resurfaced
about resurfaced
resurfaced began in 2024 when two passions fused; painting and vintage watches.
It's an art project driven by exploration of time, objects, storytelling and giving people the chance to experience art in a new way.
painting time machines
The idea of painting watches is not new or unique. Many established brands have superb craftsmen who create beautiful, luxurious watches.
One of the wonders of vintage watches is that they capture a past time. They merge past and present by tracking the time now, but embodying the story of the time they were made, the people who made them and all those who have used them during their time.
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They're time machines, literally and figuratively.
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As technology improves, we see planned obsolescence leading to high disposability, AI impacting the value of creativity, and incredible functionality rendering mechanical watches that once were essential tools, largely redundant for their original purpose.​
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While there are huge numbers of people who are interested in vintage pieces, meaning a lot of value is preserved, often condition is the most important factor.
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All this means that there are countless vintage watches in imperfect condition, lying unwanted in flea markets, on auction sites and curio shops.
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Our purpose is to use art, to restore the value to these stories.
"resurfaced" means
resurfaced has two meanings.
1. To re-surface the dial/face of the watch. This refers to the painting element to give a new layer to the dial
2. To re-surface, similar to being underwater and coming back to the surface. This refers to the process of bringing back the watch to being valued.
inspired by kintsugi
In Japan, there is a traditional craft called Kintsugi, which is a method of repairing broken pottery using gold or precious metal lacquer.
The idea is to celebrate the damage and enhancing it, rather than concealing it.
It stems from the WabiSabi philosophy of acknowledging the transience of time.
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We aim to enhance the dials through art, but we leave the rest of the watch other than servicing and functional repairs, and replacing the crystal glass.
sustainability
sustainability is a big factor in why we do this. We support growth and development of course, but we are trying in a small way to encourage re-use and upcycle what is already there.
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We are always looking for ways to improve ourselves through sustainable packaging and strap materials where such options exist.
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who is involved
Unless otherwise stated, the pieces will be designed and hand painted by artist Matt (MB) Anderson; who has been painting and exhibiting for over 20 years.
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see www.mattanderson.online for more works
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In addition, we involve local watchmakers for servicing and repairs, and in most cases use local craftsmen for handmade leather watch straps.
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