NO.054
This luxury timepiece, known for its blend of traditional design and bold geometry, was entrusted to Alter to be revisited through a contemporary lens. The objective was to create a modern presence.
The Owner’s Vision
Gifted by his father, this timepiece holds strong emotional significance. Although he was deeply attached to it, its original aesthetic no longer reflected his personal style. The project aimed to bridge that gap through a more contemporary expression. The result is a piece that preserves its emotional roots while aligning with the owner’s daily life and design sensibility.
Preparation and Restoration
The transformation begins with the complete dismantling of the watch. Our watchmakers service the movement and prepare each component for customization. All traces of wear are removed to restore clean, uniform surfaces. The parts are then refined by hand to ensure the original brushed and polished finishes are preserved before moving on to the next stages.
Black DLC Treatment
The case, bezel, and bracelet are coated in deep black diamond like carbon (DLC). This carbon-based material shares several properties with diamonds, including hardness and durability. Deposited as an ultra-thin layer only a few microns thick, it offers excellent wear resistance while preserving the finesse and definition of the original metalwork. The original brushed and polished finishes are carefully maintained.
This project was carried out by a team of specialized craftsmen working in Swiss workshops. Watchmakers, jewelers, dial makers, and surface treatment specialists collaborated closely, each contributing their expertise to ensure precision and respect for the watch entrusted to us by its owner.
Customized Dial and Hands
The original graphic style of the indexes has been carefully preserved to maintain the essence of the watch. Painted in white, they stand out with clarity against the dial, which has been treated with matte black paint. This creates a deliberate contrast with the black DLC case. The black, shiny hands complete the design, reinforcing its coherence.
Crafted in Switzerland
The original dial was customized with sprayed black paint, applied in successive layers to build a deep matte surface. The indexes were digitally redrawn to match the original design exactly before being applied using decal transfers. The process concludes with the hands, each painted individually by hand to complete the composition. All of these operations are carried out in our Swiss workshops, where precision guides every step of the process.
- Base watch Stainless steel big date, provided by its owner
- Case & size42 mm,
black DLC, original finish restored - DialCustom matte black, white decal
- HandsGlossy black, hand-painted
- BezelBlack DLC
- BraceletBlack DLC
- Indicative budgetCHF 8,500 to 11,000
(USD 10,500 to 14,000) - Typical lead time1 to 2 months
from design approval to delivery
Every project starts from a watch you already own. These figures reflect commissions of a comparable scope, your final quote depends on your piece and the work involved.
Your project
Customize your watch
We handle piece collection and return worldwide, including secure transport, insurance, and customs formalities.
Submit your requestFully Reversible
Most customizations are reversible. For nonreversible work, a new component can be manufactured at additional cost.
Swiss Made
Every stage, from preparation to final assembly, was carried out by hand in our Swiss workshops.
Alter Warranty
Customization affects the original warranty. Alter provides an independent warranty for its work and a certificate of authenticity with each piece.
Independent Studio
Each creation is carried out on the client's own watch, in complete autonomy. Alter is not affiliated with any watch brand or manufacturer.