Artisans De Genève: The Uncatchable
The Uncatchable is a customization watch project carried out by Swiss high-horology specialist Artisans De Genève for Frank Abagnale Jr, whose incredible life inspired Steven Spielberg to direct the movie Catch Me If You Can.
The base timepiece used for this unique customization is a Rolex GMT Master II reference 116710. Frank wanted to capture the essence of 1960s America and his life during that time. Originally designed for airline pilots, GMT Master II watch embodies the elegance and style of that era.
Frank requested Artisans De Genève to focus on every detail to capture the essence of the 1960s, such as the riveted bracelet, an aged dial and a two-tone bakelite bezel.
For the date disc, the atelier opted a font inspired by the 60s red and blue, it fits perfectly with the bakelite bezel.
The dial was developed in two hues. a subtle cream thanks to an in-house aged process. The indexes are hand-painted to complete the style desired by Frank.
To emphasize the 60s allure, the bezel insert is made of bakelite, the minute circle is covered with a luminescent material, and the bezel has flat teeth for a more refined look.
The 1960s aesthetic inspired every modification of the caliber 3186. The case middle was machined to give it a vintage look. The horns are satin-finished, and their polished facets blend with the ringed gold mass and beveled bridges, the perfect combination of technique and savoir-faire.
The atelier developed a balance point with a more refined shape, mirror polish, and re-entrant angles at Frank’s request. Fitted with a 21 carat gold rotor, this movement can be admired through the sapphire crystal case-back.
For the first time, Artisans De Genève created a riveted steel bracelet to refine the look of Frank’s timepiece.
Technical details
Artisans De Genève: The Uncatchable
Base: 116710 Rolex®
Bezel: Vintage / Flat tooth
Insert: Bakelite, blue and red, aged font
Dial: Three shades of aged creme, green SLN
Back: Transparent, waterproof up to 100M
Date Disc: Creme/yellow aged / 60s red font
Case: Refined, crown-guard machining, polished facets
Hands: Second hand blued / GMT hand with fine arrow / aged SLN
Rotor: Gold rotor 21 carats, Geneva stripes.
Movement: 3186 Rolex Movement – Re-decorated, circular-graining, hand-beveling of all components. Balance bridge, mirror-polish.
Disclaimer: Artisans de Genève is an independent company specialized in the personalization of timepieces. Its not affiliated with ROLEX SA nor authorized by them to intervene on their products for any reason whatsoever. This personalization was ordered by a customer, who owns a Rolex® timepiece, for his private use.
