“Arolla”

Artisans De Genève is an independent watchmaking workshop offering handcrafted timepiece customization and restoration services. We are neither associated nor affiliated with the brands of the timepieces we work on. We carry out our work at the sole request of our customers, on their own timepieces and for their private use only. The work presented was commissioned by one of our customers. This presentation reflects our know-how and has no contractual value.
I’ve explored glaciers for years… it’s been my constant obsession. One in particular is rooted in my memory: Arolla, in Switzerland. I go there as often as I can and it was the main inspiration for my watch personalization. I wanted to recreate this specific blue of the ice caves, their transparency and its fusion of materials. It is a unique place, out of time.
Mr. Patrick A

Organic
Watchmaking

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Our client was inspired by the Arolla glacier for the customization of his timepiece, a Daytona® model. He wanted to instill the aura of this unique landscape by combining the strengths and fragility of the unexplored nature. The crystal translucence and the spectrum of blues were our guidelines for the personalization project. To do so, we chose to work the transparency through each element of the timepiece while combining it with a series of know-how, on each detail of the “Arolla Project”.
“Arolla” - Artisans de Geneve
“Arolla” - Artisans de Geneve
“Arolla” - Artisans de Geneve

Clash Of
Materials

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The fusion of materials was our principal and this is found in each detail: from the dial, to the oscillating rotor, to the skeleton caliber and its granulous finishing. To conceive the opalescence of Arolla’s icy landscape, one material stood out: sapphire crystal for the dial and the bezel that recall the illusion of blocks of ice. Fragile and delicate.
“Arolla” - Artisans de Geneve
“Arolla” - Artisans de Geneve
“Arolla” - Artisans de Geneve
To me watchmaking is all about passion and time passing.I have spent my life running behind time. When I became a father, temporality took another meaning. I have wanted to catch time, and associate it with my life moments. My timepiece is more than an object, it bears witness to the moment, my moments.. Personalization enhances all the details that make this adventure so unique and different.
Mr. Patrick. A.

The Colors

Focus
The “Arolla”project was thought out a specific blue. To get the right color, we made numerous attempts for months to translate our client’s desire and reach the perfect blue. Luminous and bright on the gem set bezel it becomes translucent on the dial allowing us to admire the skeletonized movement behind it.
“Arolla” - Artisans de Geneve
“Arolla” - Artisans de Geneve
“Arolla” - Artisans de Geneve

Our Signatures

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“Arolla” - Artisans de Geneve

The Bezel

The bezel insert is adorned with blue sapphire stones. The piece necessitated hundreds of hours of work to realize an invisible gem set, a fine jewelry technique mastered by a few artisans.
“Arolla” - Artisans de Geneve

The Dial

The blue sapphire dial required several months of development. The search for exact blue and the fragility of the material really tested our craftsmen. A white decal completes the piece.
“Arolla” - Artisans de Geneve

The Rotor

We made a two-dimensional cut of the rotor.Our client also wanted to include an “X” engraving to recall the peaks of the glacier.

The Realization

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We developed an original cut-out of the caliber 4130, which is complemented by the geometric X-shaped skeletonized rotor. The entire framework of the movement is enhanced by an array of know-how: beveling, polishing and sandblasting.


The automatic and chrono bridges are also the fruit of new developments by our artisans. To meet the challenge, we asked the expert Rubber B to develop an exclusive genuine rubber strap in transparent blue, to give a unique signature to our client’s customization.

Artisans de Genève transformed my timepiece — choosing the perfect materials and finishings to rewrite the Arolla universe, like I wanted. I have the same as when I am on the mountains, I rediscover my watch whenever I gaze at it, I’ve got nothing but admiration for this amazing craftsmanship.
Mr. Patrick A
“Arolla” - Artisans de Geneve
“Arolla” - Artisans de Geneve
“Arolla” - Artisans de Geneve

Specifications

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Base: Rolex® 116500
Bezel: White gold base, gem set with blue sapphire
Dial: Sapphire blue
Hands: Hours & Minutes sandblasted in the center
Pushers: Millerighe
Movement: 4130 Skeletonized, sandblasted and beveled by hand
Rotor: Openwork rotor in X, composite
Back: Sapphire
Strap: Rubber B, genuine rubber in Arolla blue
“Arolla” - Artisans de Geneve
Artisans De Genève is an independent watchmaking workshop offering handcrafted timepiece customization and restoration services. We are neither associated nor affiliated with the brands of the timepieces we work on. We carry out our work at the sole request of our customers, on their own timepieces and for their private use only. The work presented was commissioned by one of our customers. This presentation reflects our know-how and has no contractual value.

Write Your Own
Story

Take inspiration from the “Arolla” Tale to create your own personalization.

Some of our
Past Challenges

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You can discover below some challenges that we took for our clients. We are ready to take the one you will give us on your own favorite timepiece.