OUR BACKGROUND - MILAN, ITALY & BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA SINCE 2002

Our Story

Ritmo Mundo came to life in 2002, fueled by a quest for independence and a departure from the watch industry's monotony. In a landscape where classic designs intertwined with quality state-of-the-art components and a commitment to value were scarce, Ritmo Mundo emerged as a beacon of innovation. Our primary goal was simple — to create watches that exuded coolness.

Our inception involved immersing ourselves in the pages of watch history, art, and architecture books. Meticulous sketches, carefully sourced parts, and crude prototypes underwent rigorous testing before a Milanese factory in Italy brought the very first Ritmo timepiece to life in 2002. This was a time predating the ubiquitous presence of social media, e-commerce, and luxury retail platforms. Ritmo Mundo's foundation was laid through extensive global travel, traditional brick-and-mortar sales, and the enduring charm of print advertising.

Through unwavering dedication, hard work, and infectious enthusiasm, Ritmo experienced significant growth, reaching new heights by 2004. Over the years, we cultivated a reputation for crafting bold, colorful, and inspiring timepieces that garnered recognition worldwide.

In 2024 Ritmo Mundo continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of watchmaking by embracing emerging trends and cutting-edge technology. Our commitment to leading and reshaping the watch industry remains unwavering. We take pride in crafting bold, personal, and powerful timepieces that seamlessly blend the laid-back California lifestyle with the traditional and often antiquated craftsmanship of watchmaking. Join us on our journey as we navigate the ever-changing landscape, unveiling new collections that epitomize our passion for innovation, timeless style, and the vibrant spirit of California living in the years ahead.

 

Our Founder

“The question I am asked daily is: ‘why is everyone wearing this watch?’ my reply, “it’s fun, its cool, its young, and no matter your age, gender, or origin, you can’t deny they are often the coolest timepieces in any room!”

It is not often that you meet someone 50+ who can speak in the past tense of successful careers as both a lawyers and as a Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive store owner in addition to serving as elected President of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, being the father of five children, and creating a flourishing watch company in a world full of renown, decades old brands!

Raised in Beverly Hills, Mr. Soltani chose to remain in the Los Angeles area to attend local universities, UCLA, and Loyola Law School. After graduation, he began his legal tenure at Sulmeyer, Kupetz, Baumann, & Rothman where he specialized in bankruptcy and business law. Mr. Soltani parlayed his legal knowledge of business into hands-on experience with the purchase, along with his father and brother, of Beverly Hills stalwart retailer, David Orgell. In conjunction with his family, Ali Soltani provided the necessary leadership and direction to ensure the lucrative operation of the company.

As a successful retailer working day to day with both the various vendors and with the retail customer Mr. Soltani was aware of the marketplace and realized that there was room for a fun, colorful, and affordable watch. He also recognized that in today’s world most people enjoy having watch options just as they maintain an assortment of clothing, shoes, and various other accessories. This concept of “watch wardrobing” is now hotter than ever.  

As we celebrate our 22th anniversary in 2024, our brand owes its consumers its’ loyalty in providing value driven timepieces with distinctive flare to maintain marketshare and stand out in an every evolving marketplace.

Ali Soltani’s passions for racing, sports, and love has motivated him and his team over the past 22 years.   With a micro-perspective, yet in touch with consumers globally, Ali has travelled to over 100 countries to build Ritmo Mundo into a pre-eminent niche-brand with tentacles not only in watches and jewelry, but in sports, architecture, and contemporary tastes.

Design Team

The Ritmo Mundo team oversees every facet of Ritmo Mundo, from design to production. As a private company, we wield complete control over the entire process, allowing us to swiftly alter styles or components without the bureaucratic delays of corporate approvals. The essence of Ritmo's design DNA is characterized by thoughtfulness, an industrial aesthetic, oversized proportions, vibrant colors, and unparalleled uniqueness. Collaborating with a team of experts, our watch designs begin as hand sketches, transforming into reality through the precision of CAD and 3-D printing.

Ritmo Mundo consistently pioneers the use of cutting-edge materials, including the exploration of unconventional elements like carbon fiber and mixed metal combinations. The Persepolis, introduced in 2006, stands as a distinctive timepiece with a visionary case design, offering triple or dual time and dual date capabilities. The 2011 Puzzle watch design features a top sliding case with functional puzzle pieces, inviting wearers to engage in a captivating game.

The integration of sophisticated and technical designs into practical, functional timepieces is both a challenge and a source of great reward for us. In 2013, our Quantum watch cases showcased stainless steel and aluminum expertly forged together, complemented by layered dials that impart a unique dimension to each piece. Throughout the production process, each watch is meticulously assembled under the watchful eye of our team to ensure the highest standards of craftsmanship.

In 2024 we have launched the new mono-piece Sapphire Crystal Pegasus and in winter 2024 he Dome Shaped Atmosphere. These exciting additions promise to further elevate Ritmo Mundo's commitment to innovation, design excellence, and the enduring pursuit of crafting extraordinary timepieces. Stay tuned as we embark on this exciting journey into the future.