Restricted Only By Imagination
Having something custom-made is a bold way of saying, “I choose individuality over conformity.” While there’s nothing inherently wrong with following the rules, watches often require us to accept compromises. Take my Tudor Pelagos FXD, for instance—it’s one of my favourite pieces, regularly gracing my wrist, and I’ve always been genuinely happy with it. But when I had the chance to meet @thedialartist Chris Alexander, an idea began to form. This was my moment to create something truly unique—a piece that would stand apart and tell a story all its own. Enter The Dial Artist…
From a conversion to a design and a mockup.
The Want For Difference
Mark and I have had the privilege of working closely with many brands and building relationships with some incredible individuals in the watch community. One such partnership is with Apiar, a brand we’ve supported almost from the beginning by handling their watch photography.
Their latest release, the Invenire ERB, showcases an exciting collaboration with @thedialartist, Chris Alexander, who hand-painted all the dials in this collection. While some collectors might cringe at the idea of altering a watch, I see things differently. Since this one is mine, I have the freedom to make it truly personal. My thought? Why not? It will still function flawlessly while holding even greater sentimental value to me.
How It All Started
Chris began painting dials back in 2018, starting with his own Casio G-Shock. After sharing his work on a forum, he was flooded with compliments and requests from other watch enthusiasts eager for him to customise their timepieces.
Since then, Chris has painted thousands of dials for clients all over the world, building a loyal following in the process. His portfolio is impressive, having collaborated with notable brands like Tissot, Spinnaker, Accurist, L’Epée, and Nuun. The list continues to grow, as does the value of his commissioned work. From vintage Omegas to Rolex, Tudor, and Habrings, Chris has left his creative mark on a vast array of watches, elevating each piece into something truly unique.
That Personal Service
Chris and I discussed an idea that struck a deep chord with me: transforming the dial into a hand-drawn blueprint. This concept resonated with me on two levels. My late father was a draughtsman by profession, and I still vividly remember the intricate blueprints he used to work on. Those drawings were a window into his world and a source of inspiration.
On a personal note, my first job after leaving school was an apprenticeship in Toolmaking and Modelmaking, where we worked extensively with technical drawings of a similar style. These blueprints were more than just diagrams; they were the foundation of my early career and a reminder of those formative years. To immortalise these meaningful moments, a hand-painted dial seemed like the perfect tribute—a wearable piece of art that connects my past to the present.
Wearable Art
After some back-and-forth and a few adjustments, we finally landed on a design that felt perfect. With everything in place, I carefully packed up the watch and sent it off to Chris, trusting him to bring our vision to life. Within days, he sent me photos of the stripped dial, and not long after, I saw the first images of the design printed onto the dial. I was absolutely floored. The result was beyond anything I could have imagined—it exceeded all my expectations.
The final steps involved reassembling the watch and flipping the movement because I had decided to transform it into a left-handed (LHD) Destro watch, just to add an extra layer of uniqueness. That little twist gave it even more personality and distinction.
So Much More Than A Watch
When the Royal Mail package arrived just days before Christmas, it truly felt like the ultimate gift to myself. But this was so much more than just a watch with a painted dial. It carried a deep emotional resonance—a connection to my past, to my late father, and to memories that have shaped me. It’s a one-of-a-kind piece that no one else in the world owns. That, in itself, makes it extraordinary.
Now, this watch isn’t just another piece in my rotation; it’s something far more meaningful. It has been elevated to one of the most treasured pieces in my collection—a watch I will cherish for the rest of my life. Owning it is a privilege, and every time I wear it, it reminds me of the power of creativity, craftsmanship, and the stories that connect us to the things we hold dear.
Your Watch Can Be As Unique As You
This type of service, however, isn’t something that can grow overnight. It’s the kind of work that requires care, patience, and precision—there’s no shortcut. Chris can’t be cloned, and every commission he takes on is done personally, by hand, just for you. That’s what makes it so special: the one-on-one, personalized service and the incredible attention to detail that Chris pours into every project.
Recently, he’s also been branching out into designing watch cases, adding yet another dimension to his artistry. If you’re curious about what’s next, be sure to keep an eye on his social media to see all the amazing things he’s working on.
Trust me, you won’t want to miss what’s coming from someone as talented and passionate as Chris.
If you’ve been on the fence about doing something like this, don’t hesitate. Trust in the skill of true artisans, honed over years of dedication, and embrace the process. This goes beyond a simple engraving—it’s far more personal. Within the small space of a watch dial, almost anything can be captured, turning a timepiece into a deeply meaningful work of art. Chris, better known as @thedialartist, uses watch dials as his canvas, and with just a little imagination, you, too, could own a piece unique.
Chris has worked with some of the most iconic brands in the industry—from Rolex and Audemars Piguet to Casio and Cartier. His reputation speaks volumes, and his portfolio is a testament to his expertise.
On top of that, Chris is genuinely a great guy, which makes the experience all the more special. It’s no surprise, though—his journey, which began seven years ago, is a story of passion and persistence. And while he’s achieved so much already, his ambitions are far from complete. He’s constantly looking to evolve and expand his craft.
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