Versace explores the sculptural character of its timepieces

Versace proves that the watch is an object to be considered from every angle. Beyond its function, its appeal lies in the relationship between form and detail: the way light catches a polished surface, how a bracelet follows the line of the wrist, or how a dial brings together colour, texture and intricate mechanics. In a new photographic series, still-life photographer Marius W Hansen explores three Versace timepieces as sculptural objects, drawing attention to their individual characters and the material qualities that define them.

Set against technical drawings and watchmaking tools, each composition offers a subtle reference to the processes behind the watches’ creation. The interplay of shadow, reflection and surface brings their design details into focus, revealing how precision and ingenuity inform Versace’s expressive approach to watchmaking.

The ‘Milleniyum Automatic Skeleton’ makes its mechanics part of its visual identity. Its transparent dial reveals a Swiss automatic movement, exposing an intricate arrangement of components against the solidity of the case. Light catches the polished steel bracelet, while the Medusa logo at 12 o’clock provides a distinctive focal point. The contrast between the open construction and substantial case gives the watch a sense of depth, balancing technical complexity with the house’s recognisable design language.

The ‘Tolomeo’ takes a different approach, bringing colour and contrasting finishes to the fore. Its deep green guilloché dial introduces a rich layer of texture, set against brushed stainless steel and IP yellow gold. The bi-colour bracelet extends this interplay of materials, while the watch’s geometric silhouette provides a framework for its intricate details. Together, these elements create a considered balance between architectural form and tactile appeal.

With the ‘Arcadis’, the emphasis shifts to continuity. Its geometric case flows seamlessly into an integrated bracelet, creating a unified silhouette. Polished edges meet brushed stainless steel, revealing subtle changes in light and texture as the watch is viewed from different angles. Here, the design’s character emerges through proportion and finish, with a strong architectural outline softened by the refinement of its surfaces.

Although distinct in their design, the three timepieces share an interest in the relationship between structure and expression. Whether through the exposed mechanics of the ‘Milleniyum Automatic Skeleton’, the contrasting materials of the ‘Tolomeo’ or the fluid geometry of the ‘Arcadis’, each offers a different interpretation of Versace’s approach to watchmaking.

Through Hansen’s sculptural photographic approach, these qualities come into focus, presenting the watches as objects in their own right while revealing the precision and considered detail behind their creation.

versace.com