
It is a small company, less than five years old, yet it has already begun earning recognition in the independent watchmaking scene—including in Switzerland.
I sincerely wish them continued success.
Fountain Pens
Beyond watches, I’ve also been exploring the world of fountain pens. For several years now, I’ve carried an unlined Moleskine-style notebook with me every day, and a good pen truly makes a difference.
To begin this journey, I chose a Pilot Metropolitan, which I’m currently using alongside my ARRBOOK 04. I’m still adapting to its writing characteristics, but I believe it’s only a matter of time before it feels completely natural.
Despite my strong connection to the digital world—after all, I’m a filmmaker who creates his films entirely with computer-generated imagery—I have found myself returning to analog tools.
I’m gradually replacing generic, multifunctional devices with dedicated, personal tools designed for each specific task in my daily routine.
Not out of luxury.
But, above all, out of efficiency.
