Project 014

This custom project strikes a balance between structural rigor and precious detail. A matte gray DLC case sets the tone, contrasted by a black diamond-set bezel and a deep black grained dial. The watch expresses a contemporary vision of sophistication, shaped by controlled contrasts and precise material choices.

The Owner’s Vision

After placing her trust in Alter for her first project, this collector entrusted us with a second piece, this time exploring a new aesthetic dimension. While the initial piece featured a monochromatic design, this project calls for a more nuanced balance between sophistication and contemporary design. Her intention was clear: to incorporate black diamonds as a precious element while maintaining a modern visual language.

Preparation and Restoration

The transformation begins with the complete dismantling of the watch. Our watchmakers carry out a full service of the movement before preparing the components for customisation. All traces of wear are eliminated to restore perfectly uniform surfaces. Our jeweller then refines the components by hand, preparing the metal for the finishing stages to follow.

This project explores the interplay of black and gray, matte and light. The gray DLC case features a fine-grained finish echoed by the texture of the custom black dial. These matte surfaces are set against the deep, glossy reflections of the black diamonds, creating a deliberate tension between reflection and absorption.

Black Diamonds Bezel

The bezel was specially manufactured for this project and fully set with 48 black diamonds. Carefully selected for their visual consistency, the stones were sourced from ethical and traceable origins in Angola and cut into square baguette shapes, for a total weight of 3.73 carats. Black diamonds interact with light in a singular way, absorbing as much as they reflect. The setting was executed by a master gem-setter, who adjusted seat depth and pressure stone by stone to achieve a perfectly uniform result across the bezel.

Custom Dial and Indexes

The custom dial was developed specifically for this project and finished with a fine-grained black texture. The surface of the newly manufactured base was treated to create a subtle, textured grain that adds character. The hands and indexes are meticulously painted black by hand, then filled with black Super-LumiNova, ensuring nighttime legibility while remaining consistent with the watch’s original design language.

Gray DLC Treatment

The case received a matte gray diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating. This technique involves applying an ultra-thin layer of carbon to the metal surface, offering high resistance to wear while preserving the integrity of the components. Fully reversible, the treatment allows the original finish to be restored if desired and can be executed in a wide range of colors. For this project, the client chose an industrial gray, enhanced by a fine-grained texture that adds character. The finish deliberately contrasts with the depth of the black diamonds and the dark dial.

All customizations are fully reversible, including the DLC treatment. This allows the watch to be restored to its original configuration at any time.

MATERIALSTAINLESS STEEL
FINISHGRAINED
BEZELSET WITH 48 BLACK DIAMONDS, 3.73 CARATS
DIALCUSTOM GRAINED DIAL
CASEGRAY DLC COATING
BRACELETGRAY DLC COATING
CROWNGRAY DLC COATING
HANDS AND INDEXESBLACK HAND-PAINTED WITH BLACK LUMEN

The project was created through a mix of high-resolution photographs and digital renders, offering a detailed view of the final result. All restoration and finishing work was carried out in our Swiss workshops with the same precision and respect for craftsmanship that define the highest standards in luxury watchmaking.

Alter Geneva carries out each creation on a personal watch provided by a client. These works are independent and are not produced, approved, or guaranteed by the original manufacturers. Since these modifications may affect the brand warranty, Alter provides its own warranty. All creations are strictly intended for private use and have no commercial purpose.