In the ever-evolving landscape of horological design, collaborations often yield truly exceptional creations, and the Paulin x Crystal Zapata Watch is a shining example of such a fruitful partnership. This timepiece is the result of a creative dialogue between the Glasgow-based watchmakers Paulin and Chicago-based designer Crystal Zapata, an alliance sparked by a shared fascination with applying Zapata’s meditative workflow to the very essence of timekeeping. The result is a watch that transcends mere functionality, becoming a wearable piece of art imbued with celestial inspiration and a distinctively ethereal aesthetic.
Zapata’s design journey for this collaborative timepiece began by looking to the heavens, contemplating the classical markers of time that have guided humanity for millennia: the cyclical rhythm of seasons, the majestic dance of planetary movement, and the unwavering rotation of our Earth. These cosmic phenomena served as the foundational inspiration for the watch’s circular form and the perpetual motion of its hands.
The dial, the very soul of the watch, showcases Zapata’s unique artistic vision through its subtly blurred numerals and an enchanting star-studded minute track. This intricate detailing, combined with a layer of gloss lacquer applied over a sunburst engraving, creates a captivating sense of depth and an otherworldly luminescence as if gazing into a starlit sky.
The 35mm Modul case, a signature of Paulin’s design language, provides a refined and comfortable housing for the Swiss-made quartz ETA F06 movement, a testament to precision and reliability with an impressive seven-year battery life. With a slender profile of just 8.2mm in thickness, and protected by a machined sapphire box-crystal, the Zapata Modul sits elegantly on a variety of wrist sizes, offering both visual appeal and exceptional wearability.
The dial is undoubtedly the focal point, a canvas upon which the key design elements of the collaboration truly shine. Star-shaped markers delicately punctuate the minute track at the dial’s periphery, mirrored by a prominent star adorning the tip of the running-seconds hand. A bold and cheerful arrow-shaped hour hand and a clean, rectangular minutes hand complete the ensemble, providing a distinctive and easily legible display. The designer’s name, “Crystal Zapata,” is subtly rendered in a stencil-style font just below the 12 o’clock position, while Paulin’s discreet logo resides beneath the 6 o’clock marker, a harmonious acknowledgement of the collaborative effort.
Further reinforcing the celestial theme that permeates the watch’s design is the bespoke constellation design meticulously engraved on the caseback in Paulin’s Glasgow workshop. This intricate artwork, featuring a scattering of stars and constellations, also incorporates the artist’s initials, “CZ,” adding a personal touch to each timepiece. The Paulin x Crystal Zapata Modul is available in two distinct colourways, aptly named Day and Night.
The “Day” variant features a crisp silver background accented by light blue numerals, text details, and hour markers, with a vibrant red seconds hand providing a subtle contrast. The “Night” edition embraces a more evocative palette, with a moody dark blue dial serving as the backdrop for crisp white details. Both colourways are paired with a sophisticated mesh bracelet, adding a final touch of contemporary elegance.
Priced at £450, the Paulin x Crystal Zapata Watch is a compelling offering for those who appreciate a timepiece that seamlessly blends artistic expression with horological precision, a true embodiment of celestial inspiration brought to life on the wrist.
