Time at the bench.
The customization, assembly and servicing included in the design we agree.
KTF Bespoke
Your idea.
Built into
the details.
Describe the watch you envision. Kensington helps you develop the design and brings it to life.
A build slot reserves a time in Kensington’s workshop for your project. We agree the design and the work before it begins.
What KTF means
Perfection,
built to your exact specifications
Your watch should reflect exactly what you want. A KTF Bespoke build slot reserves the workshop time, labor, materials and development needed to bring your design to life. From the dial and bezel to the finish and smaller details, we work with you to create the best possible version of your chosen watch. Kensington brings the expertise and execution; you bring the vision.
The parts for your watch.
Materials for the agreed design are included. Unusual requirements are identified and quoted separately.
Bring your design to life.
Work through the dial, bezel, finish and smaller details with Kensington to turn your idea into a practical design.
Selected KTF commissions
Two requests.
Two distinct results.
The photographs below show the specific client requests described here.
01 / Colour matching
A Turquoise Fantasy
Brought to the wrist
“It can’t be done.” That’s what this client had been told.
They wanted a turquoise Le Mans-style bezel accent over a turquoise dial, with the “100” matched to the color beneath it. So I made one for them.
Details like this are the point of KTF Bespoke. There’s virtually no limit to how personal a build can be. We work through the design, materials and practical details together, then agree what can be made.
02 / Materials & configuration
Obsidian.
Real sapphires.
A Le Mans bezel.
Another client requested an obsidian-dial Daytona with real sapphires and a Le Mans bezel.
- Dial
- Obsidian
- Gemstone detail
- Real sapphires
- Bezel
- Le Mans
The approach
Start with
the design you envision.
From multimillion-dollar off-catalog pieces to thoughtfully chosen $500 Chinese-made watches, we approach every commission with the same care and attention to detail.
Almost no request is ruled out before a conversation. We review the changes you want, suitable components and the work needed before confirming what can be done.
Feasibility, scope, cost, availability and estimated timing are agreed for your commission.
Dial & hands
Colour, texture, layout and compatible component choices.
Case & bracelet
Component selection, preparation, refinishing and surface treatment.
Metal & finish
Plating, brushed and polished surfaces, and the agreed exterior specification.
Individual details
Colour-matched accents, gem-set elements or custom-fabricated components where feasible.
How a commission works
From the first discussion
to the completed build.
The work is planned around the specification and the parts it requires. Timeframes are estimates and may change. Read about bespoke build timelines.
- 01
Discuss the watch.
Share the model, references and the details that matter. A precise request helps define the direction; an initial idea can be developed through the discussion.
- 02
Agree the specification.
Review feasibility, compatible parts, availability, scope, pricing and timing before the build is booked.
- 03
Source & prepare.
Selected components are sourced and prepared for the agreed build. Any change to the specification needs to be resolved before proceeding.
- 04
Assemble, service & finish.
The components are brought together with the planned movement service, finishing, regulation and testing.
- 05
Complete final checks.
The finished watch is reviewed against the agreed specification before final delivery arrangements are confirmed.
KTF Bespoke / Base build slot
The build slot.
$2,985 USD
The commission.
The $2,985 build slot is a reserved time slot for your project. It includes the labor, materials and development for the specification we agree, with the finished watch produced through that work.
When a build needs more.
Materials, special tooling or other project requirements can put a commission beyond the standard build-slot cost. Any additional scope is set out in a separately quoted addendum.
Agree the details first.
We confirm the specification, what is included in the base slot and any additional scope and cost with you before work begins. Availability and an estimated timeframe are discussed for the individual project.
KTF questions
Know the specification.
Who is KTF Bespoke for?
Clients who have a particular watch in mind and want to choose its dial, bezel, finish and smaller details with Kensington’s help.
Can I propose a watch not shown here?
Yes. These commissions illustrate particular requests, rather than the limit of the program. Describe the watch and the idea so technical feasibility, compatible parts and sourcing can be considered.
Can the total exceed the $2,985 build slot?
Yes. Materials, special tooling or other requirements beyond the standard slot may need a separately quoted addendum. The scope and added cost are agreed before work begins.
Is a KTF watch original-manufacturer work?
KTF describes independent custom work. It is not a claim of original-manufacturer provenance or authorization by an original manufacturer. Components and aftermarket work are identified by the individual specification.
How do I inquire?
Email Kensington with the watch model, design references and custom details you have in mind. Feasibility, scope, pricing and timing are discussed before a slot is booked.