Discover the Artistry Behind Schaefer & Companions: The Solune Antarctica Micro-Painting Watch
Sometimes, special projects or brands emerge from the most unexpected individuals. Christophe Schaefer is one of those unique visionaries. As the founder of Schaefer & Companions, he creates extraordinary watches released in very limited quantities. Each timepiece serves as a canvas to celebrate human creativity, collaborating with talented artists from around the globe. Schaefer grants these artists creative freedom, allowing them to craft one-of-a-kind dials through techniques like enameling, marquetry, engraving, and micro-painting. His latest collaboration features Spanish micro-painting artist André Martinez, resulting in the stunning Schaefer & Companions Solune Antarctica Micro Painting.
The Passion Behind the Brand
Reading about Schaefer & Companions is one thing, but meeting the founder himself is an entirely different experience. A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of chatting with Christophe Schaefer, who excitedly unveiled the new Solune Antarctica Micro Painting. His enthusiasm for his craft is contagious, making you eager to see the unique watches he creates alongside artists worldwide. This time, he collaborated with Barcelona-born André Martinez to bring an abstract vision of Antarctica’s icy landscapes and polar waters to life.
A Closer Look at the Solune Antarctica Micro-Painting
Let’s start by exploring the artistry behind Martinez’s work. The Schaefer & Companions Antarctica collection of watches is inspired by the continent’s majestic solitude and breathtaking beauty. Each timepiece captures a different aspect of Antarctica, illustrating its frozen vastness, silent isolation, and resilience. As Schaefer eloquently puts it, the dials mirror the human soul and our profound connection to these icy landscapes.
While the artists craft the dials, Schaefer designs the watches that serve as their canvases. The Solune Antarctica Micro-Painting features the brand’s signature 43 × 49.3 × 11.4mm case, complete with a 12-pointed bezel mimicking the Sun and sharp lugs that make the larger watch surprisingly comfortable. In addition to the standard stainless steel case, Schaefer also offers a striking gray ion-plated version, which provides a darker backdrop that highlights the beautiful dial.
The Special Hand-Painted Dial
If you take a closer look, you’ll notice that the hour markers are positioned on the rehaut, with each hour symbolizing a different phase of the Moon. It’s a delightful detail that enhances the watch’s storytelling. The handcrafted dial by André Martinez is a true marvel. Using a microscope for precision, Martinez creates a breathtaking representation of the fragile beauty and silent vastness of Antarctic waters. This isn’t his first collaboration with Schaefer; he previously worked on the Solune Médaillon Antarctica Engraving, applying his artistic touch to the rotor.
For this watch, Martinez was tasked with depicting the majestic yet fragile Antarctic waters. He worked on a black base dial, applying ultra-fine strokes of white and blue to craft an organic pattern that captures the shifting hues of icy landscapes and polar waters. The dial truly comes to life up close, displaying an abstract quality from afar and revealing intricate hand-painted details upon closer inspection.
The Customized ETA 2982-A2 Movement
Sitting gracefully over the dial are razor-sharp hour and minute hands that make reading the time easy. Interestingly, there is no seconds hand; however, you can spot a small seven-point star on the pinion that rotates when the caliber is running—yet another captivating detail of this collaborative effort. Flip the watch around, and the movement reveals itself.
The movement is the well-known 21-jewel ETA 2982-A2, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour with a power reserve of 50 hours. Schaefer chose the Top Grade version, boasting an impressive accuracy of ±7 seconds per day. The movement’s finishing features perlage and blue screws for added visual brilliance, while the customized sun-shaped rotor aligns perfectly with the brand’s aesthetic.
The Experience of Wearing the Solune Antarctica Micro-Painting
On the wrist, the Schaefer & Companions Solune Antarctica Micro-Painting is a genuinely unique experience. Yes, it’s a large watch that might divide opinions, but Schaefer designed the size to offer artists a generous canvas for their creativity. Its strong presence comes with a story, and while the bold design might not be for everyone, the saying goes: “the proof is in the pudding.”
Once worn, the watch feels incredibly comfortable. The large case fits well thanks to the downward-sloping lugs, and at just 11.4mm in thickness, it doesn’t feel cumbersome. The dark gray ion-plated case softens the watch’s angular presence, allowing the breathtaking dial to shine.
Final Thoughts on the Solune Antarctica Micro-Painting
The dial of this exquisite watch left a lasting impression on me. I appreciate when a hand-painted dial possesses an abstract quality, inviting interpretation. One look at André Martinez’s craftsmanship reveals a beautiful interplay of lines and swirls, telling a poignant story. Regardless of personal resonance, the degree of artistry in the dial is striking, with intricate details that underscore the time and effort invested into this tiny masterpiece.
Viewing the dial through a loupe highlights the distinct strokes, enhancing my appreciation for what Schaefer and his collaborators bring to their creations. Whether through enameling, marquetry, engraving, or micro-painting, each watch embodies the philosophy of artistry and craftsmanship. This sets it apart from everyday mass-produced timepieces. Christophe Schaefer is acutely aware of this distinction, which is why his watches are offered in limited production runs.
The Schaefer & Companions Solune Antarctica Micro-Painting is limited to just eight models, available for CHF 3,250 each on the brand’s official website. I’m excited to see these beautifully crafted timepieces sell out. Conversations with passionate individuals like Christophe Schaefer are a reminder of the dedication behind each creation, and I look forward to seeing what future releases he has in store.