Artya Minute Repeater Platinum

ArtyA Minute Repeater Platinum

When Yvan Arpa contacted me for this new project he had in mind, I was all in!

A platinum minute repeater, with an enamel dial respecting ArtyA’s spirit, leaving me as the engraver with all the artistic freedom I could dream of!

This watch was a real challenge for me, especially it being made out of platinum, which requires a different technique than for example titanium or gold, which I engrave a lot for ArtyA.

I always search for harmony between my ornamental design and the watchcase. Design wise I went for the style which I'm most known for my "Neo-Renaissance" ornaments, but this time I sobered it up a little so that would be in full harmony with the watch, and at the same time a gentleman would be delighted to wear, without it being "too much".

Technique wise I combined two techniques, one relief engraving where the surrounding background is lowered so that the engraved ornaments are given this 3 dimensional pop. To make the engraving sparkle like it does, I had to introduce a second technique: "bright cut" a technique where the engraving tool, the burin is polished several times during the engraving process, once you start engraving your cuts will be polished and very shiny too.

For the dial Yvan Arpa and I went for royal blue enamel.

I wanted to combine this with my engraving. I could have gone the easy way and buy what is known as "cold enamel" used by many brands but which is actually nothing more than plastic resin... But no, two years ago I bought a enamelling kiln and some enamels in Austria. Since then I have been training myself which wasn't easy. But I loved it! I believe I can say that this project is something I was proud signing. But even more I'm very grateful for this fantastic opportunity with Yvan Arpa, we have been working together now for half a decade, and I have to say no one every trusted me like he does. When a bond of trust is created beautiful things are made.

Bram Ramon