Artisans de Genève is an independent company specializing in the personalization of timepieces. Artisans de Genève is not affiliated with Rolex SA nor authorized by them to intervene in their products for any reason whatsoever.
Artisans de Genève is a watchmaking workshop based in Geneva, Switzerland, offering an exclusive service of watch modification for private customers. Our modifications are made exclusively upon request in a very limited capacity, in our workshops in Switzerland, by independent and highly skilled craftsmen. Artisans de Genève is an independent workshop, and that independence is a testament to quality and creativity.
When starting a personalization, each project holds unique stories, and reminiscences engraved in a timepiece. The craftsmanship offers infinite possibilities to express their client’s desires.
The ‘Poetry of Lights’ Rolex Daytona is an adventure in watchmaking and jewelry. Son and grandson of a gemologist, their client wanted a personalization that brought together their two passions: traditional watchmaking and jewelry. Together, they were able to involve craftsmen and artists in this unique project, all eager to bring life to this unique personal timepiece out of this extraordinary journey.
“The story I was able to share with Artisans de Genève will remain a unique human adventure for me. Their commitment, expertise and attentiveness have been invaluable to this project, which has never ceased to evolve and refine itself. We explored no fewer than nine versions before we set our eyes on the ideal Green Sapphire. I’ve always loved precious stones, as I believe that nature does things right.” Mr. S.F.
The Poetry Of Lights adventure began on paper, with sketches and a collection of ideas inspired by their client, which were refined together over time. Showcasing not only their artisans’ incredible dexterity and precision —but also their ability to capture the unique mood of a timepiece—, the Rolex calibre 4130 was manually open-worked with a hacksaw, deploying the boxful cut to create the skeletonized shape.
It took them two years to gather and bring together 36 stones of the same hue to create this perfect harmony. The bezel has a green bright, made possible by precious Australian sapphires. Each stone has been skillfully set by hand using traditional Invisible Setting techniques. The case is hand-set with 52 diamonds carefully chosen for their clarity and brilliance.
Artisans de Genève re-imagined the openwork rotor from a solid block of rose gold. Cut by a hacksaw, then decorated and beveled, it was laser-engraved and hand-colored following their client’s wishes.
Nothing is more contrasting than the clash between vibrance and transparency. The sapphire dial and skeleton movement allow light to infiltrate every corner of this watch. The luminescent material accentuates every detail. The vivid and unique hue of the bezel contrasts with the allure of the glossy surfaces. The SuperLuminova hands create a visual tension that captivates and lingers long after the gaze has shifted.
The skeleton chronograph movement is a blend of technical sophistication and transparency, created by a range of crafts. Each piece is cut, beveled, sandblasted, and polished by hand, all enhanced by an anthracite finish. The hardened, polished steel balance bridge completes the aesthetics of the client’s caliber. Fashioned from a single block of natural sapphire, the transparent dial reveals the entire decorated movement. The hour markers and counters, in solid pink gold, are diamond-polished and satin-finished with a traditional buff finish.
The rose gold crown has been hand-machined to create a groove of 0.30 millimeters deep. A green lacquer was then applied and polished before firing at 180 degrees, thus ensuring perfect hold.
This unprecedented collaboration fostered a harmonious blend of innovation and craftsmanship. The intricate skeletonized movement unveils many components geared towards a more modern, futuristic watchmaking. The balance bridge, entirely designed and crafted in-house, features several handmade decoration techniques, each demanding hours of delicate precision.
Sticker Price Undisclosed. However, based on their other projects and what we’ve seen in the secondary market, this personalization cost at least $50,000 USD+ on top of the watch that had to be supplied by the owner for personalization. For more info on Artisans de Genève click here.
