There are skull watches and then there are skull watches like this. Looking like a Mexican “Day of the Dead special” (Dia de Los Muertos), this mechanical skull-shaped watch is full of personality and design talent. Right now it is a one-of-a-kind watch, but there are plans for production in the near future. The watch was designed by Fiona Krüger while she was a design student at the ECAL school in Switzerland (University of art and design Lausanne). Apparently I need to credit both her and the school as she designed the watch while there.
“Memento Mori” isn’t a name that hasn’t been used before, but a design like this is cool and unique. The watch case is literally shaped like a skull. This one has been hand-engraved in solid sterling silver (also the crown). Not sure of the size, but it does not look too small or too large. Interesting touches include the traditional style blued-steel hands and aviator style crown. That combo looks inspired from Peter Speake Marin if you ask me.
The dial itself is where all the fun is. It is a combination of carved, laser-cut, colored, and polished elements that make up the decorative skull motif. The dial materials are gold and rhodium plated brass. The perlage polished plate that makes up the teeth is neat. This is a very interesting combination between designer and mechanical elements. Even the caseback is cool.
Fiona Krüger needed to use a specially cut mineral crystal for this piece because a sapphire one custom-cut for the skull shape would have been too pricey. Though if it makes it to production I am sure they will strive for a sapphire crystal. Inside of the watch is a Swiss ETA 2824-2 automatic movement. Attached to the watch is a blue calf leather strap with a silver buckle.
I love the creativity of stuff like this and am happy that Fiona Krüger is striving to make it a reality. On her website (link above) you can see more images as well as concept art while designing the Memento Mori watch. Fiona Krüger is also not sure about the price at this time, but I hope it will be relatively affordable.