DIALLING IT UP
Other creative standouts from Only Watch 2021.
01
ARTYA X JOHN MCLAUGHLIN “IS THAT SO”
Inspired by one of English guitarist and jazz fusion pioneer John McLaughlin’s albums, this watch’s colourful dial required 110 hours of handpainting by artist Marq Spusta. Artya cleverly leverages the instrument’s shape to house a chronograph movement with the guitar’s “keys” serving as pushers. McLaughlin’s signature is engraved on the back. Buyers will also get a guitar built by luthier Paul Reed Smith and painted by Spusta.
02
BOUCHERON “AJOUREE MASSY LE CAMELEON”
It’s hard to fight the glam factor of a well-executed jewellery watch. Diamonds, multicoloured sapphires, tsavorites and a single ruby eye on a polished white gold body form this tiny glittering treasure. The chameleon is the newest animal to join the Boucheron bestiary, which has previously included a hedgehog, a parrot, a cat, a chickadee and a swallow across its watches and jewellery. A quartz movement powers the 38mm white gold watch with a mother-of-pearl dial. And, instead of a traditional crown, Boucheron has incorporated a hidden button on the caseback.
03
F.P. JOURNE X FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA “FFC BLUE”
Journe was having dinner at Francis Ford Coppola’s house in Napa Valley when the awardwinning director asked if it was possible to create a watch with a hand inside of it. Since Journe is one of the greatest watchmakers of our time, the answer must have been obvious. It did take some thinking to come up with 12 different finger positions to show the hours with just one hand. But the result is the FFC Blue, a creative if slightly bizarre automaton that has a peripheral disc indicating the minutes.