Respektiv Acid Collection

Acid watches are handmade dials built to your taste.  Made form recycled materials using new technology and old craftsmanship.  I start with the design on the computer.  Anything is possible.  The dial blank is hand cut from a choice of recycled copper or aluminum.  Using heat and pressure, I transfer the computer image to the dial.  The dial is then immersed in either a sulfuric acid solution or ferric chloride and allowed to soak until the chemical reaction etches away the design. 

Once the design is etched, we can either blacken or silver the dial.  To blacken, the dial is heated and a corrosion accelerant solution blackens the dial.  This blackening creates an imperfect rugged decayed appearance that cannot be exactly duplicated.  Each piece will be unique with shades of black, grey and sometimes brown hues.

If silvering is desired, I use a silvering compound and polish that has been used by clockmakers for centuries.  The result is a stunning glowing silver reminiscent of an antique clock.  I then hand paint the etched area using an industrial Lacquer Paint Stick.  The dial is then lacquered and sealed, giving it years of protection.  

Acid watches are based on the Unitas 6498/7 movements from Unitas, ETA or Seagull. Choose a reconditioned vintage movement or choose brand new.  The choice is yours.

Here is how it works.  If you see something you like, you can always buy a unique stock watch.  A few clicks and its on the way.  If you want something different, start by clicking the "Contact Respektiv" tab to your left.  We can change out a component on an existing watch or build from scratch.  Leave your contact information and we will set a time for a short telephone call.  If you can give me a little idea of what kind of project you want, leave that in the message.  On that call, we will settle in on what we want to build and the budget.  Case, dial, strap hands and movement can all be your choice.  I'll send you a few renderings.  Once approved, I'll get to building.  Often times, I will have to source new parts.  These parts are common in Europe and Asia but in the US, there just not the selection of components so there could be a ≈30 day lead time.   I'll search world wide to get what we want.  Once we settle on the design, I can get you a more accurate delivery estimate.  If you are ever in Memphis, let's sit down, look at some pieces and build something amazing.