Interstellar - Jaeger-LeCoultre
This project is dedicated to fans of speculative science fiction, time travel, and outer space. Its storyline is based on the popular science fiction film by Christopher Nolan, which was released in 2014.
INTERSTELLAR
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Jaeger-LeCoultre
The action of the film unfolds in the near future, where catastrophic climate changes and mass famine threaten humanity across the globe. It tells the story of a group of astronauts who venture into space in search of a new home for humanity.
There are a great number of enthusiasts for works of this genre. One such enthusiast is our latest client, who approached our watch studio, Patina Watch Studio, with the idea of creating men's skeletonized wristwatches based on a vintage pocket watch mechanism, inspired by the aforementioned film. We, too, are passionate about science fiction and good cinema, so we eagerly embraced and developed this idea.
At Patina Watch Studio, you can always order personalized men's and women's wristwatches that reflect your tastes, hobbies, life philosophy, or serve as a reminder of significant dates and events in your life. You can also purchase ready-made watches from our inventory by visiting the relevant section on our website.
We have accumulated extensive experience in creating such pieces and always pay the utmost attention to our clients, striving to realize all your wishes and ideas as accurately as possible. Our skilled craftsmen guarantee high-quality workmanship. We use only high-quality materials and components, including gold, silver, and precious stones, such as diamonds.
Typically, each project begins with the selection of a mechanism that will become the heart of your future watch. In this project, the client chose a vintage pocket watch mechanism produced by the renowned Swiss watch manufacturer Jaeger-LeCoultre from Le Sentier, dating back to 1943-1944. This is a gold-plated mechanism with 15 jewels, manual winding, and caliber 467/2. These mechanisms were entirely produced in-house by the company without any external components, intended for installation in pocket watches ordered by the British government for use by various allied armed forces during World War II. Designed specifically for military purposes, they were reliable and functional.
There are a great number of enthusiasts for works of this genre. One such enthusiast is our latest client, who approached our watch studio, Patina Watch Studio, with the idea of creating men's skeletonized wristwatches based on a vintage pocket watch mechanism, inspired by the aforementioned film. We, too, are passionate about science fiction and good cinema, so we eagerly embraced and developed this idea.
At Patina Watch Studio, you can always order personalized men's and women's wristwatches that reflect your tastes, hobbies, life philosophy, or serve as a reminder of significant dates and events in your life. You can also purchase ready-made watches from our inventory by visiting the relevant section on our website.
We have accumulated extensive experience in creating such pieces and always pay the utmost attention to our clients, striving to realize all your wishes and ideas as accurately as possible. Our skilled craftsmen guarantee high-quality workmanship. We use only high-quality materials and components, including gold, silver, and precious stones, such as diamonds.
Typically, each project begins with the selection of a mechanism that will become the heart of your future watch. In this project, the client chose a vintage pocket watch mechanism produced by the renowned Swiss watch manufacturer Jaeger-LeCoultre from Le Sentier, dating back to 1943-1944. This is a gold-plated mechanism with 15 jewels, manual winding, and caliber 467/2. These mechanisms were entirely produced in-house by the company without any external components, intended for installation in pocket watches ordered by the British government for use by various allied armed forces during World War II. Designed specifically for military purposes, they were reliable and functional.
The watch cases were marked with a broad arrow (the symbol of British government property) and the letters "G.S.T.P." or "GS/TP". It is believed that this abbreviation stands for "General Service Time Piece" or "General Service Trade Pattern." GS/TP watches were produced by various manufacturers between 1939 and 1945, but they all had 15 jewels and generally the same appearance: a black or white painted dial with radium luminous markers, skeleton hands with radium luminous material, and a case made of fairly low-quality nickel-plated metal. They were supplied according to the specifications set by the War Office.
Judging by the excellent preservation of the mechanism, it is possible that it was installed in a civilian version of the military watches, likely assembled after the war to sell off surplus stock.
The bridge of the barrel mechanism is stamped with the manufacturer's name and country of origin - JAEGER LECOULTRE, SWISS MADE, and next to the balance wheel is the caliber number 467/2. It should be noted that a higher-class mechanism than the one presented here was never used in British military pocket watches. The quality of the finishing is first-class in every respect and matches the level found in Jaeger-LeCoultre's civilian products.
To clarify, the British government ordered a large number of both wrist and pocket watches. Although the basic construction and characteristics of the watches were strictly defined, there were many other variables. Depending on the manufacturer supplying the watches, the quality and even the cost to the government varied significantly. Most military watches produced during the war years were good, robust models, reliable and solid, though somewhat utilitarian in terms of casing and overall finish. However, for situations where absolute precision and complete reliability were paramount, a relatively small number of high-quality watches were ordered from some of the best Swiss manufacturers, the most notable being IWC and Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Below, for illustrative purposes, are various versions of Jaeger-LeCoultre pocket watches commissioned by the British government.
The bridge of the barrel mechanism is stamped with the manufacturer's name and country of origin - JAEGER LECOULTRE, SWISS MADE, and next to the balance wheel is the caliber number 467/2. It should be noted that a higher-class mechanism than the one presented here was never used in British military pocket watches. The quality of the finishing is first-class in every respect and matches the level found in Jaeger-LeCoultre's civilian products.
To clarify, the British government ordered a large number of both wrist and pocket watches. Although the basic construction and characteristics of the watches were strictly defined, there were many other variables. Depending on the manufacturer supplying the watches, the quality and even the cost to the government varied significantly. Most military watches produced during the war years were good, robust models, reliable and solid, though somewhat utilitarian in terms of casing and overall finish. However, for situations where absolute precision and complete reliability were paramount, a relatively small number of high-quality watches were ordered from some of the best Swiss manufacturers, the most notable being IWC and Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Below, for illustrative purposes, are various versions of Jaeger-LeCoultre pocket watches commissioned by the British government.
Technical Specifications of the Mechanism
- Size: 20¼‴
- Diameter: 45.6 mm
- Height: 5.4 mm
- Type: Lépine
- Power Reserve: 39 hours
- Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour
- Number of Jewels: 15
- Materials: Brass, gold plating, steel
- Winding Type: Manual
- Escapement Type: Swiss lever escapement with straight-line lever arrangement
- Country of Manufacture: Switzerland
- Years of Manufacture: 1943-1944
Once the selection of the mechanism, determining the size of the future watch, was made, we drafted the project's technical specifications, and our client approved them. Afterward, a preliminary estimate was calculated, the client made a 30% down payment, and we began the work.
First, the artist drew a sketch of the future dial and the skeletonized mechanism. He aimed to incorporate all the key elements that would unmistakably indicate which film the watch is dedicated to.
First, the artist drew a sketch of the future dial and the skeletonized mechanism. He aimed to incorporate all the key elements that would unmistakably indicate which film the watch is dedicated to.
The central feature of the skeletonized dial is an astronaut figure in a spacesuit, positioned to the right in the "3-6 o'clock" area. The second hand is placed at "9 o'clock," but in this case, its position is occupied by a rotating black hole. Large Roman numeral hour markers are situated on rectangular plates connected by a ring. Thus, the outer hour disk is stylized to resemble the Endurance spacecraft—a modular, long-range NASA interplanetary spacecraft with a high degree of autonomy. Various planets' figures will be carved and engraved on the exposed surface of the plate.
Another image of the crew's mothership will be placed at the "1 o'clock" position.
Another image of the crew's mothership will be placed at the "1 o'clock" position.
The spacecraft consists of rectangular capsules interconnected by tunnels, forming a ring that mimics the dial of a watch: four capsules with equipment for planetary positioning, four with engines, and four with permanent cabin functions, medical laboratories, and housing.
On the bridges, the largest area is occupied by the engraving of the tesseract—a four-dimensional hypercube—located on the gear train bridge and the balance bridge. The final visualization of the tesseract as an open lattice structure was inspired by its concept in the film. In the movie, it consists of three-dimensional "time threads" seemingly emanating from the object.
The tesseract is positioned inside the black hole. Within it lies a realm where there is an extra dimension. Time becomes this additional dimension and ceases to be linear. In such a five-dimensional space, every moment in the past, present, and future is simultaneously accessible, and there is the ability to influence gravity at any of these moments.
Also engraved on the gear train bridge is the figure of TARS—a robot featured in the film. TARS is monolithic and shaped like a cube, but it can alter its form, revealing additional cube-like appendages within its body. It is composed of several folding components. By dividing these components along different axes of rotation, TARS is capable of performing four types of separated movements. In this instance, the mechanism captures a movement resembling a quadrupedal "wheel," enabling the robot to achieve higher speeds. According to the storyline, TARS is one of the former tactical robots of the United States Marine Corps, reprogrammed for exploratory purposes.
The axis of the barrel mechanism is ingeniously integrated into the center of the black hole "Gargantua" with its accretion disk. The calculations used to create this were specifically tailored for the film and left everyone astounded by the resulting visual. Today, we have a clearer understanding of how real black holes should appear, but the computer animation exceeded all expectations.
On the barrel bridge, in addition to the black hole, there is also an image of the Ranger—a utility piloted shuttlecraft used for planetary surface landings. It is a fast single-stage reconnaissance aerodynamic spacecraft. The Endurance spacecraft carried two such shuttles onboard.
On the barrel bridge, in addition to the black hole, there is also an image of the Ranger—a utility piloted shuttlecraft used for planetary surface landings. It is a fast single-stage reconnaissance aerodynamic spacecraft. The Endurance spacecraft carried two such shuttles onboard.
The sketches were shown to the client, who was pleased with everything. Keeping the client informed about the progress of their project is our standard practice. We regularly provide our clients with photo reports of various stages of work and consult with them on conceptual decisions or any questions that arise.
The dial sketch was sent to our specialist designer. Using the layout created by the designer, a dial was crafted from 925 sterling silver plate through laser cutting. The second hand in the shape of a black hole was cut out from a brass sheet.
The dial sketch was sent to our specialist designer. Using the layout created by the designer, a dial was crafted from 925 sterling silver plate through laser cutting. The second hand in the shape of a black hole was cut out from a brass sheet.
Simultaneously, the watch case was being manufactured according to the technical specifications, which stipulated that it should be made of titanium.
The case has a classic round shape with trapezoidal rounded lugs. The diameter of the case excluding the crown is 49.6 mm. It will be fitted with two sapphire crystals, resistant to mechanical impacts. The front cover closes with a snap, while the back cover screws on.
At the same time, the jewelry engraver began working on the mechanism and dial. The dial underwent manual refinements, including the cutting of a lateral seconds ring, and enhancing the astronaut figure with volumetric details of the spacesuit.
Next, attention turned to the main plate. The master started by transferring the boundaries of the dial onto it and marking out the future skeleton structure.
Next, attention turned to the main plate. The master started by transferring the boundaries of the dial onto it and marking out the future skeleton structure.
Next, manually using a jeweler's saw, the necessary cutouts were made. All technological holes were embellished in the form of stars, planets, or nodes of a lattice structure connected by threads of time. Positioned between the 11 and 12 o'clock marks at the top, there is the representation of the Sun.
The work progressed, and soon the idea envisioned by the artist and jeweler began to take on tangible form. It's worth noting that all engraving work is performed manually by our craftsmen. Such operations require a steady hand, patience, and advanced spatial thinking. One wrong move could irreparably damage the mechanism.
The bridges also underwent artistic treatment. In comparison to the initial sketch, the master made one adjustment during the process: an astronaut was added to the balance bridge. In this case, the scene depicted was Cooper, the main character, inside the tesseract.
The bridges also underwent artistic treatment. In comparison to the initial sketch, the master made one adjustment during the process: an astronaut was added to the balance bridge. In this case, the scene depicted was Cooper, the main character, inside the tesseract.
One of our masters came up with the idea to set the sun and stars with white and blue cubic zirconia stones. Combined with the red rubies of the mechanism, they brought brightness and dynamism to the entire composition.
Having completed the engraving work, the master proceeded with grinding and polishing the components of the mechanism. Subsequently, the mechanism was sent to the jeweler-electroplater for gold plating.
The dial was darkened in necessary areas to enhance contrast and highlight details, then coated with a layer of platinum to prevent silver oxidation.
Next, the fitting and adjustment of the mechanism with the dial into the case were carried out.
Afterwards, the watchmaker disassembled the mechanism once again and handed it over to the jeweler. Using an electroplating pencil, our skeleton was transformed: various elements and details were highlighted by applying white and black rhodium to them. This technique made the exterior of the watch more expressive.
In addition to platinum and the bridges, engraving in the style of black holes was also performed on the hour and minute wheels, as well as on the cover and the escapement wheel of the barrel.
After showing the results of the electroplating treatment to the client, we received a request for further darkening of the mechanism on the bridges, symbolizing deep space. We fulfilled this request, and here is the final result.
Additionally, the client requested that the winding crown of the watch be engraved with the Jaeger-LeCoultre company logo. We selected a stainless steel crown that matched the overall style of the watch, performed the engraving, and filled it with black enamel. The result was exactly what was needed.
For this project, Breguet-style hour and minute hands were cut from steel and coated with matte black powder paint along with the "black hole." This resulted in a stylish and textured finish.
From the options provided, the customer chose a dark blue alligator leather strap for the watch.
Meanwhile, the jeweler-enameller applied black rhodium to the capsules representing the spacecraft, which serve as hour markers. The spaces between the capsules were filled with black enamel, while the connecting tunnels were filled with white enamel. A final touch was adding luminescent material to the Roman numeral hour markers and the second markers' dots. The luminescent material is white in color but glows a beautiful blue in the dark. The "apples" in the hour hands were also filled with luminescent material. Black rhodium was also applied to some details of the astronaut's spacesuit.
All components of the watch are ready, it's time for the final fitting.
Initially, the case was planned to be polished. However, it was later realized that a satin finish would be more aesthetically pleasing, so circular and longitudinal satin brushing was applied. Besides enhancing the overall aesthetic integrity of the composition, this finish also serves practical purposes: it reduces the visibility of scratches that inevitably occur on metal parts during watch use.
Once all components had achieved their final appearance according to the technical specifications and client preferences, the watchmaker proceeded with the final assembly and regulation of the timepiece. The movement was lubricated, adjusted, and securely fitted into the case, which was then assembled with the strap installed.
The final touch in our Patina Watch Studio always involves rigorous quality control of the finished product. The watches are meticulously checked against the technical specifications, the movement manufacturer's standards, and our internal quality benchmarks. Any deviations are promptly addressed, potential imperfections corrected, and only then is the timepiece ready for delivery to the customer.
Another project has reached its logical conclusion. The client received a unique one-of-a-kind timepiece created according to their ideas and preferences, and we have become a bit more experienced and skillful as a result.
In this project, our craftsmen utilized a range of new techniques, artistic and technical methods, which allowed us to effectively emphasize the necessary elements of the composition.
The emphasis was placed on the well-recognized details from the film. At the same time, all original inscriptions on the mechanism were preserved and presented in a new design as plaques. We also paid attention to the steel components of the mechanism – screw heads and the accuracy regulator were polished to a mirror finish.
If our INTERSTELLAR has inspired you and you want to own a watch like no other in the universe, Patina Watch Studio is always ready to help. Contact our managers, explain your idea, and we'll strive to exceed all your expectations. Enjoying our work, we love to bring positive emotions and unforgettable experiences to our clients.
We are ready to listen to you while the rest of the world listens only to brand voices.
We are ready to listen to you while the rest of the world listens only to brand voices.
