MACHAS

When Art and Haute Horlogerie meet: Kaz Shirane x Roger Dubuis

Renowned for creating breathtaking interactive spaces, Kaz Shirane has always placed the audience at the centre of his art.

A spatial artist exploring mirrors as a medium, he creates immersive environments in which visitors can become part of the artwork, and therefore become the artist themselves, the co-creators.

For their new luxury timepiece, Swiss watch manufacturer Roger Dubuis was looking to push the boundaries of watchmaking and bring art into the world of Haute Horlogerie.

When discovering Kaz’s designs and unique approach, the brand was naturally seduced by his artistic vision: “Roger Dubuis and I share the same vision, we create incredible pieces that make people feel they are the protagonists” explains Kaz.

The collaboration resulted in the Excalibur Superbia, part of the brand’s “Unique Series”: a one-off watch set with 600 white diamonds and blue sapphires. Its unique, unconventional design is reminiscent of Kaz’s multi-faceted, light-reflecting mirrored artworks, such as his world-famous and award-winning installation at the Tokyo Tower’s top deck.

Echoing Kaz’s artistic language, the case of the watch was set with triangle-cut gems, using an invisible setting on curved surfaces - a particularly difficult task for gem setters. “The elaborate craftsmanship required by setting the stones on curved shapes allows the watch to catch the light as it would do in one of my installations” explains Kaz. “To me, the Superbia is like a “time machine” that can take someone to an extraordinary world in an instant, which is what I want to achieve with my artworks.”

A partnership to be continued… More will be revealed soon!

See more of Kaz’s work here.