While at the Geneva Time Exhibition 2010 recently I got to meet with one of my modern watch making heroes, Yvan Arpa. I have discussed his exploits during his time at Romain Jerome, and his new project is Artya. In addition, he will be designing a line of watches for Volna. Artya is interesting concept that could only come from a mind like Arpa's. An artist himself, he sees a large niche for watches made by talented people who consider themselves artists above only watch makers. Arpa is also interested in exclusivity. For that reason, each and every Artya watch will be totally unique - as well as relatively affordable. In a time when a totally unique watch costs over $100,000, how is it possible that Artya watches will mostly cost under $10,000?
It has to do with Arpa's vision for how the watches are made. Instead of making totally unique cases in the manufacturing process, Artya creates unique cases more organically. The workshop's process involves a tesla coil. Making artificial lightning that "tortures" the watches. The result is mostly cases that are too destroyed, but in the experimentation comes pieces that are interesting in style and suitable for the necessary level of water resistance.
There are of course the dials that are unique to each watch. Artists employ a number of different techniques from painting to sculpture to make unique dials. Pictured in the galley below is a painted dial, while above you can see the watch that Yvan Arpa himself was wearing. This fantastic creation is a sculpture of electronics that showcases a mechanically complex tourbillon movement. Given the movement this watch would retail for more than $10,000, but isn't for sale. One again, each watch that Artya creates is totally unique, a one-of-a-kind creation for art lovers and watch collectors alike.
Arpa imbues the brand with other interesting components. Two of which can be seen here. First is the rear of their automatic mechanical watches that reveal and interesting square gear. This seemingly impossible component is linked to the automatic rotor and spins around the rear of the watch. Another interesting material is the strap on the above tourbillon watch. What is it? I couldn't guess at first. Yvan informed me that it was toad skin. Imagine that? Works with the style well doesn't it? Also, when you get the watches my understanding is that they come with a frame for wall mounting them.
Yvan's dedication to his new brand is unparalleled and it is more than a instant project for him. I look forward to seeing all the interesting things that come out of it. If you are interested in learning more about these intentionally crazy watches, just visit Artya's website here.
Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.
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