Daniel Strom definitely doesn’t do conventional! The watchmaker, designer and philosopher loves to play with contrasts, including in potentially disturbing ways. MEMENTO MORI, CARPE NOCTEM is no exception to this rule and the latest addition to the Agonium collection is sure to make its own impact. Behind its solid steel case adorned with skulls lies the same penchant for provocation. Behind its curves, incisions and cut-outs lies the same attention to detail. And behind the blood-red almost hypnotic appearance lies the ancestral Japanese art of Urushi.
Strom sets the scene for this peerless lacquering technique and chooses Memento Mori, the first model in the Agonium collection, for this new interpretation. Carpe Diem thus becomes Carpe Noctem “Remember that you will die. Seize the night”. The bone dial has given way to the red Urushi dial flirting with a shadowy shade of black. This intense vermilion hue is achieved by cinnabar pigments colouring this unique lacquer, formerly favoured for its durability and long-term stability but which quickly distinguished itself as an ornamental element. The watchmaker gives it pride of place by applying it to the dial, vividly echoed by the rubies encrusted in the eyes of the skulls taking their place on the crown and lugs, as well as the overstitching on the bright red strap. For a full three weeks, the master lacquer artist applies around twenty successive ultra-fine layers to form a result that is sturdy, fascinating and always unique.
And for all those to whom Carpe Diem means breaking free of time, Daniel Strom interprets his philosophy through a range of trendy, mystical accessories. The Bienne-based watchmaker offers a range of provocative and evocative objects comprising pendants, belt buckles and a Michaeli ring. Stylish accessories indeed, but above all reflecting the spirit of the Agonium collection: life, death and “Memento Mori. Carpe Diem”. Because timepieces do not have a monopoly on symbolism!
Thank you for taking the time to read our fashion blog post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative. If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.
Learn more about Strom Prestige Swiss Timepiece AG | Hauptstrasse 7 | CH-2560 Nidau/Biel | Tel. +41 (0)32 333 12 22 Website : http://www.strom-agonium.com