Frederique Constant’s new Passion Collection timepieces feature works of Filipino artist Dex Fernandez

In a primary for the watchmaking home, the limited-edition new assortment will function one-of-a-kind hand-painted dials from the internationally acclaimed artist, to be bought in a non-public on-line public sale.

The previous few years have seen watchmaking collaborations throughout a complete spectrum of genres. From streetwear to survival gear to cartoon characters: increasingly more ideas are making their manner into the watchmaking panorama. And now, Frederique Fixed’s Ardour Assortment brings Philippine artwork into the world of luxurious watches as effectively.

Swiss model Frederique Fixed has partnered with Filipino artist Dex Fernandez for a limited-edition launch of 5 exceptional timepieces — every watch bearing a singular piece from the artist. All 5 watches are hand-painted and are set to be bought on the “Put on Your HeART” personal public sale. It’s the first time the model is doing something of this type, and for Mr. Fernandez to be chosen for the collaboration speaks volumes.

“Certainly, this would be the first time we fee an art work on our timepieces, so we’re very enthusiastic about this undertaking,” stated Niels Eggerding, Frederique Fixed managing director.

Based in 1988, Frederique Fixed is a watchmaking model from Geneva, Switzerland, that creates luxurious timepieces. With its hands-on manufacturing course of that’s utterly in-house, it’s managed to supply high-quality watches that stay accessible. The partnership with Mr. Fernandez is their entry into the world of one-off timepieces: one thing extremely wanted by collectors.

Mr. Fernandez’s work is a set of pop-infused psychedelia that takes a number of disciplines to create, together with pictures, portray, and layering. His illustrations have appeared on partitions throughout the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan, and a few of his works have been exhibited in New York, Tokyo, Paris, and Singapore.

His work additionally comes with its personal quirks, notably his animal mascot — the garapata — which he believes represents the Filipino character. Garapata is the Filipino phrase for “tick,” a parasitic arachnid that feeds on blood and is a cousin to the spider. Nonetheless, regardless of what the picture might recommend, Mr. Fernandez sees one thing else within the creature.

“They embody the Filipino character: they’re each resilient and so they go in all places,” Mr. Fernandez stated. “They all the time search for a bunch. So now, Garapata discovered a brand new host in Frederique Fixed.”

Garapata has since grow to be his signature model in avenue artwork. And similar to the arachnid which he believes represents Filipinos, his work can seem anyplace, usually straddling the road between excessive and low artwork.

For the collaboration with Frederique Fixed, Mr. Fernandez has hand-painted his signature character onto the dial of every watch within the assortment. However it wasn’t with out its challenges: considered one of them being the restricted area he might work on.

Having roots as a graffiti and tremendous artist, he’s used to creating artwork on a a lot bigger scale, utilizing partitions or bigger canvases to get his message throughout. On this collaboration, he might solely use components of the dial, ensuring that the watch remained legible even whereas his artwork seems on it.

“It’s like telling a narrative in 5 phrases,” Mr. Fernandez stated, and goes on to say that the work within the watch aren’t only for ornament. Every one has a that means hooked up to it.

“It’s a must to look deeper and you will notice the message,” he stated. “Given the scenario we’re all in at the moment, I actually considered inspiring ideas to encourage the wearer in addition to the individuals who will see the watch.”

The Ardour Assortment

The entire assortment is predicated on the concept that time will be spent or saved. And since we are able to’t make extra of it, it ought to all the time be spent on one thing we’re captivated with. For the Ardour Assortment, Mr. Fernandez’s miniaturized work serve up a number of themes, each encouraging the wearer to reside their very own ardour:

This symmetrical dial highlights the instances of the day when the hour and minutes arms are completely aligned at 9:15 and 12:30.

The ten:10 place of the arms is historically used to indicate the options of the dial unhindered, however this one additionally has a coded message: that happiness is a mind-set.

The design is all about driving the tide of time, with Garapata characters proven in numerous poses throughout the dial.

This can be a piece that encourages the wearer to let go and be free, and insists on not being caught in a single place.

The assistance of individuals round us is what retains us going, and this dial exhibits Garapata characters linked with one another to convey the message. 

Dwelling Your Ardour

“‘Dwell your ardour,’ has all the time been Frederique Fixed’s guideline,” Mr. Eggerding defined. “It’s the relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence that make our watches particular. That’s why we partnered with Dex Fernandez, an artist who understands that zeal.”

“Artwork and watchmaking are very complimentary and really related,” he continued. “Making a watch is an artwork type, there are such a lot of issues to think about to make the ultimate work look grand.”

“Watchmaking is a exact science and pays homage to the abilities of the watchmaker, the human being, to include artwork into the aesthetic great thing about a timepiece would solely elevate its worth and make the piece much more distinctive.”

And now, with this assortment, we see what each fields can do once they work collectively. Every watch within the assortment is totally distinct from all of the others, and solely 5 items have been produced, making them extremely collectible.

“This can be a uncommon alternative to personal a particular object,” Mr. Fernandez stated. “I hope it goes to a great collector who will benefit from the watch and the message of my work.”

However figuring out the spirit of the Garapata, these watches are more likely to head anyplace, and so they’ll maintain ticking so long as they’ve a bunch to put on them.

The Put on Your HeART public sale for the Ardour Assortment can be performed in a non-public on-line group from Might 4 to 11. Registration for the public sale is open till April 29. In case you’re considering inserting a bid, get in contact with Nikko Tiongson: galacnikko@gmail.com or +639178430516.

Be taught extra in regards to the Ardour Assortment right here: tempus.com.ph/passion-collection/.

This occasion is sponsored by Tempus, a retail watch idea of Wizer Industries, Inc.

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