Arcanaut Unveils Fordite 2.0: A Bespoke Journey into Customizable Watchmaking

Arcanaut's Fordite 2.0: A New Era of Personalization

Arcanaut, the Scandinavian independent watchmaker celebrated for its innovative use of unconventional dial materials, has unveiled a significant evolution of its signature timepiece. The Arc II Fordite, long admired by enthusiasts for its distinctive dials crafted from repurposed automotive paint, is now offered as a fully bespoke creation. This update empowers each owner to tailor numerous aspects of the watch, from case dimensions to finishing touches, marking a bold step in accessible haute horlogerie.

The Heart of the Matter: Your Unique Fordite Dial

The customization journey begins with the centerpiece: the dial. Arcanaut's Fordite Configurator first prompts the buyer to select their dial, each one inherently unique due to the material's origin—layered paint drippings salvaged from American auto factories. While customers previously could choose a dial, the watches were sold as finished products. Now, the process places the dial at the forefront, encouraging thoughtful consideration of how other elements can best complement its organic patterns and colors.

Expanding Choices: Cases, Hands, and Lume

One of the most welcomed additions is the selection of cases. Buyers can now choose between the original 40.5mm diameter and a new, more compact 37mm option. This smaller size is a boon for those who found the original's integrated strap design made it wear larger than its dimensions suggest. Additionally, a 'Skeleton' case variant, previously reserved for limited experimental pieces, is now available, offering a glimpse into the mechanical heart of the watch.

Dial accents have also been diversified. The hands are offered in the original 'Grand Paw' style, now enhanced with additional lume, or a new 'Spear' design that is more conventional. Lume color selection includes nine options, allowing for either complementary or contrasting tones against the dial's natural palette.

The Chapter Ring Debate: A Matter of Principle

Perhaps the most contentious new option is the inclusion of a chapter ring, designed to aid in time reading. Arcanaut has long been praised for letting the Fordite material speak for itself, without the interruption of numerals or indices. This minimalist approach has become part of the watch's identity, often eliciting playful 'What time is it?' comments from admirers. The new chapter ring, available in rhodium or gold plating, is executed discreetly, but its addition feels like a departure from the brand's principled stance. Fortunately, it remains an option, not a mandate, preserving the purist experience for those who prefer it.

Unprecedented Combinations and Pricing

With a total of 6,144 possible combinations per dial—including strap colors and a small running seconds indicator—the level of personalization is staggering. Arcanaut also offers free caseback engraving, now featuring a frosted display window. Pricing for the customized Arc II Fordite starts at €4,000, with premium dials and certain options like the skeleton case and chapter rings adding to the cost.

For those eager to explore the possibilities, the Arcanaut website showcases currently available dials and the full configurator. This new approach not only enhances the ownership experience but also solidifies Arcanaut's reputation as a pioneer in bespoke watchmaking.