Spring has arrived, and with it, the primary sunflowers are starting to stretch towards the sky, absorbing the heat and promising longer, brighter days. On this planet of horology, a brand new bloom is making its debut—the SB05 Sunfl0wer. A collaboration between Sartory Billard and Studio Underd0g, this watch is a burst of shade, creativity, and craftsmanship, simply in time to shake off the winter blues. These two manufacturers have come collectively to create a particular version of Sartory Billard’s SB05—the Sartory Bilard x Sutdio Underd0g SB05 Sunfl0wer. This 10-piece restricted version is an ideal mix of artistry and technical precision, with a dial designed by Studio Underd0g and delivered to life by Sartory Billard. This isn’t only a watch; it’s a inventive assertion. Sartory Billard is understood for crafting beautiful dials, usually via collaborations with top-tier artisans. Now, by teaming up with Studio Underd0g—well-known for his or her enjoyable, outside-the-box designs—they’ve created one thing really distinctive. After an extended, chilly winter, right here comes the Sunfl0wer. And whereas precise sunflowers monitor the solar all through the day, this watch gained’t—however it’ll positively monitor plenty of wrist time.
The SB05 Sunfl0wer is housed in a finely crafted 38.5mm stainless-steel case made by Voutilainen & Cattin SA. At simply 8.5mm thick, it’s modern, elegant, and comfy on the wrist. The case options a mixture of finishes—satin-brushed on the highest and sides, separated by a refined bevel, with a media-blasted matte end on the principle physique. The signed, knurled crown provides further character, whereas the concave, polished bezel completely frames the dial. Paired with the case is a hand-crafted Epsom Calfskin strap from The Strap Tailor. It’s deep forest inexperienced, buttery gentle, and made via a month-long tanning course of. Very like a bee and a sunflower, this strap and case are a match made in nature—besides this pairing gained’t make you swell up in case you get too shut. Like me. I’m allergic to these little stunning bees.
On the coronary heart of the SB05 Sunfl0wer is a dial that calls for consideration. Studio Underd0g’s design shines via within the grand grain guilloché sample, break up right into a seed-filled interior part and a golden outer ring engraved with twenty-four evenly spaced petals. A sapphire disk, printed with delicate golden hour markers and a minute monitor, floats above the outer dial, creating depth and including a way of weightlessness. The minutes lengthen onto a golden ring that separates the 2 most important dial elements, making for a seamless transition. A pop of inexperienced on the two-piece hour and minute palms ties every thing collectively, whereas the nameplates, seconds hand, and sub-dial ring maintain issues balanced in a impartial silver. The outcome? A shocking three-dimensional impact that brings this watch to life. And right here’s a enjoyable reality—sunflowers aren’t only one flower. Every head is definitely made up of hundreds of tiny flowers, all working collectively like a superbly synchronized Swiss motion. Nature and watchmaking? Each obsessive about precision.
Flip the SB05 Sunfl0wer over, and also you’re greeted by one other stunner—the calibre SMB01. This manually wound motion, based mostly on the Swiss La Joux-Perret 7380, is unique to Sartory Billard. Operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz) and a 90-hour energy reserve, it’s as a lot as a workhorse as it’s stunning. Ending touches elevate the motion’s aesthetic. The bridges get a gray NAC remedy with a round satin-brushed end, whereas the screws and bevel edges are polished to perfection. The wheels are radially satin-brushed, making this motion a pleasure to admire. And since we’re speaking about bees and sunflowers—do you know bees can acknowledge particular person human faces? Similar to a seasoned watch collector recognizing a uncommon timepiece from throughout the room. Bees depend on sunflowers for nectar, and sunflowers depend on bees for pollination. Likewise, watch collectors depend on actions just like the SMB01 for precision, and types like Sartory Billard depend on watch lovers to understand their craftsmanship. It’s all one superbly synchronized system.
With the SB05 Sunfl0wer, Sartory Billard and Studio Underd0g have delivered a timepiece that’s as technically spectacular as it’s visually putting. Studio Underdog has been performing some loopy collaborations recently, and that is one so as to add to that guide. This 10-piece restricted version can be on show on the Beau Rivage from March thirty first to April 4th, earlier than changing into out there on Sartory Billard’s web site on April 4th—first come, first served. From its un-bee-lievable dial to its impeccably crafted case and motion, the SB05 Sunfl0wer isn’t simply one other watch—it’s a celebration of nature, creativity, and fantastic watchmaking. And identical to bees know which sunflowers have one of the best nectar, true watch lovers will know that is one price buzzing about. This restricted version is on the market April 4th at 15:00 CEST for €12,700 (ex. VAT) on the Sartory Billard web site. For extra info, please go to the Sartory Billard and Studio Underdog web sites.
