Independent watch design studio
Watch Design Studio · from concept to prototype and production.
Swiss-trained watch designer. 12+ years, 230+ references launched.
We design watches that are commercially credible and production-viable, not just beautiful renders.
Based in Germany & France, working worldwide
Approach
A CREATIVE WHO THINKS BUSINESS.
Each creation bridges ARTISTIC VISION with COMMERCIAL PURPOSE.
ACTE.5 brings together creative direction, technical watch design, and commercial strategy under one roof.
We don't just draw watches: we architect collections that make sense for your brand, your market, and your price tier.
From concept sketch to production-ready CAD, every decision serves both the design and the business.
230+
WATCH REFERENCES LAUNCHED FOR PREMIUM AND NICHE BRANDS
12+
YEARS OF WATCH DESIGN EXPERIENCE
10+
BRANDS SERVED WORLDWIDE FROM ESTABLISHED BRANDS TO INDEPENDENTS.
Brands we have designed for
Brands Rodolphe Melot has designed for during his career
Who we work with
Microbrands, founders and established brands.
We design first watches for new brands and new collections for established ones. Small series welcome. Every project gets the same level of care, whatever its size.
Selected work
EXPLORE PROJECTS
What we do
SERVICES
From creative direction and product design to CAD engineering, 3D visualization, and production support, ACTE.5 covers the full watch design journey.
CONCEPT & DESIGN
Creative Direction + Watch & Product Design.We define design language, collection architecture, and brand identity, from mood to form.
ENGINEERING
CAD Development + 3D Prototyping + Techpack.We build production-ready watch files in SolidWorks and Rhino: techpacks your factory can quote and tool.
VISUALISATIONS
3D Watch Renderings + Product Visualisation.Photorealistic visuals for pitch decks, e-commerce, crowdfunding, and trade show materials.
BRING IT TO LIFE
Product Management + Packaging + Consulting.We support your launch and growth with smart strategies, packaging, and creative assets.
WATCH DESIGN IS OUR CORE EXPERTISE.
DISCOVER OUR WATCH DESIGN EXPERTISEBeyond watches:extended product design
Timepieces sit at the heart of our studio, but we regularly extend into adjacent product categories when a brand's universe requires it.
EYEWEAR, ACCESSORIES, LEATHER GOODS, WRITING INSTRUMENTS, FURNITURE.
The same discipline that makes a watch producible at scale applies to any designed object:
clean CAD, honest techpacks, and real-world supplier fluency.
About the founder
Rodolphe Melot
Rodolphe Melot is a French watch designer with 12+ years of experience and 230+ watch references launched for premium brands. Trained in Switzerland within specialized watch design agencies, he brings Swiss watchmaking discipline to every project, from movement selection and case tolerances to supplier coordination and production sign-off.
His career spans renowned international brands and agencies across Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, and Germany, including contributions to projects for Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Maurice Lacroix, Victorinox, and the Fossil Group. He then spent nine years with an international jewellery brand, designing its watch collections and, on top of design, leading its entire watch category, a multi-million-euro business.
Start your project
READY TO DESIGN YOUR NEXT COLLECTION ?
Looking to hire a watch designer? ACTE.5 operates as your external watch design department.
Whether you're launching the first watch of your microbrand, refreshing an existing collection, or exploring a new product category, every project starts with a conversation.
If you're interested in working with ACTE.5, complete the form with a few details about your project. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.