Independent watchmaker Artel Rotec is introducing its second collection, the Sky Series, this month, with the bold timepiece serving as a worthy follow-up to its V-Series limited edition sports watch lineup. Artel Rotec first formed in 2018, when designer and longtime watch collector Matthew Roknipour launched the brand as a family owned, independent watch company with a keen focus on value-driven, avant-garde design. Its latest Sky Series maintains the hand-built and high grade production of its predecessor, but this time with a refreshed and refined look. Included in the series are three models, each taking on a distinctly sleek colorway powered by an in-house movement.
Artel Rotec opts for a tonneau shaped case for all of the watches in the Sky Series, a silhouette that is reminiscent of previously released watches in the brand’s growing catalog. All three models in the collection have a micro blasted, brushed and polished steel case with dimensions of 38mm in width by 46.8mm in height. The footprint of the case is substantial for small wrists, though it maintains a delicate balance with a svelte thickness of 9.8mm. Offering a water resistance up to 50m, each model is presented on a rubber strap equipped with a simple quick release system.
For the dial, Artel Rotec has designed a straightforward layout inclusive of basic time-keeping functionality with sophisticated styling. The Sky 4 and Sky 5 models omit numeric indices aside from a large Arabic numeral 12 and instead opt for pyramid-shaped hour markers. The Sky 6 model includes all 12 hour markers in applied Breguet style numerals. The indices and hands on each of the models corresponds to the cool tone of the steel case. All three models also include a color-matched minute ring on the periphery of the dial. In terms of coloring, the Sky 4 opts for a light silver dial, the Sky 5 sports a lush black color dial, the bold Sky 6 takes shape in emerald green. Each of the models has a matte center which turns into a sunburst ring where the indices are, giving the dial layers of rich texture.
Powering the Sky Series is the in-house AR068 caliber that is modified from the Swiss made ETA2824-1. The adaptation of the movement omits the date functionality that the ETA2824-1 offers, though it ticks with the same reliability. The self-winding mechanism offers a power reserve of 50 hours and is visible through an exhibition caseback on the reverse of the case.
The Artel Rotec Sky Series is available for presale with delivery expected to begin March 2023. Available for purchase via the brand’s website, the Sky 4, Sky 5, and Sky 6 each retail for $1,950. Each timepiece comes in an Artel Rotec display box with manual and warranty card that is valid for a 2 year period from the time of purchase.
To learn more about Artel Rotec, click here.
