Rolex

Timeless

Initially, this project started as a still frame project and turned into a film. I wasn't contacted by Rolex to make this film, but I did it out of passion as a personal project. I wanted to create an inspiring film around the universe of Rolex and highlight the brand's timeless state of mind.

The Rolex Submariner is one of the most iconic models ever made. Released in 1953, it was the first diving wristwatch waterproof to 100 meters. Today it's designed to withstand pressure up to 300 meters deep. The Submariner feature a Chromalight display: the hands and hour markers are filled with a long-lasting luminescent material that emits a blue glow when the watch is in the dark. In 2020, Rolex releases a new-generation Submariner model with upgraded features.

One of the most important aspect of the project was to recreate realistic bokeh effect. After looking at photographic reference and few try with redshift, I managed to have nice results using custom bokeh images. The second important aspect was to find the right color grading. Since the Submariner was designed for diving I tryed to get this teal blue render that could match the depth of oceans.

For this project I've made a custom Xpresso time controler for the hands and hour markers. After watching few tutorials about it I've manage to create my own preset with Fps control, start frame control, time multiplicator and inividual Hours-Minute-Seconds start sliders. I always wanted to try this kind of Xpresso Node tree, and I'm fairly happy with what I managed to do.

One of the first ideas that came to my mind was to show objects which are able to stand the test of time, like rocks, steel monoliths or like planets that never stop spinning around the sun. This idea is directly related to the main theme of the film : Timelessness.