“Rusty”

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 always been fascinated by the footprint of time on objects and by the sentimental value that they bring us. I’ve worn the same watch for several years, so I contacted Artisans de Genève to add a special touch. A timeworn feel that would make it even more unique, something that looked like the watch my grandfather wore — a vintage model with an oxidized dial.”
M. S.C.G
“Rusty” - Artisans de Geneve

Specifications

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Base : Rolex® 116520
Bezel: Bakelite
Dial: Oxidized, 10 weeks ageing
Hands: Refined, Backlight Luminova
Pushers: Millerighe
Rotor: Gold 21k Côtes de Genève
Movement: 4130 Artisanal finishings: hand-beveling, Côtes de Genève
Back: Sapphire
“Rusty” - Artisans de Geneve

The Project

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With his project, our client wanted to transport his Daytona® back in time to make it completely unique. To do this, we developed an oxidized patina method, a technique that allowed us to control the aging of the counters and reach the exact tint our client wanted for his dial. He named it “Rusty”: a reflection of its aged look.
“Rusty” - Artisans de Geneve
“Rusty” - Artisans de Geneve

Définition

Focus
Oceanic Climate [ɔseanik] . a . Characterized by mild and humid winters and is defined by temperatures rather consistent throughout the year. Precipitation is distributed throughout the year and often falls in mist or dense fog.

A Hidden
Haven

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To give our client the allure he wanted, we developed a natural maturation technique which allowed us to control day by day the aging of his dial without damaging it. After being applied with a treatment, we agreed that his dial shall be sent to the Azores — an island with one of the highest rates of humidity in the world. It was carefully preserved and monitored in a secret location “to mature”. After 10 weeks, our client decided that his dial had reached the perfect patina.
“Rusty” - Artisans de Geneve“Rusty” - Artisans de Geneve“Rusty” - Artisans de Geneve“Rusty” - Artisans de Geneve
“For me, a watch means more the more you wear it. It comes with us everywhere, witnessing our lives and becoming a precious memory itself. I wanted to honor this silent power of time. When I look down at my wrist, I’m always reminded that my watch is the fruit of many hours generously given by each artisan.”
M. S.C.G
“Rusty” - Artisans de Geneve

Colors

Focus
“Rusty” was inspired by the intangibility of time gone by, so our color wheel consisted of ambers, a reminder of the tropical Azores climate. The dial was shaped by nature, expressing the essence of the oceanic climate while highlighting the subtle burgundy reflects harmoniously blended with the amber, honey and ebony tones of the counters.
“Rusty” - Artisans de Geneve
“Rusty” - Artisans de Geneve
“Rusty” - Artisans de Geneve

Our Signatures

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“Rusty” - Artisans de Geneve

The Bezel

The bezel features a brown bakelite insert, offset by a subtle honey decal.
“Rusty” - Artisans de Geneve

Dial

Shaped by nature, the oxidized dial is complemented by counters in an amber finish. The hands are polished and rhodium-plated, thanks to Luminova Backlight technology. Cream-colored in daylight and glowing a phosphorescent brown in the dark assuring readibility at all times.
“Rusty” - Artisans de Geneve

The Pushers

“Millerighe” pushers add a bygone touch to the watch.
“Rusty” - Artisans de Geneve

The Realization

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Our client wanted his personalization to feature the allure and elegance of vintage timepieces equipped with the realibility of today’s watches. We realized a special cut of his 4130 caliber,the rose gold geartrains add a subtle and delicate contrast to the movement. The 21K gold rotor bears Côtes de Genève realized by hand. As a final touch, our client added an elegant brown leather handmade strap, to complement the vintage allure. The Rusty project incorporated the know-how of several artisans who ensured that each detail was perfect.
“Armstrong” - Artisans de Geneve
“Armstrong” - Artisans de Geneve
“Armstrong” - Artisans de Geneve
“Rusty” - 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 “Rusty” Project to create your own personalization.

Due to the uniqueness of the method influenced by nature and the oceanic climate, each dial will be completely unique and bearing its own amber hues.

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.