In the Timekeeper 1010 pen series, crafted by the Swiss company Caran d’Ache renowned for writing instruments and collectibles, homage is paid not just to watches in general, but specifically to watch dials (“guardians of time,” as defined in the company’s promotions). As the name suggests, the pen symbolizes the time 10:10, which holds significance: this time is considered ideal for stopping the watch hands (for several briefly mentioned reasons), hence many watch images are set precisely at 10:10.
The pen features three hands indicating hours, minutes, and seconds in Roman numerals, with a 120-degree pattern representing half-seconds. It blends impressive design with high-level mechanics. Its creation involves diverse techniques such as turning, engraving, manual polishing, diamond-cutting, lacquering, and PVD coating. The clip, made of 18-carat gold with rhodium plating, is meticulously hand-polished.
The pens come with two interchangeable heads, plated in silver or rhodium, allowing users to change them like watch straps. The “cap” design of the pen draws inspiration from the world of watchmaking: one resembling metallic watch straps, the other evoking crowns. The caps are engraved with a generic numbering, “1 of 500 units,” which can also be customized according to the buyer’s preference. The ink pump is made from a 0.4-carat ruby, shaped like a watch crown.
The Timekeeper 1010 pens are available in a limited edition of only 500 units. The price per pen is 9,200 Swiss francs.
