Intriguing new watch design by Fiona Krüger, Memento Mori, features a skull motif on its striking face. The silver case of this prototype watch is quite original, and in the shape of a skull. The skeleton transparent dial is made from gold and laser cut and engraved rhodium plated brass. It also includes blued steel hands. The mineral hand-cut glass (apparently, it is used instead of the sapphire crystal to reduce the cost of the prototype) protects the boldly designed face of the Memento Mori timepiece. Perlage decoration that ornaments the dial was also made by hand.
According to the designer, the skull-shaped watch is an artistic reminded of one’s mortality. The strongest influences on the design were the 17th century classic piece, Skull Watch of Mary Queen of Scotts, the traditional Mexican decoration associated with the Dia de Los Muertes holiday, as well as the skeleton mechanisms of contemporary high-end timepieces.
Luxury that Requires Dedicated and Skilful Craftsmanship
The complex process of hand assembling and engraving is of critical importance, according to the opinion of the watch’s author, Fiona Krüger. “To have somebody take the time to make you something with their bare hands is today, in my opinion, a real luxury. Combine this with a high level of skill, ability and knowledge and you have something really special. Craftsmanship is one of the defining criteria of a luxury object. Many craft skills are passed on from generation to generation maintaining a tradition and history which would otherwise be lost. Craft is not just about making, it’s about culture, people and authenticity. In all my work I have been drawn to the hand-made aspects of the projects at hand and sought to bring this to the forefront of my design process. For me, ‘hand-made’ puts the soul in design,” explained the designer.
Besides, the original design solutions are visible on the case back of the wristwatch by Fiona Krüger. Memento Mori timepiece is made with ETA 2824-2 self-winding mechanical movement with 25 jewels. The selected mechanism beats at the frequency of 28,800 vph (or eight times every second) and has a decent power reserve of 38 hours. The skull shaped case is paired with blued calf leather strap with a silver buckle that matches the case. The price of the Memento Mori Watch that reinterprets the theme of mortality and death is still unknown.
