Fordite 2.0

As we discussed in our previous newsletter, the process of massaging a Fordite watch dial into life is one that requires patience, nerves of steel, and the willingness to cede control to the material itself.

Fordite itself refuses to be fully mastered. We work with it, not on it, to get the most out of these deeply characterful lumps of history. So far, the automotive Gods have treated us kindly. Perhaps they were pleased we weren't letting this historical detritus die. Maybe they liked Anders' moustache, James's glasses, or Rob's socks. Whatever it is, they seem to have a soft spot for us, and so, after much consideration, we decided it was time to push our luck with them a little bit and see whether we could get away with taking back a little bit of the control we so willingly handed over to the raw Fordite with which we work...

Until now, almost every Fordite watch we've ever sold has been sold as a finished object. We made the dial, we chose the case, we fitted the handset we thought offered the most legibility, and that was that. We listed our creations online, and they were snapped up by whoever heard their call the loudest.

Fordite 2.0 changes the process completely.

For the first time, you are not simply buying a finished watch. You will be building your own.

The process begins where it should: with the dial itself. Because no two Fordite dials are ever identical, this remains the emotional core of the watch. You will be able to browse every available dial individually, selecting the one that resonates most with you personally.

This is your starting point.

From there, the watch begins to evolve around your choice. Four case configurations are available: Standard or Skeleton, each offered in either 40.52 mm or 37 mm proportions. The result is not merely a sizing exercise, but a shift in personality. The Standard cases feel architectural and grounded. The Skeleton variants expose more of the watch’s geometric tension for an edgier (quite literally) experience.

For the first time, you have a choice of handsets. You can choose the traditional "Grand Paw" set, now with lume-filled recesses for better low-light readability, or the brand "Spear" set, which offers a more curvaceous and elegant option.

Next up, you get to choose the lume colour. Each dial will be matched with a set of complementary colours from which you can make your selection, with up to nine colours available (don't say we don't spoil you).

Then comes one of the most transformative details of all: the chapter ring.

You will be able to decide whether to include one at all and, if so, specify its finish. Rhodium-plated, or gold-plated, are available. The choice dramatically alters the way the dial appears.

The chosen finish automatically determines the matching handset tone, preserving visual cohesion throughout the design.

One addition worth mentioning that will come as standard on all new Fordite models: a small running indicator that replaces a traditional seconds hand. This is the first time we've included a third "hand", so we decided to keep it subtle — just a little reminder that your watch is ticking away happily.

Finally, the strap colour.

What emerges is a Pièce Unique. Crafted by you, for you.

With Fordite 2.0, you, the collector, are part of the creative process, making choices that shape the emotional identity of the final object. Depending on the number of lume colours available for each individual dial, there are up to 6,144 combinations possible.

The result is something watchmaking rarely achieves convincingly: true individuality without sacrificing artistic coherence.

Oh, and if you really want to make it yours, we'll happily engrave custom text (for free) on the redesigned caseback (that features a frosted display window, decorated with a monochromatic Fordite pattern). Once you've configured your ideal Fordite 2.0 and checked out, we'll get in touch directly to discuss the available space and layout of your personal message.

Check out the new configurator on www.arcanaut.watch now, and join us for the next step in Fordite's magical journey.