Home » Baselworld - World Watch and Jewellery Show » Baselworld 2012 Preview – ArtyA Son of a Gun, the Lethal Combination of Watchmaking and Weaponry
In the attempts to make unparalleled timekeeping instruments, watchmaking brands tend to use solutions that are original, and sometimes even a bit strange. ArtyA Son of a Gun wristwatch is an extreme example of such tendencies. Believe it or not, this yet unseen product, which is scheduled to be unveiled at Baselworld 2012 show, includes six real bullets that are arranged in the order to resemble a barrel of a revolver.
ArtyA Son of a Gun Watch
This sensational and somewhat scary timepiece that is bound to turn heads and get plenty of attention was conceived by the brand’s founder, Yvan Arpa. The renowned Swiss designer is a peculiar and eccentric man, which is clearly reflected in his creation and especially in this model. Arpa began his career as a professor of mathematics, but kept unusual hobbies and interests, such as an active involvement in professional martial arts fights in Thailand, or hiking all the way across Papua New Guinea. After this, Arpa got involved with Sector timepieces, which prompted his career in the industry. During the successful stint in watchmaking business, he was engaged with Baume & Mercier, Hublot and Romain Jerome. For the latter brand, he envisioned and created timepieces that caused a lot of stir in the public, such as the timepiece which integrated steel from the most famous sunken ship, the Titanic, or the one that included genuine dust from the moon.
Yvan Arpa
Arpa’s unusual character and approach to watchmaking can clearly be noted in the latest timepiece made by his own watchmaking brand, ArtyA. Son of a Gun timepiece represents a peculiar marriage between high end watchmaking and firearms. The whole product is styled to appeal to gun enthusiasts, with the most visible and central trait being six real suspended bullets of 6 mm caliber which were used for an antique Flobert gun. These bullets are visible through the skeletonized dial, and are wrapped with a copper wire for an even bigger dramatic effect. However, that is not all. ArtyA Son of a Gun even has a bezel that is evocative to a gun point.
Time through a Gunpoint
The original timepiece is housed in a circular case made of grade 316 stainless steel. On its face and case back, ArtyA used sapphire crystals. For the precise timekeeping, the original timepiece utilizes self-winding movement with 25 jewels that was completely constructed in Switzerland. Its rotor whose function is to oscillate and wind the mainspring is made with three 38 mm cartridges. Thanks to this feature, the Son of a Gun has a power reserve of 42 hours.
In accordance with overall theme of the product, the watch by ArtyA is equipped with a ballistic style bracelet. Besides, it is worth mentioning that the timepiece has the ability to withstand water pressure up to 50 meters below the surface.
ArtyA Son of a Gun Watch Caseback
At the end, one must admit that this timepiece is extraordinarily original. However, due to its theme and inclusion of real bullets, it can attract only a certain type of people who supplement their watchmaking passion with enthusiasm towards weapons. Besides, it makes one wonder of what problems it might cause when its wearer, for example, tries to board a plane. The watch simultaneously causes fascination and a sense of unrest, and its effect can be subtracted to the brand’s promotional message that cynically notes “Guns don’t always kill people, time always does.”
