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Tax included only within the UK
Shipping calculated at checkout
Metier d'Art: Innovation and Craftsmanship at the Heart of Isotope
Considering making your dream dial a reality? Email info@isotopewatches.com to arrange a call with the Co-Founder of Isotope Watches, José Miranda.
Micro Marquetry is a truly unique art form, and we’re proud to offer bespoke watches crafted with this incredible technique. Whether it’s a single timepiece or a set for your family or group, each watch dial is handmade using natural straw, a living material that ensures every piece is one of a kind, even if the designs appear similar.
There’s no better way to honour remarkable moments and lasting bonds than with a custom timepiece from Isotope Watches. We work closely with you at every stage, crafting a watch that’s as distinctive as your story. The result is a one-of-a-kind creation that’s both meaningful and enduring—an investment in time and memory.
At Isotope, innovation isn’t just a guiding principle—it’s our heartbeat. Through daring designs, intricate complications, and pioneering materials, we continually push boundaries. Our precision mechanical movements captivate with their beauty and functionality, while bespoke modules add imaginative and captivating complications. Yet, for us, technical ingenuity is never enough without aesthetic charm. Our mission is to harmonize both, ensuring Isotope creations remain as accessible as possible.
This balance drives us to collaborate with exceptional craftspeople to bring extraordinary visions to life. One of the most mesmerizing examples is our work with straw marquetry, a centuries-old decorative art that is as rare as it is exquisite. Originating in Asia and introduced to Europe through trade, straw marquetry flourished in 17th-century France, where it adorned the furniture and walls of the aristocracy. Over the years, this delicate craft has waned, with fewer than ten artisans practising micro marquetry today.
Among these passionate artisans is Bernardo d’Orey, a remarkable artist crafting stunning dials for Isotope’s unique Mercury collection from his Paris workshop. From dyeing and preparing the straw to meticulously cutting and arranging each piece, every step is done entirely by hand.
Since straw is a natural material, no two pieces are alike, making each dial a singular work of art. Its natural sheen reflects light in captivating ways, bringing patterns and hues to life as no other material can.
Creating these dials is a painstaking process that requires years of skill and patience. Bernardo’s precision leaves no room for error as he transforms simple straw into intricate, breathtaking designs. The result is a dial unlike anything else in watchmaking—a true testament to the artistry and dedication behind it.
For those seeking something truly personal, we invite discerning collectors to commission a bespoke Mercury watch with a custom straw marquetry dial.
Prices commence at £4,000 + VAT per watch, highlighting the craftsmanship and distinctive nature of each creation. To initiate the creation of your watch, we ask for a deposit of £2,000 + VAT.
Please email us at info@isotopewatches.com to arrange a video call or an in-person meeting with the Co-Founder of Isotope Watches to begin your bespoke project.
More than a timepiece, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to express your taste through one of horology’s rarest and most beautiful arts.
Note: The images displayed are examples of custom watches and dials. We encourage you to envision and design your own.
- Case: Mirror finish case, 316L stainless steel
- Dimensions: Case diameter 38mm x 10mm / 44.5mm (with lugs)
- Crystal: Anti-reflective domed Sapphire Crystal, Screw-in Sapphire Crystal exhibition case back
- Crown: Mirror-finished push-down crown at 3 o'clock with Lacrima logo
- Dial: Straw Marquetry dial, bespoke design
- Hands: Mirror Finish, hand-crafted Stainless Steel Mercury hands
- Water Resistance: 100m / 10 atm
- Strap: 20mm Quick-release Grey or Beige Suede leather strap with signed Mirror finish Steel Buckle
- Movement: Calibre I-7, Swiss Made
- Type: Modified and regulated ETA Peseux 7001
- Jewels: 17 Jewels, mechanical, hand-wound
- Bridge: Bespoke bridge, hand-finished
- Functions: Small seconds at 6 o'clock, Power reserve of 42 hours
- Frequency: 21,600 BPH, 3Hz
CUSTOMS & IMPORT TAX
Ordering from and outside the U.K.
If you’re not based in the U.K. you'll probably need to pay import tax/duty when buying a watch (or any product) from Isotope Watches and other U.K.-based brands
Brexit changed the rules and since the 1st of January 2021, this also includes all countries within the European Community.
Prices within the U.K.
For customers in the U.K., all watches/products are priced including 20% of U.K. VAT.
As an example, if our watch is priced at £1,000, U.K. customers will need to pay £1,200 (£1,000 + £200 (20% VAT)
Prices outside the U.K.
For customers based outside the U.K., all watches/products are priced excluding U.K. VAT.
Your IP address will determine the prices you see on our website, but if for any reason you see prices including U.K. VAT, the prices will be updated at checkout, depending on your shipping address.
Isotope Watches Limited will not charge VAT when exporting, but you will certainly be asked to pay import duty and/or tax/VAT by your customs country.
How to pay for import duty/tax
We ship most of our products/watches via DHL Express. As per customs request, DHL will calculate the duty and taxes and they will collect the payment on behalf of your country's customs.
Neither Isotope Watches Limited nor DHL has control or profit over these costs/taxes.
How much do I need to pay in duty/tax to receive my watch?
It depends on the country you are based in.
Please see the examples below based on a £1,000 watch. These values are only a reference as they vary depending on the watch cost, and they might not be updated.
Within the U.K.
20% tax (GBP 200), is included in the price.
0% duty (GBP 0.00) + 0% DHL's handling fee
European Comunity Countries
Approx. 15%-24% tax (GBP 150 – GBP 240)
0% duty (GBP 0.00) + DHL's handling fee
USA
10% tax (GBP 100)
0% duty (GBP 0.00) + DHL's handling fee
Japan
5% tax (GBP 100)
0% duty (GBP 0) + DHL's handling fee
Canada
5% tax (GBP 50)
8% duty (GBP 80) + DHL's handling fee
China
13% Tax (GBP 130)
20% Duty (GBP 200) + DHL's handling fee
Australia
10% tax (GBP 100)
5% duty (GBP 50) + DHL's handling fee
South Africa
15% Tax (GBP 150)
0% Duty (GBP 0) + DHL's handling fee
United Arab Emirates
5% tax (GBP 50)
5% duty (GBP 50) + DHL's handling fee
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email us: info@isotopewatches.com
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