DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE
Follow the development of the Arc II — Bonehead
MAY 2023
Another Bright Idea...
For a lot of brands, the creation process sometimes revolves around boring things like data analysis (boo). For us, however, things have a tendency to develop...organically.
The Bonehead concept was born when James (Head of Materials Development) "accidentally-on-purpose" injected a chunk of aerospace-grade aluminium foam with an opaque resin and attached the result to a disc of solid lume, before dragging us into the darkened men's room of our Swedish retailer INDP and jubilantly yelling for us to "look at it." Needless to say, we had some questions to answer after exiting the bathroom...
JUN 2023
Something New
We knew it was something new, but we weren't quite sure what it was. We were sure it was very cool and extremely Arcanauty, but how to make it work as a watch was a question that would require months of trial and error and several drawing board revisions.
With every Experimental release we want to push ourselves to do our very best and to stretch the brand in new directions. And so the dial, as amazing as it was, wasn't enough. We had to modify the case as well...
JUL 2023
Skeletonisation (but not as you know it)
The Bonehead gets its name from the resin-injected aerospace-grade aluminium foam's matrix, which reminded us of bone marrow.
And because James is a Bonehead. Obviously.
That led us to consider bringing "skeletonisation" into the frame, but how would that work with a case we need to be wearable and robust? In the end, Anders (Chief Designer) settled on a deep engraving that revealed the "bones" of the ARC II case design without sacrificing its structural integrity.
SEP 2023
Converting a Classic
We're very proud of the ARC II case design. Although the wild composites and Fordite dials we produce tend to grab the headlines, the case shape is the true foundation of the brand.
The Experimental series of 2023 was the first time we'd attempted significant aesthetic changes to the case and figuring out how we were going to do that without undermining the work that had gone before took some time and a lot of help and patience from our machining partners in Copenhagen.
But it was worth it...
NOV 2023
Racing Towards Release
As our December release date approached, we were working tooth and nail to get the concept close enough to something we knew we could produce over the projected nine-month delivery period.
We were comfortable leaving some elements of the design open to changes as we knew a lot of challenges awaited us when it came to bringing these pieces to life, but eventually, we zeroed in on what was most important to add to the Bonehead collection and thereafter geared up for launch.
DEC 2023
The Launch!
December rolled around quicker than we could have ever imagined and the time came to release the Experimental line, limited to 33 pieces for the Bonehead and 33 pieces for the Tiger Sh'arc, available for pre-order with just a 10% deposit.
We held back a few pieces of each model so we would have something to put live on the site when production was finished to satisfy any newcomers to the Arcanaut family and give those who missed out on the initial order another bite of the cherry, which was just as well because all available pieces sold out within one week.
JAN 2024
The Case Shape Taking Shape
While it may seem simple (as we're sure a lot of things do from the outside looking in), getting the machining files and processes as close to perfect as we could before we started applying the "framing" finish to our standard case took a long time.
Of course, it's rare for anything to work the first time, and as we experimented with the process we changed our finishing techniques and the CNC settings several times to get it just right.
FEB 2024
Dialing up a Win
For the Bonehead in particular, we knew the model's success hinged on getting the dial just right. How to construct such a novel dial with multiple components (one of which is made from a material totally untested in watchmaking) was the subject of many conversations.
After many visits to the drawing board, we decided to develop two different constructions and test both in tandem to see which yielded the best results. Happily, we believe in both and will keep whichever format we don't use for the Bonehead in our back pocket just in case it suits a dial design we come up with in the future...
MAR 2024
One of the Most Complex Closed Case Backs You'll Ever See
The "Glowpatch" concept was something that was born during the many brainstorming sessions we enjoyed in the run-up to release.
We all agreed it was extremely on-brand to hide an inordinate amount of lume on the case back for the amusement of UV-Torch-toting watch lovers, and decided to make it central to the design.
Unfortunately, we had no idea how to bring it to life at first. Weeks of designs and 3D prints followed until we got it right.
APR 2024
Learning as we go
We've learned many useful lessons during the production of the D'Arc Matter Colours Collection, Havender, and Klint pieces, and we're putting all of that accumulated know-how into the production (and eventual delivery) of the Experimental models.
The Bonehead and the Tiger Sh'arc are Arcanaut's most important pieces yet. Thanks to our backers' support, we've been able to push ourselves in terms of design and material research like never before, in order to create something totally unseen in watchmaking circles.
Experimental: ARC II — Bonehead (Pre-Order: 10% Deposit)
VAT included. Free shipping.
JOIN THE WAITING LIST
It's Lume, But Not Like You've Seen It Before...
Introducing the Bonehead, named after the marrow-esque pattern of the dial...
The Experimental Collection Concept
Sometimes we have some pretty crazy ideas that take a long time to bring to life. We've decided to pursue these ambitious projects under the "Experimental" heading, because, truth be told, we're not entirely sure what we're going to discover in the process...
Lead times are long (around nine months for Experimental projects) but the buy-in is low (just 10% of the retail price is required to secure your place on the list). Why? Because we want you to come along for the ride. We want you to be by our side as we tackle every step of producing some of the most pioneering watches in the industry.
Everything in the Arcanaut Experimental Collection is produced in very small batches. For our inaugural Experimental releases, we've decided to make 33 pieces of both models. This enables us to plan our production timeline more efficiently and free up more time for creativity.
The Bonehead
The Bonehead concept is one of our premier novelties for 2023. This and the Tiger Sharc series are completely original, but take the Arcanaut mantra of discovery in different directions.
For the Bonehead, we wanted to discover what would happen when we unleashed the Badger with a series of specially created electric blue-lume discs, a batch of aerospace-grade aluminium foam, and a big tub of industrial resin (the cloudy sort — our favourite flavour).
The result was so exciting that the first time James ran into Rob and Anders with a prototype in his possession, he dragged them both into the nearest men's room, locked the door, cut the lights, and presented his piece. Cue a chorus of adoring coos, showering the glowing disc with glory. Needless to say, passers-by were...perturbed.
The case is unique amongst Arcanauts in that it has received a special "framing" finish, that shows off the outlines of our recognisable ARC II case silhouette. The contrasting polished and blasted surfaces are protected with a scratch-resistant coating so the case stays fresh for longer.
Our Experimental watches for 2024 are powered by Swiss-made automatic movements by Soprod, which are regulated in-house by our watchmakers in Copenhagen.
Questions: Contact Rob (rob@arcanaut.dk) with any queries.
Orders are expected to commence in Q3 2024.
Description
Case
316L stainless steel case, CNC milled north of Copenhagen with tolerances down to a micron (a thousandth of a millimetre or about the same size as a bacteria). The case has received our new "skeleton framing" decoration and juxtaposes raised, polished outlines, with matte micro-blasted recesses. The hand-polished highlights are applied by our trusted watchmaker Claus Valentin in Copenhagen. As with all our watches, the case features our signature "Pentablock" crown, which is shaped to follow the form of the case perfectly.
As with the case, the crown is CNC milled with a tolerance down to a micron to make it fit perfectly into the side of the case.
Hands
Laser-cut micro-welded, heat-blued steel hands, made in the southern part of Denmark. The hands feature a light matte micro-blasted finish.
Price: $4,750 Excl. VAT
Deposit: $475
Delivery
Orders are expected to commence in Q3 2024.
Technical information
Name: Arcanaut Arc II — Bonehead
Assembly: Regulated and assembled in Copenhagen Denmark
Diameter: 40.52 mm
Case: Micro-blasted and hand-polished stainless steel case with “skeleton framing”, machined and finished in Denmark
Water resistance: 100 m
Dial: Solid lume disc topped with cloudy-resin-filled Aerospace grade aluminium foam, made by James Thompson in Gothenburg, Sweden
Hands: Laser-cut and heat-blued steel hands, made in Denmark
Movement: Swiss automatic Soprod A10 (closed GlowPatch caseback with Bonehead motif)
Functions: Time only
Power reserve: 42 hours
Limitation: Thirty-three pieces, numbered
Price: €4,750 Excl. VAT, Incl. Delivery.
Early Bird Deposit: $475 (10%)
FAQ
Do you ship wordwide?
Yes.
When will I be able to select my serial number?
All 33 Bonehead pieces will be numbered. You will be able to choose a number when you pay the final amount on the watch, before delivery. You will be able to apply for three numbers, and you’ll get priority in terms of when you made your reservation, meaning the first people who put down the 10% pre-order deposit have first priority on numbers.
When will I see actual photos of the watch?
It is hard to say exactly when we’ll have the first samples/prototypes ready to show, as this is an evolving process. However, we aim to have a first assembled piece ready to shoot before the end of Q1/beginning of Q2.
How do I get a refund if I don’t like what I see?
You can get a full refund on your deposit at anytime between now and delivery, by writing us an email at rob@arcanaut.dk or info@arcanaut.dk. Please be advised that it can take up to 10–12 business days for the money to arrive in your account.
How far are you in the process of making this watch?
We are currently working on the Bonehead dial design and case decoration, and are stoked to share images and videos of these developments soon!
When can I expect the watch to ship?
The idea of our experimental projects is to allow us to get ideas out in the ether earlier, and keep the projects fairly open so we unsure to deliver the absolute best product. This is also why the deposit is low and fully refundable. Because of this we cannot give an exact delivery date, but we aim to ship the first pieces during Q3, 2024. It might be earlier, it might be a little later, but we’ll keep you updated along the way.
When will you start sharing behind-the-scenes content, and what can I expect?
We’ll start sharing content in January. You can expect write-ups and videos about how the concept came about, and behind-the-scenes access to the developmental process.
Do you want feedback from me and others on the concept and, if so, how is that going to work?
Yes, please feel free to give us your opinion and feedback as we go along, both when it comes to the concept and design, but also what you think about this process concept as a whole. We love feedback and it only helps us create an even better product in the end. Please feel free to send feedback directly to either rob@arcanaut.dk or Chief Designer, Anders Brandt at anders@arcanaut.dk.
How will my watch be delivered?
Your watch will be shipping in an Arcanaut presentation box along with a strap change tool. If you order additional straps, these will be shipped within the box.
What is the total price of the watch delivered?
The total price will vary based on your location. While shipping is included in the retail price, local taxes are not. Check with your local tax authority to receive an accurate landed estimate before buying for total peace of mind.
Where can I buy Arcanaut watches?
You can buy Arcanaut watches either here on the official website, or through our US retailer, Collective Horology.
At Arcanaut, we're not just creating watches; we're crafting stories, adventures, and a journey that you can wear on your wrist. Our experimental line is more than watch series; it's an incubator of ideas, a place where your voice can help shape the future of Arcanaut.
With just a small deposit, secure your spot on one of our new journeys (or both), and support the development of these exciting horological concepts!
DAYLIGHT
NIGHT
Technical information
40.52 mm
Micro-blasted 316L stainless steel case with hand-polished highlights
100 m (10 ATM)
Laser-cut heat-blued stainless steel
Soprod A10 — Swiss automatic movement
42 hours
A solid disc of Badgerite lume, topped with cloudy-resin-filled aerospace-grade aluminium foam
Limited to 33 pieces
Super ergonomic rubber strap
Badgerite — based on Super-LumiNova®
We believe in community-driven horology. From sketches to the final masterpiece, be a key player in the creation of our newest models: the enigmatic Bonehead and the powerful Tiger Sharc.
The dial, a marvel of Black Badger Magic, features a solid disc of Badgerite lume topped with a cloudy resin and aerospace-grade aluminium foam — a material blend producing an unprecedented lume effect reminiscent of a bone's cross-section, hence the name “Bonehead”.
The Bonehead reimagines our traditional aesthetics with its new "skeleton framing" decoration. The case's architecture, a symphony of raised and polished edges surrounding mattified steel, showcases the ergonomic shape of the ARC II like never before.
There will be only 33 Bonehead pieces made. You can secure yours and be part of this adventure for a 10% deposit of just $475, with a retail price of $4,750.
We believe in community-driven horology. From sketches to the final masterpiece, be a key player in the creation of our newest models: the enigmatic Bonehead and the powerful Tiger Sharc.
The dial, a marvel of Black Badger Magic, features a solid disc of Badgerite lume topped with a cloudy resin and aerospace-grade aluminium foam — a material blend producing an unprecedented lume effect reminiscent of a bone's cross-section, hence the name “Bonehead”.
The Bonehead reimagines our traditional aesthetics with its new "skeleton framing" decoration. The case's architecture, a symphony of raised and polished edges surrounding mattified steel, showcases the ergonomic shape of the ARC II like never before.
There will be only 33 Bonehead pieces made. You can secure yours and be part of this adventure for a 10% deposit of just $475, with a retail price of $4,750.
Black Badger workshop tour
Inside look at advanced materials manufacturing of the watchmaking industry
Video
Experimental collection
Fordite collection
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