I’m going to say something quite controversial here, dear Reader, and tell you that I think pizza, in general, is just okay. I’ve had Neapolitan-style in Naples and Chicago-style in Chicago, and even Altoona-style in Altoona (for the unfamiliar, it’s got green peppers and American cheese on it and is disgusting). I’ve just never been especially impressed. With pepperoni or without, deep-dish or thin-crusted, it’s all the same to me. I mean, I like pizza, but I’m not one of those performative yuppies who sit behind their keyboard (okay, I am right now, but that’s because I’m getting paid to be) and tell you about the virtues of this type of tomato and that type of dough and the purity of ingredients and how pineapple on pizza isn’t real pizza and blah, blah, blah.
Like I said, it’s not that I don’t like pizza. I just don’t think it’s anything to get worked up about. To me, it’s in the same category as Jacob Elordi or any organized religion: I have no strong opinions either way, I just don’t need to be told why it’s great all the time.
Perhaps this is why I was dubious at first glance about the return of two pizza-inspired watches by Studio Underd0g and Time+Tide: the Burnt Pepper0ni and the Classic Cheese. Following the first pair of pizza watches released in 2024, this new iteration builds on that cult following with updated designs that lean into the theme without losing the brand language that has come to define Studio Underd0g.
First, there’s Burnt Pepper0ni, a crispy upgrade to the original Pepper0ni model. While you may think this watch is understated at first glance, the real wit of Studio Underd0g comes through upon further inspection. Yes, the PVD-coated black case may look subtle, but with a few toppings, including mushrooms, basil leaves, and pepperoni, decorating the red textured dial, this watch is hardly subtle in its execution of the theme. The Burnt Pepper0ni comes with either a black leather strap from The Strap Tailor or a PVD-coated Milanese mesh bracelet.
The second offering in this “pizza pair” is Classic Cheese, designed as a sort of ode to New York’s many pizza spots that populate Manhattan, in celebration of Time+Tide’s Discovery Studio in Soho. In comparison to Burnt Pepper0ni, Classic Cheese is warmer, brighter, and just as clever (take note of the missing slice at the 3 o’clock mark).
Both watches measure 38.5mm and run on a bespoke ST-1901B Seagull manual-winding movement, visible through the exhibition caseback.
The Burnt Pepper0ni and the Classic Cheese will be available starting February 27 and sold exclusively through Time+Tide Discovery Studios. As with previous releases, you can expect branded “pizza parties” in cities across the globe, including New York, Melbourne, and London. The Burnt Pepper0ni will retail for $925, while Classic Cheese will cost $825. Not unreasonable, but I’m saving my money for what I hope will be the next iteration: the Alt00na-style version. A boy can dream. Studio Underd0g
Brett Braley-Palko
2026-02-25 16:00:00