Over recent years, the watchmaking industry has witnessed a notable revival of centuries-old techniques, and a new-found interest and admiration for métiers d’art watches. In the ultimate convergence between two mediums, these decorative timepieces are produced as literal works of art — they are more than just an instrument to tell time, but a canvas of sorts, that reflects the highest levels of horological craftsmanship and skill. Watchmakers today are experimenting with a range of new designs, but then there’s brands like XRby, who are crafting some of the most unique and artistically superior dials on the market, offering wearable art masterpieces, that tell a story and inspire.
Launched in 2020, by founder and former dial maker, Xavier Rousset, XRby produces one-of-a-kind, highly ornamental wristwatches with sumptuous dials, handcrafted by some of the industries finest artisans. These luxurious métiers d’art watches are developed in the town of Besançon — located within the historic watchmaking territory of the French-Swiss Jura Arc — and boast advanced Swiss movements and a selection of precious materials including white gold, sapphire and marquetry, all sustainably sourced from the Jura mountains in the Swiss Alps. Everything from the elaborate mechanics, to the captivating sapphire case and hand-crafted dials, have been so carefully thought out, and executed with an extraordinary level of precision and finesse. The brand’s first model, for example, the XRby Rose Saneuil, captures a sublime image of a South American Quetzal, the sacred bird of the Maya people, composed of 214 pieces made up of 16 different materials, including wood, straw, iridescent beetle elytra, leather and mother-of-pearl, which work to create an illuminating and harmonious display of green shades.
XRby’s miniature masterpieces are veritable works of art and command the same emotions as many of today’s contemporary art pieces. And as a reflection of Xavier’s dedication to redefining the industry, the timepieces can even be bought with the brand’s “Plaisir Prolongé,” an artistic watch winder, entirely designed and hand-decorated by the artisan of choice, which elevates the watch dial and enables owners to highlight their masterpiece in their own home. For Xavier Rousset, the watch industry is an emotional business of investing in artisans, protecting the heritage of craftsman and keeping the art of decorative watchmaking alive. All the elements of craftsmanship, technology and sustainability are considered, and have become the important puzzle pieces that together, complete the story.
Read on for our interview with founder Xavier, where we discuss how it all began.
The world of XRBY
Métiers
d'art watches
How did you get into watchmaking?
You could say that watchmaking has always been a part of my life. My grandfather was a watchmaker, who for a very long time worked on producing extravagant dials in his factory in Besancon— the watchmaking capital of France. I was always fascinated by the artistry reflected in each dial, and knew early on that I wanted to learn more about the craft. In the following years, I studied engineering to gain a deeper understanding of product design, and after gaining invaluable information from working with other watch brands, I decided it was time to launch my very own business. In 2020, we launched XRby with the mission of creating exceptional, Métiers d’art timepieces that connect people to the artistry and craftsmanship of the watchmaking world — putting a spotlight on the artisans and giving them a platform to express themselves.
Tell us about the creation process. What inspires the designs?
We take inspiration from everything that surrounds us, including the local environment of the Jura mountains. All the components in our watches (case, strap and buckle) are responsibly sourced from this region, and there has been a main focus on the theme of nature within all of the artworks on our watch dials. These dials bring to life images that celebrate nature, whether its a flock of spectacular Amazonian birds in the tropical forests of Latin America or an elegant Umbrella Pine tree in all of its glory, the marquetry artists desired to reconnect us with nature and the importance of protecting it. We truly trust in the artisans, who transform their own thoughts and inspirations into wearable art.
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Discover the world of XRby Art Watch
Behind the scenes of the XRby Gabriel Colliard © XRby Art Watch
What kind of person wears an XRby watch?
At XRby we are connecting with a discerning community of watch collectors and métiers d’art enthusiasts who desire to collect unique timepieces that showcase unmatched levels of craftsmanship — and tell a story. These are individuals who are not only intrigued by the branding or technological features within the watch, but more so by the design and the meaning behind it. It’s a community who appreciates the artistry and savoir-faire of the horological craft, and seeks to own watches that showcase this.
What is your approach to sustainability?
Almost all of our materials are sourced locally in the Jura region, which enables us to oversee all processes and guarantee transparency to our clients. We also only produce what is sold, collecting the raw materials needed for each watch once it has been ordered. Even down to our use of recycled gold with Swiss certification, and upholding the industries best practices and regulations, we create durable watches that respect and showcase the nature around us.
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