Artisans de Genève Introduces Its Latest Timepiece Personalisation

Artisans de Genève has introduced its latest creation, titled “Eternal Green”. The workshop, based in Geneva, Switzerland, specialises in transforming watches into bespoke pieces for private clients, with the help of their independent craftsmen.

Their website states, “It is in Geneva that all of the traditional watchmaking professions are brought together in a unique place, offering a multitude of possibilities to meet the diverse needs and desires of each individual client.”

The “Eternal Green” project was commissioned by Mr. V.B., who chose green to represent life’s everlasting spirit. As a passionate watch collector for over 30 years, Mr. V.B. rarely wears his collection, preferring to keep each piece in pristine condition. According to his statement, he takes great pleasure in preserving his watches and only wears them on special occasions, believing that each watch deserves its moment to shine.

“By personalizing one of my watches, I decided not to let it tell an experienced story, but to create its own story, visibly reflecting my desires, choices, who I am and what inspires me. Like a story engraved in Eternal Green,” said Mr. V.B.

Patek Philippe 5167A served as the foundation for this project. At its core, the Calibre 324 movement was reimagined through an elaborate process known as skeletonisation. This technique involved cutting away parts of the movement to expose its intricate gears and bridges, followed by hand beveling and polishing. The final touch was a PVD treatment in Eternal Green.

The dial was no less impressive. Made from a solid brass block, it underwent hand-beveling and circling before being coated with a layer of white gold. This was then enhanced with the same Eternal Green PVD treatment, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic. The addition of SLN (Super Lumi-Nova) points completed the design, guaranteeing that the watch remains readable even in low-light conditions.

To complement the Eternal Green theme, the workshop collaborated with Rubber B to create a custom rubber strap, featuring a titanium insert for a snug and secure fit. The strap was finished with a handmade balance bridge, polished to a mirror sheen.

Other modifications include the balance bridge made from a solid block of steel after undergoing a process of hand mirror-polishing. The hour, minute and second hands were each handmade from yellow gold, with the tops given a hand-satin finish and the facets diamond-polished. Last on the list was the hand-pierced gold rotor, with each line bevelled and circled by hand to add depth and contrast to the skeletonised movement. 

The price of this modification service for Mr. V.B. costs INR 57 lakh (58,520 CHF), not including the cost of the watch itself.