About Us

Origins

At Resurface we breathe new life into vintage watches that have lost their shine or value over time.

We believe in respecting the  that value is a matter of perspective and that, as with our own lives, it's possible to change perspectives and give something a new purpose. We take inspiration from the Japanese art of Kintsugi, embracing imperfections the life that timepiece had previously, and using craft, sending it in a new direction.

 

The idea for Resurfaced was born out of a moment of decision. One day we found ourselves holding a beautiful watch from the 1960s, from a very respectable maker. In the six decades between it's production and this decision it had doubtlessly served many masters, dutifully told the time through countless world and personal events and still ticked and tocked; yet during that time the ageing and damage from use had rendered it all but worthless.

As we contemplated dismantling it for parts, as a donor for another piece, a thought struck. What if instead of destroying it to donate to a better preserved piece, we turned it into something extraordinary? Reconceptualising  the broken dial as a canvas for art? Creating something that honored the story but gave it a new value?

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Each watch is a project. Each watch tells a story. Of it's makers, it's owners, the times it has witnessed, or the artist's. Our process begins with functionality; the watch must still work or be repairable. Once we know it's still functioning, we craft a design tailored to it's character. This is comes from spending hours staring at the dial, it's composition and the damage it's taken, ensuring no two watches are alike.

Reflecting the craft and skill of watchmakers, we use traditional oil painting techniques, giving a hand-painted feel and texture.

 

In a world dominated by throwaway culture, we aim to preserve and elevate forgotten objects, turning them into meaningful, wearable oil paintings, to allow people to enjoy both art forms, which allows a new chapter of their story to be told.

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The name

Resurfaced comes from the idea that we are 'resurrecting' the 'face', but also that we are changing the appearance ('resurfacing'). Resurface has a second meaning, which is of returning to the surface after being submerged. This idea represents the watch being brought back up to a place where it can be visible, enjoyed and respected.