Allow me to discreetly introduce myself…sort of.

As co-founder and Head of Fabrication of Tempus Machina, I prefer the solitude of my workshop to the glam of Park Avenue get-togethers or the vibrant dynamics of social media.

I share the view that a modern Rolex can be respectfully transformed to honor it’s rich heritage. We know full well that every Rolex sport model has undergone substantial changes over the past 5 decades; each change contributing to its evolution such that Rolex has remained the benchmark of quality and cutting-edge technology and performance. From my point of view, Rolex has only looked forward with it’s designs and will continue to do so as it stays at the forefront of the industry. Looking backward is not apart of it’s brand, nor should it be. We fully respect the space Rolex has made for itself with regard to its horological status.

As such, we asked ourselves, if Rolex were to make a modern version of its iconic models of the past, what would they look like? For me, answering that simple question was the genesis of Tempus Machina. Imagine stepping back in time and opening up the famous green display box and viewing your purchase of a brand new 6538 submariner. What would that feel like? That is the experience we aim to recreate with all of our timepieces. Our watches don't just tell time…they take you back in time.

Lugs drilled...ready for polish

I have been a collector of vintage Rolex watches for longer than I care to remember, but first and foremost, I am an avid historian on the techniques used to by the master Rolex watch artisans. Like these masters, we hone each element of the watch cases by hand; we don't rely on robots. Because of this, part of my drive for perfection is to preserve what I feel is a dying art. The manual processes involved in re-sculpting a bezel, cutting chamfers to the case lugs, refinishing modern dials to gilt,  is extremely time consuming and in some cases, dangerous. In the end, we feel that both the 216A and the 809H represents watches that are truly respectful to who Rolex is today, in addition the Rolex of yesteryear. We will embody that philosophy in every watch we make.

We thank all of those that have supported us and we hope to continue to introduce exciting new/old models in the months and years ahead.

Anonymous Co-Founder of Tempus Machina