The Transcendent Arcanaut Arc II Fordite: When Artistry, Craftsmanship, and Uniqueness Collide in Horology

At the helm of the idiosyncratic watch brand Arcanaut’s material division, you’ll find James Thompson - the uniquely engaging personality better known as ‘Black Badger’. This ambitious Canadian, now residing in Sweden, has ignited a widespread fascination for glow-in-the-dark artistic creations through his artisanal pieces of jewelry and accessories. His enthusiasm for art and aesthetic has made an arcane material - Fordite - a cornerstone of contemporary watchmaking.

Arcanaut marks the first time Thompson has directly partnered with a watch brand, following numerous notable collaborations, like his work with the eminent Swiss watchmaker MB&F. At Arcanaut, he largely controls dial designs, leveraging his iconic use of daring colors and textures.

Based in Copenhagen, Arcanaut represents Denmark in the horological scene, though inspired by the diverse influences at play. The design for the Arc II case was born out of the creative mind of the brand’s founder, Anders Brandt, with production taking place in Denmark. Incorporating Swiss watch movements, and keeping the pulse of the brand alive in Germany, Arcanaut embodies a distinctly pan-European spirit, serving clients and consumers spread across the continent.

The Arcanaut Arc II Fordite watch superbly blends contemporary design with age-old craftsmanship. The pieces are not mere timekeeping tools, but works of art, given their shape and textured aesthetic by a true artisan’s hand.