Bamford Watch Department
Introducing the Bamford x Arsham x King Nerd Franck Muller Casablanca
The Low-Down
If you ask George Bamford why he picks the watches he does for his signature customisation, he is invariably candid in his answer; simply because he finds them cool. Whether the watches have a sentimental place in his memory or it’s a watch that he always wanted when growing up, if it isn’t cool to him, he’s not interested. His taste is both eclectic and eccentric and the execution of his watches is always first rate. His latest offering is a three-way par excellence between himself, renowned artist Daniel Arsham and the king of engraving Johnny Dowell aka King Nerd.
Franck Muller has certainly had something of a renaissance with collectors in recent months, with the small-run early 90s steel chronographs by the master watchmaker having picked up significant traction thanks to their Borgel-esque aesthetic and tasti-tondi-styling. Is it time for the Casablanca to make a welcome return to the spotlight?
IMHO
Well, the watch has always been cool to Daniel Arsham. “I’ve always liked the Franck Muller Casablanca and this project actually started when I asked George if he could make one custom for me. As we were talking about all of the different details on it, things got more and more intricate and complex. I started thinking about ideas for engraving onto the case and how we could work with Johnny and integrate the original design ethos of the dial with the Arsham Studio monogram.” And so the project was born.
The watch will be available in five pieces, each one hand-engraved by master engraver King Nerd, who knows a thing or two about engraving having cut his teeth at venerable gunsmith James Purdey and Sons. Each piece is therefore unique and its own work of art. The conversation between the three began a couple of years ago, when they were talking at Selfridges, when Arsham’s Porsche sculpture was on display. Says Dowell, “To work on a project with both parties, one that is not just a watch, but a mix of watchmaking, traditional crafts and art combined, makes this a truly bespoke and unique limited edition.”
What I can reveal is that this is only the beginning of the partnership between Bamford Watch Department and Franck Muller, and what a great way to start it is!
Tech Specs
Case and Dial: 39mm steel case with hand-engraved Arsham Studio monogram and unique caseback; Arsham green dial with Arabic numerals.
Strap: Arsham Studio monogram embossed leather
Availability and Pricing: Limited edition of five pieces; Price:On request from Bamford Watch Department