In the contemporary watch landscape, independent horology frequently serves as a playground for unexpected artistic intersections. While traditional houses often rely on historical archives, indie mainstays like Anicorn look outward, treating the wrist as a blank canvas for storytelling. Their latest collaboration pairs them with world-renowned visual artist and author Oliver Jeffers.
The resulting timepiece, the OLIVER JEFFERS x ANICORN – TIME AND SPACE Watch, steps away from the clinical tracking of hours and minutes. Instead, it frames time as a philosophical exploration of human progress.
Priced at $980, this limited-edition release positions itself not merely as a tool for telling time, but as a wearable piece of fine art that celebrates curiosity, intellect, and cosmic scale.
Micro-Artistry and the Symbols of Human Invention
The definitive focal point of the Time and Space watch is its unconventional dial architecture. Rather than utilizing standard applied batons or printed Arabic numerals, the dial relies on four symbolic, “Human-inventional” indexes that sit like isolated satellites orbiting a deep celestial void.
[Match: Fire] ➔ [Lightbulb: Idea] ➔ [Book: Knowledge] ➔ [Car: Engineering]
Each index represents a cornerstone of humanity’s shared journey of imagination:
- The Match: A micro-sculpted nod to the mastery of fire.
- The Lightbulb: The universal symbol for the genesis of a world-changing idea.
- The Book: Representing the illumination and preservation of knowledge.
- The Car: A playful, characterful representation of mechanical engineering and transport.
The execution of these markers requires immense artisanal dedication. Each symbol is individually hand-painted by skilled micro-artisans through a demanding, 12-step process that takes over two hours per icon.
Because of this entirely handcrafted approach, the index paint application varies subtly from watch to watch, ensuring that every individual collector receives a truly unique horological layout.
Case Architecture and Celestial Details
On the wrist, the Time and Space watch offers a distinct, architectural footprint. The 316L stainless steel case adopts a bold square profile measuring 41.8mm by 41.8mm.
Despite its commanding stance, the watch maintains a highly wearable thickness of just 11.8mm, allowing it to slide comfortably under a shirt cuff.
The case is finished in a warm, lustrous rose gold plating that beautifully offsets the dark, starry tones of the dial.
“Every angle of the case holds a deliberate narrative purpose, treating the watch as a miniature universe enclosed in sapphire glass.”
A defining tactile feature is found on the crown, which has been carved with an eight-pointed star. This detail acts as a direct reference to the guiding compass symbols found on ancient maritime maps, placing a token of historical navigation directly at the wearer’s fingertips.
A Modified Mechanical Engine
Flipping the timepiece over reveals that Anicorn has backed this artistic endeavor with a serious mechanical heart. Visible through an exhibition caseback is a modified, automatic NH35-ATD movement.
This self-winding Japanese caliber operates with a dependable 42-hour power reserve when fully wound, delivering standard time-telling functions alongside high mechanical durability.
The movement architecture has been custom-tailored for the collaboration, featuring an open-worked rotor and bridge beautifully engraved with the words “ANICORN × OLIVER JEFFERS” running in a perpetual, mechanical orbit.
Technical Specifications
| Component | Specification |
| Case Material | 316L Stainless steel with rose gold plating |
| Dimensions | 41.8mm x 41.8mm x 11.8mm height |
| Movement | Modified NH35-ATD automatic mechanical |
| Power Reserve | Approximately 42 hours |
| Glass | Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters (5 ATM) |
| Strap | Black leather with integrated quick-release pins |
True to Anicorn’s reputation for premium presentation, the $980 package extends far beyond the watch itself.
Each edition arrives accompanied by custom-curated editorial pages detailing the design philosophy behind the collaboration, alongside an official autograph from Oliver Jeffers complete with an individual, limited-edition serial number.
For the enthusiast who values conceptual design, whimsical storytelling, and hand-painted artistry, the Time and Space watch represents a deeply poetic addition to any modern collection.
