Independent Swiss watchmaking Workshop de Genève recently crafted a remarkable custom Rolex known as the ‘Heart of Namibia.’
Commissioned by a private client, this one-of-a-kind timepiece celebrates the Namibian night sky, featuring locally sourced precious metals.
At first glance, the ‘Heart of Namibia’ appears like a tiny universe captured in a watch face, making it not only an amazing collector’s item, but a fashion piece as well.
The dial features three signature Namibian gems: mother-of-pearl representing the moon, aventurine for the night sky, and an authentic Namibian meteorite inserted into the rotor. This piece of meteorite, cut from a 6-kilogram slab, was methodically reduced to a thickness of 30mm before undergoing chemical treatment to reveal its natural patterns.
In a statement on social media, they shared how strong meteorites provide unique insights about the formation of our solar system and our planet.
The watch face looks almost like a portal to the heavens, with a functioning moon dial to track its phases against a navy blue backdrop peppered with white starry flakes.
Artisans de Genève deputy chief executive Philippe Wassmer says the cost of tailoring the watch was 34 520 Swiss francs, which is about N$712 556,32. Other costs include the base model itself, which the client provides, along with the customisation and materials.
“For the first time, we created a large moon entirely from precious stones. Crafted on a hand-polished black steel base, the contrast between the white and the midnight blue offers a particularly unique effect,” says Artisans de Genève.
Other notable details include a dark blue ceramic bezel with platinum markings, a blue seconds hand, a white gold rotor, and the case with textured engraving.
The design is very masculine, yet it exudes a soft and delicate aura – the perfect inspiration for any menswear enthusiast.
Namibian horology collector and reseller Paulo Coelho sees this as an exciting development for the watch world and local enthusiasts.
“Rolex has been using meteorites sourced from Namibia since the early 2000s, but they don’t credit us; they just say it’s a meteorite. This is the first time a watchmaker acknowledges it as a Namibian-based watch, with themes from here, as well as the meteorite and the gold for the rotor being from Namibia,” he says.
One standout feature for Coelho is the working mother-of-pearl moon phase, a function not many people know how to operate on their accessories.
He says the way the stones are cut from such uniquely beautiful materials means that even if the watch were recreated, it would result in a completely new pattern, making each design singular in its existence — a testament to Namibia’s idiosyncrasy and essence.
Namibia’s wealth of natural resources not only fuels the mining industry, but also provides unique materials for luxury items like this watch. The country’s dry climate helps preserve meteorites, making them easier to find compared to other parts of the world where they might degrade quickly.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the world of horology, here are some tips for owning a luxury timepiece:
Match your watch to your outfit – A classic metal watch works well with business attire, while a more rugged design suits casual wear.
Take care of your timepiece – Regularly service your watch to keep it in optimal condition and store it in a proper case to avoid damage.
Stay true to you – Invest in watches that resonate with you personally, whether through design, materials, or the story they tell as you’ll likely keep them for a long time.
- Anne Hambuda is a poet, writer and social commentator. Follow her online or email her annehambuda@gmail.com for more.
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