Rolf Sachs 2.4ml LE

Sachs’s passion for experimentation motivates him to challenge the applications of existing materials, processes and everyday objects, a theme visible throughout his artistic practice. Drawing inspiration from scientific methods and taking a fresh and unexpected approach to watch design, Sachs adopts the process and visual language of laboratories and laboratory glassware to create the ‘2.4ml’ watch. 
Sachs applies the process of “ambering” (amber staining), a completely new technique in watchmaking, to the glass surface of the watch to replicate the visual language of ‘graduation’ marks typically found on laboratory measuring instruments. This process is carried out by hand and involves applying the artwork directly onto the glass surface, dipping it into the amber stain tank and baking it in a high-temperature industrial oven. This leaves the watch with the numerals, graduated minute, hour indices and logos directly cauterized onto the scratch resistant glass surface. This technical, yet handcrafted process results in slight variations in finish and colour, making each piece slightly unique.
Sachs explains, “I am always in the search for the new. For this artist-edition, I was inspired by the visuals and techniques found in chemistry laboratories and adapted the process of scientific‚ ambering‘ to create a completely new way of crafting a time piece for Fortis, printing the glass instead of the dial.”
The name ‘2.4ml’ is in direct reference to the volume of air contained between the glass surface of the watch and its dial. All visual elements, including the steel housing and the hands, in combination with the orange-red silicone strap, mirror the techniques and formal language of a scientific laboratory. These specifics underline the detail-oriented artistic approach to the entire design process. Sachs has long shown a fascination with manipulating and re-adapting scientific glassware and processes, which can be seen in his well-known collection of sculptural ‘neon’ lights and the ‘chemie’ light series. The ‘2.4ml’ watch will be available as a limited edition of 150 pieces worldwide.