Characters Take Over the Dial

Looking at Romain Jerome's watches, I'm always struck by the richness of their imagination. This was certainly the case when I received guidance on the new models at the company's Geneva office.

The new releases prepared for this occasion were a commemorative watch for the 30th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. and a breathtakingly intricate skeleton watch with a skull motif.

Many of their past creations have utilized rare materials such as moon dust, materials from the Apollo spacecraft, and parts of the Titanic's hull, earning high praise from users who resonate with the worlds of space travel and steampunk. The "Generational Icons" series also features models inspired by the nostalgic arcade game "Space Invaders." In terms of uniqueness, this brand is unmatched, and the two new models live up to expectations.

Depicting the World of the TV Game "Super Mario Bros."

There are likely many fans in Japan who are deeply immersed in this brand's powerful worldview. For Romain Jerome, game culture is an important element to incorporate into their watches, and it resonates strongly with the many Japanese individuals who have shaped game culture.

The timeless masterpiece Super Mario Bros. now joins the world of Romain Jerome. This game was born in 1985, and in 2015, its 30th anniversary year, the commemorative project was announced. It is finally ready for delivery.

The highlight of this watch is undoubtedly the dial. Against the familiar game background, Mario's heroic jump evokes a deep sense of nostalgia for Japanese people who have been familiar with this character for 30 years. What's truly remarkable is that this is not a digital watch, but a genuine Swiss luxury mechanical timepiece.

All the motifs on the dial are rendered with a pixelated, jagged edge, reminiscent of pixel art. It's a brilliant reproduction of a television screen, and the realization that this is achieved through precise enamel painting is particularly moving. It's not a print, but a miniature painting crafted by artisans, depicted in three layers to create a sense of depth.

With an all-black case and a high-quality automatic movement, this is a rare limited edition of just 85 pieces worldwide, making it a highly desirable collector's item.

Page02.Skylab Meets Skull

Skylab Meets Skull

"Skylab" means "sky laboratory" and was the name of an American experimental satellite launched in the 1970s. It successfully conducted numerous experiments in space, making significant contributions to space development and technological advancement. This watch, named "Skylab," is inspired by that satellite.

Its appearance is designed to evoke an image of the satellite as seen from a spacecraft, with a highly architectural construction. It is a skeletonized watch with a strong sense of three-dimensionality. Furthermore, the finishing and detailing in this watch are meticulous. The mainspring barrel, gears, and the plates and bridges supporting the escapement are no longer mere plates; most of the framework is beautifully worked. It truly appears as if structures are floating in mid-air, sufficiently evoking the cosmos and satellites.

The "Skylab 48 Speed Metal Skull," introduced this time, features a skull layout on its skeleton dial. While skulls might be perceived by Japanese people as ominous symbols of death, they can also lead to philosophical contemplation of life through the lens of mortality. Moreover, in Western cultures, they are commonly used in accessories and emblems as talismans, signifying the power to overcome evil with evil. The combination of this watch and the skull enhances the sense of cosmic mystery, creating an even more special impression.

This "Skylab 48 Speed Metal Skull" is a special edition, with its case material incorporating parts from the Apollo 11 spacecraft. The skull comes in 12 variations, with each color being a rare piece limited to only 9 units worldwide. If you happen to see one in a store, it's a precious watch worth acquiring.