In order to mark the most important holiday in the Mexican calendar, celebrated on every November 2, the innovative watchmaker created an interesting timepiece that brings the spirit of vivid festivities which follows the Day of the Dead. RJ-Romain Jerome has prepared five new timepieces, each limited to 25 pieces, which uses brilliant-cut diamonds, black sapphires or black spinels to recall the traditional Mexican “calaveras” – the skulls made of sugar which Mexicans bestow during the festival to their friends since it is believed that they bring good luck.
RJ-Romain Jerome “Día de los Muertos” Watch
Selected among UNESCO’s “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” since 2003, the “Día de los Muertos” is not just the important part of the Mexican history, but also a type of festivals which are recognized all over the globe. It dates back some 500 years, when ancient Aztec held ceremonies of dancing and singing on graves in order to satisfy the needs of the dead in the after-life, mixed with customs inherited by Spanish conquistadors. As a matter of fact, colonialist just changed the date of the festive which now matches the Christian celebrations on All Saints Day. The mixture of different traditions is evolved into one of the most cheerful funniest and most colorful festivals. It is followed by likable domestic rhythms, interesting decorations, masks and caricatures of the dead which every year bright up the streets of the Mexican cities and villages. That is their traditional way of honoring those that have passed away, laughing at the same time at death with a certain degree of irony.
Following the same idea which in its core reminds us to celebrate and respect life, RJ-Romain Jerome has created five new “Día de los Muertos” watches which all present the brand’s signature bold design, this time marked by sparkling stones. Each model features a skull in the center of its dial: three of them come with the colorful design (seven colors on the beautifully decorated applied skull imply a number of stages through which the soul needs to pass before getting a chance to rest in peace), while two pieces have skulls completely covered by 374 black spinels, each weighting 0.62 carats in total.
RJ-Romain Jerome “Día de los Muertos” Black And Silver Dial Watch
Each 46 mm case is crafted in black PVD-coated steel, featuring a bezel and the brand’s signature “paws” in black ceramic. They perfectly match a black, mirror-polished dial which, besides the skull, features another very distinctive element, the engraving of the RJ’s trademark X shape. I really like the contrast among these dark elements and a colorful appliqué at the dial. Two versions come with the subtle touch of luxury, visible on their bezels as spiral settings. One of them is adorned with 108 brilliant-cut diamonds, while the other one features 108 black sapphires.
The third colorful model is even more impressive, featuring the emblematic X and paws covered by 232 diamonds, with the weight of approximately 0.54 carats. Considering two models with spinel-set skulls, the one with the dial entirely set with 469 diamonds (0.57 karats) is especially impressive.
RJ-Romain Jerome “Día de los Muertos” All Black Watch
RJ “Día de los Muertos” watches are powered by a RJ001-A Calibre self-winding movement which oscillates at the frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides 42 hours of power-reserve. Each timepiece is equipped with a black alligator strap.
