NO.306
Originally conceived as a distinctive luxury sports watch, this timepiece was defined by its massive bezel and articulated rubber strap lugs. Alter revisits it with an illustrated dial and a deep black case, reinforcing its presence with a graphic identity while preserving its original structure.
The Owner’s Vision
The owner wanted to reinterpret his watch with a design reflecting something personal. Based on his description of a place that holds particular meaning for him, our designers helped him design the pattern of the moon and leaf for the dial. As a frequent traveler, he saw the GMT complication as the ideal foundation for a project expressing both movement and attachment.
Preparation and Restoration
The transformation begins with a full disassembly of the watch. Each component is inspected, serviced, and restored. The surfaces are then refined to preserve the original brushed finishes before the customization process continues.
Dial Composition
The dial design was developed through a series of sketches by our design team. Several compositional options were explored. The illustration was then simplified and adapted to preserve legibility. The textured matte black base establishes depth, while the yellow moon draws the eye against the dark background.
This customization balances graphic expression with technical structure. It integrates narrative elements while preserving the functional clarity expected of a GMT sports watch.
Dial Painting
The work of the dial maker is at the heart of this project. The base was first machined to create its fine grained texture before the black background was applied in layered spray coats. The motif and indexes were constructed through sequential decal applications, beginning with the yellow moon, followed by the gray green leaves, and finally the white indexes and logo, each carefully aligned.
Black DLC Coating
All yellow gold components were treated with a black DLC (diamond like carbon) coating. This amorphous carbon based layer is applied as a micrometric coating, offering high resistance to wear. The white numerals on the 24 hour bezel were painted by hand to reinforce legibility against the dark surface.
The hands were individually painted using pigments mixed in house and carefully applied by hand to achieve a consistent color and surface quality.
All modifications performed by Alter are fully reversible, including the diamond like carbon coating, allowing the watch to be returned to its original configuration at any time.
- Base Watch Yellow gold GMT, provided by its owner
- Case & size40 mm, black DLC, brushed finish
- DialTextured matte black, moon-and-leaves motif
- HandsHand-painted black, black SLN
- BezelBlack DLC, white-lacquered 24-hour engraving
- Bracelet Black rubber, black DLC
- Indicative budget CHF 11.000 to 14.000
(USD 13.500 to 17.500) - Typical lead time1 to 2 months
from design approval to delivery
The project combined high resolution photography and digital renders to offer a detailed view of the final result. All restoration, finishing and decorative work was carried out in our Swiss workshops with rigorous attention to detail and respect for traditional watchmaking practice.
Alter Geneva carries out each creation on a client’s personal watch. These independent works are not produced, approved, or guaranteed by the original manufacturers. As modifications may affect the brand warranty, Alter Geneva provides its own warranty. All creations are intended for private use only.
Your project
Your Watch, Reimagined
Every Alter creation starts with a watch provided by its owner. Share your ideas with our team to explore the possibilities for your own project.
Submit your requestFully Reversible
All customizations are fully reversible, including the DLC treatment.
The watch can be restored to its original configuration at any time.Swiss Made
The project was created through a mix of digital renders and high-resolution photographs. All work was carried out in our Swiss workshops.
Alter Warranty
Since these modifications may affect the brand warranty, Alter provides its own. Each piece is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
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.