Wearable art: BWD x Arsham x King Nerd Franck Muller Casablanca

Timekeeping and modern art collide in a new Bamford Watch Department and Franck Muller timepiece

Watches & Jewellery 15 Mar 2021

When George Bamford first came onto the scene, he became something of the enfant terrible of the watchmaking world. His out-there customisations soon caught the attention of the industry’s elite, and now the Bamford Watch Department (BWD) has a roster of brands it works with in an official capacity to provide distinctive and individualised takes on some of their most popular models.

Franck Muller is a particularly natural fit, with both brands never shying away from pushing the boundaries, particularly in the realm of design. Its signature Casablanca, with its unique, exaggerated tonneau silhouette, has become the canvas for a special BWD piece in collaboration with American artist Daniel Arsham and brought to life by expert engraver Johnny Dowell, aka King Nerd.

Limited to just five pieces, the watch immediately catches the eye with its alluring green dial, printed with the Arsham Studio monogram. This motif has been replicated across the case itself, which has been hand engraved, as well as extending right down to the embossed leather strap. In an artistic finishing touch the caseback features an eroded Arsham Studio “A” with a whimsical Casablanca logo inspired by the famous film of the same name, while it comes packaged in a playful box that evokes the feeling of unwrapping a precious piece of modern artwork ready for display on the wrist.

£15,000; bamfordwatchdepartment.com