Artisans de Genève is an independent company specializing in the personalization of timepieces. They are not affiliated with Rolex SA nor authorized by them to intervene in their products for any reason whatsoever. This personalization was ordered by a customer, who owns a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116500 and wanted something different and special for his private use. This unique timepiece is an example of their know-how and the personalization services Artisans de Genève offers at their customers' request.

Their client was inspired by the Arolla glacier for the customization of his timepiece, a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona model. Artisans de Genève chose to embody the transparency of the glacier along with its unique blue hues through a sapphire dial and invisible gem-set bezel. The fusion of materials was the guideline of the ‘Arolla’ Project and they blended the fragile and delicate sapphire with the rough finishings of the calibre 4130 movement to recall Arolla ice cave.

In the words of the client Mr. P.A. that commissioned the piece:

“I’ve explored glaciers for years... it’s been my constant obsession. One, in particular, is rooted in my memory: Arolla, in Switzerland. I go there as often as I can and it was the main inspiration for my watch personalization. I wanted to recreate this specific blue of the ice caves and their transparency.”

The ‘Arolla’ project was thought out on a specific blue, inspired by the hue of the glacier. To develop the right color, Artisans de Genève made numerous attempts for months, so they could obtain harmonious shades of blue from the gem-set bezel to the crystal sapphire dial.

Artisans de Genève developed an original cut-out of the Rolex caliber 4130, which is complemented by the geometric X-shaped skeletonized rotor. The entire movement is enhanced by an array of know-how including beveling, polishing, and sandblasting. The bridges of the movement bear innovative shapes and cuts. In order to meet the challenge, Artisans de Genève asked strap maker Rubber B to develop an exclusive genuine rubber strap in transparent Arolla blue, to give a unique touch to our client’s customization. This unique project ‘Arolla’ features a bezel in 18K white gold base that was gem-set with blue sapphires.

Sticker Price Upon Request. The price for the personalization does not include the watch, as this needs to be supplied by the client. For more info on Artisans de Genève click here.

Artisans de Genève is an independent company specializing in the personalization of timepieces. Artisans de Genève is not affiliated with Rolex SA nor authorized by them to intervene in their products for any reason whatsoever. This personalization was ordered for his private use by a customer who owns a Rolex timepiece.