Skeleton Concept Develops Custom Rolex GMT-Master II With World Cup Winner
Aftermarket modder Skeleton Concept has transformed the Rolex GMT-Master II “Batman” with Paris Saint-Germain footballer Presnel Kimpembe.
Kimpembe, who launched his own streetware brand PK3 last year, challenged the firm’s watchmakers to skeletonise the watch’s 3186 movement and alter the shade of blue on the bezel.
The team spent “hundreds of hours” devising a way of skeletonising around the movement’s date and GMT complications before applying a matte, sandblasted finish to the components. The matte finish is matched on the case and bracelet, which has been satin-brushed.
Skeleton Concept also replaced the date wheel with a transparent sapphire crystal version with black numerals, except for the number 3 that Kimpembe wears on his shirt at PSG, which is picked out in blue. The transparent theme is continued on the reverse with a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback.
“Ever since I was a young boy, I’ve always been a fan of everything that has to do with customization,” says the World Cup winner. “I have been lucky to learn more about the fascinating and complicated world of horology, thanks to the master watchmakers of Skeleton Concept. The process of personalizing my timepiece has been marvelous to me. I feel blessed and lucky to wear such a unique timepiece.”
Skeleton Concept is taking pre-orders for the $70,000 USD (€59,900 EUR) watch.
Elsewhere in watches, HODINKEE reworks Oris’ Divers Sixty-Five.
The New SKELETON CONCEPT x Presnel Kimpembe Rolex GMT ‘Batman’
SKELETON CONCEPT x Presnel Kimpembe take this Rolex GMT to the next level.
The market for bespoke timepieces continues to grow in popularity with small-batch collections from watchmakers presenting exquisite examples from some of the most desired models. SKELETON CONCEPT and its team of specialized horologists focus on delivering a truly unique timepiece experience for clientele using one-of-a-kind designs. SKELETON CONCEPT is proud to unveil its newest project collaboration with professional French soccer player Presnel Kimpembe. The new SKELETON CONCEPT x Presnel Kimpembe timepiece takes shape as a Rolex GMT Master II ‘Batman’ on the stainless-steel oyster bracelet. The dial is redesigned as an openwork piece, which includes a skeletonized dial and a blue inner bezel to highlight the inner workings of the self-winding mechanical 3285 movements. The new open backcase provides a secondary angle of the movement. The added matching blue components help to tie together the theme of the Rolex ‘Batman’. The outer portion of the backcase is engraved to commemorate the Presnel Kimpembe Limited Edition piece. The number 3 is also incorporated into the engraving as Kimpembe wears that number on the soccer field. The craftsmanship not only highlights the work of SKELETON CONCEPT, but also the original design from Rolex. The SKELETON CONCEPT x Presnel Kimpembe Limited-Edition Rolex GMT Master II is the newest addition to the world of watch customization.