Swiss craftsmen collaborated with Rubber B to create the ultimate skeletonized version of Rolex Submariner Steel Model #116610.
It took nearly two years for hundreds of Swiss craftsmen to build one of the coolest bespoke Rolexes ever, manufactured for Rubber B by Artisans de Genève. It was only natural for Rubber B creator Arnaud Benjamin to eventually acquire his own personalized Artisans watch. His Submariner incorporates a skeleton movement while maintaining its beauty and flair, and he commissioned the Geneva-based watchmaker and customizer to produce the ultimate skeleton version, making it truly one-of-a-kind.
Artisans De Genève is top of the line in the admittedly rare realm of personalized Rolex Skeleton watches.
For many years, John McEnroe was one of the world’s most fiercely competitive and greatest professional tennis players. A career winner like McEnroe linked up with the Swiss brand for the “John McEnroe Lefty Project,” which intended to create a luxury timepiece—specifically, a Rolex Submariner—that wouldn’t get in the way of a left-handed player during a match.
Artisans De Genève went out of their way to recreate the Submariner from the ground up in order to suit McEnroe’s specifications. McEnroe’s criteria are as follows:
- The crown has been relocated to the left of the face, making it more suitable for usage by a lefthanded player.
- The base model is a 40mm Rolex Submariner, ref. 116610.
- In place of the standard ceramic bezel, a unidirectional steel bezel with a tungsten inlay is used.
- A stunning skeletonized dial contrasts with a black index covered with Luminova for nighttime visibility.
- Polished and sandblasted Hands of black regate.
- The rotor is tungsten and, of course, inscribed with “John McEnroe.”
- The Rolex 3135 Caliber was upgraded by Artisans De Genève, who added beveling and skeletonization.
- Sapphire crystal back, sapphire date disc.
- Additional hand polishing was required, and it was already water-resistant to 300 meters.
Artisans De Genève had previously partnered with Lenny Kravitz on a customized Rolex Daytona, and with Spike Lee on a Daytona for the “Spike Lee Cool Hand Brooklyn” initiative.
The original model Submariner John McEnroe owns may be purchased for as little as $8,000, but with Artisans De Genève upgrades, the price had risen to about $40,000. More information on the watch and the McEnroe project can be found at artisansdegeneve.com.
Rubber B’s CEO was inspired by Italian soccer great and World Cup champion Andrea Pirlo’s personalized Artisans De Genève watch. Pirlo’s skeletonized version of his legendary sports watch took years of research to develop. Obsessed with every detail, each aspect was handcrafted by Artisans De Genève to reflect the intricacy of his sport as well as his exquisite flair.
Artisans De Geneve’s adaptations are above average, and Rubber B has worked with them on a number of projects.
- The Majestic Blue Strap for “Grand Bleu” Project, for their Client
- Exclusive transparent rubber strap for “The Zinal Challenge”
- Bespoke Rubber Strap for “The Armstrong”
- Vulcanized Rubber Strap for “The Rubens Barichello” Project
Rubber B has developed four different styles of bands for the Rolex Submariner with three different clasp options. The first band supports the deployant buckle provided by Rolex. The second band has a tang buckle provided by Rubber B made out of 316L steel.
Are You In Need of a Custom Rubber Watch Strap For Your Luxury Timepiece? Visit Rubber B Today
If you are currently looking for a rubber watch band for your luxury timepiece or other watches, simply visit the Rubber B website today. We offer 100% vulcanized rubber watch straps in a plethora of different styles and color patterns, so no matter your personal aesthetic, we are sure to have the strap to suit all your needs.
