Monarch
- Category
- Challenge
- Case
- Steel
- Movement
- Self-winding mechanical Power reserve: 41 h, 28800 vph
- Functions
- Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Size
- ø 38 mm
- Thickness
- 10.75 mm
- Water resistance
- 50 m
- Reference
- CWC-MON-001
- Price
- 2,790 CHF
Description
Monarch is an artistic timepiece that applies shell marquetry techniques to contemporary watchmaking. Created in Oregon, USA, the dial is constructed from individually shaped pieces of natural shell that are cut, thinned, cleaned, fitted, and assembled by hand.
The composition is inspired by the monarch butterfly's relationship with the milkweed flower. The flower is created from individually shaped pieces of purple abalone shell arranged in multiple layers to create depth and relief. Fourteen amethyst-colored cubic zirconia stones are hand-set within the flower, adding dimensional points of light while echoing the dark centers of milkweed blossoms.
The monarch butterfly is formed from orange Tiger Pearl shell selected for its natural orange, gold, and iridescent tones. A black overlay defines the wing structure and contrasts with the luminous shell beneath, allowing the butterfly's distinctive pattern to emerge. Orange cubic zirconia markers positioned at 11, 12, 1, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock provide time indication while visually linking the butterfly to the surrounding composition.
Rather than relying on paint or printed effects, the colors throughout the dial originate from the natural characteristics of the shell itself. As light moves across the surface, the dial continuously changes in appearance, revealing shifting flashes of orange, gold, green, blue, and violet.
The artistic concept extends beyond the dial. Visible through the sapphire caseback, the automatic movement features a custom rotor inlaid with orange Tiger Pearl shell. This continuation of the dial material creates a visual connection between the front and back of the watch, transforming the movement into part of the artistic narrative and reinforcing the Monarch theme throughout the entire timepiece.
Monarch combines shell marquetry, layered construction, stone setting, metal overlays, and Swiss mechanical watchmaking in a single composition. It represents more than a decade of experimentation and craftsmanship devoted to working with natural shell at watchmaking scale, bringing a rare decorative art into contemporary independent horology.
Supplied by the brand to the GPHG for its entry.