[Review] D'Arc Matter 2

[Nakkdry]

The ARC II – DM is the first piece made in Denmark by Arcanaut. It has a super ergonomic silicone strap and a new dial made with their own material called D'Arc Matter.

This dial is made by injecting Swedish slates into an old industrial coffee grinder and then pouring this crushing under high pressure in a vacuum chamber. The result is a stone-like surface with a dark matte finish that limits reflection on the dial and enhances the uniqueness of the ARC II.

The lum is made of Badgerite, a material that James created in close collaboration with the manufactures of Super-LumiNova®.

Specifications :

• CASE: 41 mm (between lugs), 316L stainless steel
• MOVEMENT: Swiss mechanical movement Soprod A10
• STRAP: Super ergonomic rubber strap.
• DIAL : D'ARC MATTER, Composite material in slate stone.
• LUME: Badgerite – based on Super-LumiNova®
• CERTIFICATIONS: Made in Denmark.
• LIMITED EDITION: Limited to 50 pieces (SOLD OUT)
• SALE PRICE: Approximately $3245 ex. VAT.

The case is a marvel. It is slightly domed, microblasted with a brushed bezel. The bead-blasting, observed closely, offers glittery reflections and the brushed bezel almost has the impression of being polished in contrast!

The sides have the same treatment, with polished “chamfers”. The rectangular crown is a significant and modern feature. After some time settings, I can say that it's as easy to manipulate as a round crown.

The hands have the same finish and it looks like the stem of the minute hand is invisible!

The caseback is solid, with an engraving on a textured black plate. It reminds me of an element of a periodic table.
You can see on my watch that some of the engravings shows copper color, as if the laser engraving had overheated.

It was provided to me with almost the entire bracelets assortment. These bracelets marry the case perfectly and are super comfortable.
Obviously, on my chicken wrist, they are a bit too long. The buckle is brushed, fairly generic and not branded, but it does its job!

The bracelets are fixed with 4 screws.

It is very portable given the absence of lugs and sits well on the wrist. I must admit that it is on the limit on my small wrist but it is mainly due to the particular rendering of this watch, breaking with the classic style of round lug cases.

Conclusion

this Arcanaut D'Arc Matter II is completly crazy ! The mission is successful for the creators. We really have a watch apart, which looks like nothing else and exudes serenity once worn thanks to its minimalist Scandinavian design. The crown is part of this design in addition to being a special element in the watchmaking world, the dial is handcrafted and also brings something beautiful and never seen before.

It is not perfect of course, the back engraving has some flaws as explained above and I find the lum weak, which surprises me since I was expecting a little madness on that side.

Anyway, I'm delighted to have been able to get it and I was spoiled with extras, as often with small brands that care about the customer.

[TimeTexas]

Awesome review! Those photos are

As an aside, when I met James and Anders in New York back in October, James confided in our small group where the actual material came from for these dials. Apparently there's a small fountain right near where he lives. He noticed that some of the slate material was flaking off, so he "helped" the process along a little (possibly with a hammer) to get enough material to make the dials. 

Not sure the Homeowners Association would be all that thrilled with the D'Arc Matter!

[Nakkdry]

Thank you!

Haha indeed, recently James posted a story of the fountain ! 

[TimeTexas]

He's an incredible storyteller. Especially after a few drinks.

[Nakkdry]

Could guess from the podcast!