In support of the development of local creative industries, the Hong Kong tourbillon watch brand Memorigin collaborated with the local art platform Gangmart to launch the Lacquer Series. The lacquer artists, Gary Wong and Jacky Lo, painted the mother-of-pearl dial with lacquer art. The drawing, sculpture, and polishing techniques are perfectly incorporated in the timepiece, turning it into a unique artwork.
Gary and Jacky used the liquid secreted by the sumac tree, known as natural lacquer or simply lacquer, as the raw material. They first polished the dial. Thick lacquer was applied repeatedly on it to build up a design. They then brushed onto its surface with lacquer over and over again to form layers. Various techniques like “filled-in”, “engraved gold”, and “polish-reveal” were adopted. It took them months to finish the artwork. The creation of a multiple-layer lacquered piece requires great patience and concentration, as artists need to wait for a layer to be completely dried before they work on top of it. The sophisticated process also allows them to find new possibilities. ‘The most fascinating part about lacquer art is its formability. Apart from making it bright-polished, we can also make the finishing bumpy or matte. Lacquer can be even inlaid with different materials to create an array of effects,’ said the two artists.
Getting inspirations from their surroundings, Gary and Jacky created two watches with the themes of “Jade Rabbit” and “The Firmament”. When making the dial of "Jade Rabbit", a layer of lacquer was applied repeatedly on the top of the dial, and then with engraving techniques the shape of the rabbit was outlined, creating a concave effect. To enhance the fantasied atmosphere, they proficiently applied the “maki-e” technique, in which gold and silver power was sprinkled on the still-damp lacquer. Half of the lacquer paint on the surface was removed by polishing after they poured another layer of lacquer. The glitter reappeared as if it was hiding in the paint.
“The Firmament” was created with the technique of “taka-maki-e”, where metallic powders were applied to soft surface designs built up through a mixture of lacquer and charcoal or clay dust. It gave an irregular and flowing three-dimensional effect to the starry universe on the dial.
Memorigin selected a tourbillon movement which comprises 181 pieces of subassembly module and 19 jewels. It has 40 hours of power reserve and a vibration frequency of 28,800 oscillations per hour.
About GANGMART
Gangmart was founded by local art designers Gary Wong Ka Wai and Jacky Lo. Integrating nature and life, they create unique artworks like hand-painted walls, fluid painting art, and lacquer crafts creation. The experiences in life and of their repairing works are transformed into connotations. The originality of their creations is ensured and each of which has a story to tell.
About Lacquer Series - Jade Rabbit
Retail price: HKD $48,800
Model No.
MO 0908
Case
Rose-gold-plated stainless-steel case
Watch diameter: approx. 43mm
Watch thickness: approx. 13.5mm
Both sides sapphire crystal
Water resistance: 5ATM
Movement
Flying tourbillon
181 pieces of subassembly module and 19 jewels
Frequency: 28,800 oscillations/ hour
Features
40 hours power reserve
The tourbillon located at 6 o’clock rotates at a speed of 60s for one circle
Manual winding mechanism
Dial
Lacquer dial
Rose-gold-plated hands
Strap
Alligator strap
About Lacquer Series - The Firmament
Retail price: HKD $48,800
Model No.
MO 0908
Case
PVD black-coated stainless-steel case
Watch diameter: approx. 43mm
Watch thickness: approx. 13.5mm
Both sides sapphire crystal
Water resistance: 5ATM
Movement
Flying tourbillon
181 pieces of subassembly module and 19 jewels
Frequency: 28,800 Oscillation/Hour
Features
40 hours power reserve
The tourbillion located at 6 o'clock rotate at a speed of 60s for one circle
Manual winding mechanism
Dial
Lacquer dial
Silver hands
Strap
Alligator strap