Isotope Mercury Marquetry

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.