Subrosa designs and hand assembles one-of-one mechanical watches in Ottawa, each one made around a person and the moment you want to mark.
Sub rosa is Latin for "under the rose," something kept quiet. Many of our commissions are designed in secret and stay that way until the case is opened.
She spent her career opening doors for people in the food distribution industry. Her husband got in touch, and we designed a watch around her style, in the exact shade of purple she loves.
On the back, the rotor carries butterflies, hydrangeas and her name. A vintage strap, and a story card explaining why it was made.
THE DETAILS
At first glance, it's a beautiful watch. Look closer and the details begin to tell the story. Every commission can carry them.
A name, date or emblem engraved and made a part of the movement of the watch.
A message kept against the wrist.
A favourite colour, or a small emblem placed with restraint.
A message explaining why this watch exists.
Designed around person, not the occaision
Retirement gave us the reason to create the watch. The recipient gave us the design direction.
His love of sailing, time on the water, and the lifestyle he was moving toward shaped the materials, colours, proportions and finishing of the piece.
The goal wasn’t to make a “retirement watch.”
It was to make his watch — and let the milestone live inside it.
THE PROCESS
Tell us about the person and the occasion. No watch knowledge needed.
We propose designs, talk about personalization and presentation. If it's a surprise, it stays between us.
Once the design is agreed, we take payment and hand assemble it in Ottawa. About 3 weeks.
In its presentation case, with the engraved story card.
Includes the design sessions, a one-of-one design, hand assembly, rotor, caseback and story card engraving, and the presentation case. No payment when you enquire.
“Provided me with a phenomenal custom watch. Many compliments received this week.”
“Haven't taken it off since I got it.”
Explore past commissions and find a direction that speaks to you.
