What does a watch design studio do?

A watch design studio handles the full creative and technical development of a timepiece collection — including concept, case and dial design, CAD development, techpack production, and supplier coordination. ACTE.5 operates as an external watch design department for premium and independent brands.

How long does it take to design a watch collection?

A typical watch design project at ACTE.5 runs between 3 and 9 months depending on scope — from a single new reference to a full multi-family collection. Concept phase takes 3 to 6 weeks, CAD and techpack 6 to 12 weeks, and prototype review another 6 to 10 weeks.

What software does ACTE.5 use for watch design?

ACTE.5 works primarily in SolidWorks and Rhino 3D for CAD development, and the full Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) for 2D design, techpacks, and brand materials.

Does ACTE.5 work with independent and emerging watch brands?

Yes. ACTE.5 partners with independent watchmakers, emerging premium brands, and founders launching their first or second reference.

Does ACTE.5 design products beyond watches?

While watches are the core of our studio, ACTE.5 extends into adjacent product design when a brand's universe requires it — eyewear, accessories, small leather goods, and branded objects.

How is a watch design project priced?

Every project is scoped individually based on deliverables, complexity, and timeline. ACTE.5 works either on a per-project basis or through retainer agreements for ongoing collaborations. We provide a detailed proposal after an initial briefing call — no commitment required.

Does ACTE.5 have experience with Swiss watchmaking?

Yes. Rodolphe trained in Switzerland within the watch design industry and has designed collections using Swiss-made calibers — Sellita SW200, SW300, and ETA movements. His experience includes projects with Swiss assembly processes, ensuring every design meets the standards expected of Swiss-made timepieces.

Blooming Sky – Feminine Watch Concept | ACTE.5 – Watch Design Studio

The dial features two butterflies adorned with heart-shaped CZ details, floating gracefully among clouds and stars. At night, they glow softly, revealing a hidden scene that comes alive in the dark. This model leans more toward a jewelry watch, with its stone-set dial, 3D decorative elements, mesh bracelet, and a crown embellished with a CZ stone.

A feminine watch collection designed for Thomas Sabo, reimagining a blooming sky where butterflies dance between sun, moon, and stars. Two watch designs around the same poetic theme — a jewelry watch with stone-set dial and mesh bracelet, and a sport-chic version with three-link bracelet — offering two distinct price points.

Blooming Sky feminine watch collection — designed by ACTE.5 for Thomas Sabo

Blooming Sky jewelry watch — butterfly dial with CZ stones by ACTE.5

The dial features two butterflies adorned with heart-shaped CZ details, floating gracefully among clouds and stars. At night, they glow softly, revealing a hidden scene that comes alive in the dark. This model leans more toward a jewelry watch, with its stone-set dial, 3D decorative elements, mesh bracelet, and a crown embellished with a CZ stone.

Blooming Sky watch campaign — Thomas Sabo lifestyle photography

Blooming Sky watch glowing in the dark — luminous butterfly dial

Additional models have been added to the BLOOMING SKY collection, offering a lower price point while preserving the same poetic theme of butterflies gracefully flying across the dial — glowing softly at night. These versions embrace a more casual sport-chic spirit, featuring a three-link bracelet for a contemporary everyday look.

Blooming Sky butterfly watch design — dial detail by ACTE.5

Blooming Sky sport-chic watch — three-link bracelet version by ACTE.5

Additional models have been added to the BLOOMING SKY collection, offering a lower price point while preserving the same poetic theme of butterflies gracefully flying across the dial — glowing softly at night. These versions embrace a more casual sport-chic spirit, featuring a three-link bracelet for a contemporary everyday look.

BLOOMING SKY

BLOOMING SKY

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