Nicola Callegaro is an Italian designer and entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of echo/neutra, an independent watch brand based in the Veneto region of Italy. With a professional background as a designer and communications consultant, Callegaro brought an aesthetic-driven approach to the horological industry when he established the company in 2019 alongside aerospace engineer Cristiano Quaglia.

Callegaro’s transition into watchmaking was rooted in a personal passion for timepieces, high-fidelity audio, and the natural landscape of the Dolomite mountains. His architectural studies and expertise in branding have been central to defining echo/neutra’s visual identity, which emphasizes clean lines, functional clarity, and a “timeless” design philosophy. Callegaro has stated that his goal was to create a brand that satisfied his own standards as a demanding consumer, focusing on objects capable of withstanding both physical wear and changing trends.

Under his creative direction, echo/neutra launched its first collection, the Averau, via a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2018. The brand’s subsequent releases, including the Cortina 1956 and the Cristallo professional diver, reflect Callegaro’s interest in blending Italian design sensibilities with Swiss mechanical precision. His designs frequently incorporate subtle nods to alpine environments, such as the silhouette of Mount Averau or colors inspired by the mountains near Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Beyond his role as a designer, Callegaro remains active in the brand’s community engagement, often interacting directly with enthusiasts to explain technical and design choices, such as the execution of moon phase complications. Today, he continues to lead echo/neutra from its headquarters in Piove di Sacco, maintaining a focus on transparency and high-quality specifications within the microbrand market.