Not too long ago, when returning from filming a review with Dave and Matt, we were nerding out on watches, more specifically, ones made with stone dials. Long story short, we ended up talking about Fordite, which is as automotive-y as it sounds. Today, after reading a brief history piece on these watches on Time and Tide, I got inspired to write about them here.
Timing is great with the recent resurgence of stone dials in watchmaking — a trend that has long roots in the luxury sector and that has now started to capture wider attention. Once reserved to high-end brands, stone dials are now becoming more common, and everyone wins with that. What’s particularly interesting is how the range of materials used has expanded beyond traditional materials such as lapis lazuli and onyx to include more unusual choices like pietersite, labradorite (which I had to actually look up), and even industrial byproducts like the aforementioned Fordite. But what exactly is it?
Sometimes called Detroit Agate or Motor City Agate, it stands out as one of the most fascinating materials in this context. Despite its name, Fordite isn’t a stone in the conventional sense. Instead, it is formed from layers of paint overspray accumulated in Michigan’s auto factories during the heyday of American manufacturing in the 1950s and 60s. Back then, as car bodies were repeatedly hand-sprayed with vibrant acrylic paints and passed through curing ovens, layers of overspray built up on the tracks and skids in the painting bays. Over time, these layers hardened, producing a material with striking, psychedelic colour patterns that vary with every cut.
What makes Fordite particularly compelling is its inherent uniqueness. Each piece, with its wavy splodges of alternating colours and radial striations, is entirely one-of-a-kind. This distinctiveness is now being harnessed by independent watch brand Arcanaut, which has embraced Fordite to create its ARC II Fordite watches. These timepieces combine the industrial history of American automotive production with modern, minimalist design—a juxtaposition that resonates with today’s watch enthusiasts. The ARC II Fordite range features dials that are predominantly unadorned except for delicate, skeletonised hands, all housed within a sleek, micro-blasted stainless steel case paired with vibrant, integrated FKM rubber straps.
The use of Fordite in high-end watch design is not just a novelty; it’s a testament to the innovative spirit of the industry. By repurposing what was once considered waste, designers are celebrating both sustainability and heritage. This creative approach transforms a byproduct of the industrial age into a coveted material that bridges the gap between past and present. I find this evolution not only inspiring but also a clear indication of how tradition and innovation can coexist harmoniously in the world of horology.
Thanks, Time and Tide, for providing me with daily reading material and inspiration (and knowledge) to write about these pieces. They are stocking some ARC II and, if you want one of these unique pieces, go check them out!
