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“Rolex Submariner Moonphase” refers here to Val Viola, a bespoke Artisans de Genève customization of a client-owned steel Rolex Submariner 116610—not a Rolex model. The independent workshop added a moonphase display to the watch’s Rolex calibre 3135 and reshaped its dial and other components. It says it works only on owners’ watches and does not sell or supply a finished Val Viola.
What is the Rolex Submariner Moonphase?
Val Viola is the name Artisans de Genève gives to a client commission based on a steel Rolex Submariner reference 116610. The project page identifies the owner as Mr. A.N.I. and presents the watch as a customized existing timepiece, not a model released by Rolex. Artisans de Genève’s Val Viola project page describes the work and its components.
The defining change is an in-house moonphase indicator added to the Rolex calibre 3135. The moon disc appears through an aperture in the dial and turns gradually over the lunar month to indicate the phases. The workshop says the disc is made from blue aventurine with a mother-of-pearl insert.
What did Artisans de Genève change?
The moonphase is one part of a broader, coordinated redesign. According to the workshop, Val Viola includes:
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- Caliber U812 - High-Definition MIP LCD Display, Alarm, Moonphase, Overcharging Prevention Function, Perpetual Calendar, Yacht Racing Timer, Impact Detection Function, Power Save, Time difference assigning function, Chronograph (up to 24 hours in 0.01 sec increments), Count down timer, Tide graph function (193 location), LED Lamp
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel 42mm Case with a Sapphire Crystal, One of the Hardest Materials in the World
- Orange Strap Featuring Buckle
- 200M Water Resistant & 5 Year Warranty
- A hand-guilloché dial treated with its turquoise-violet MorphoColor finish.
- A tungsten oscillating weight with a guilloché insert receiving the same color treatment.
- Laser engraving on the case.
- A custom inner insert in the crown.
- A hand-decorated Rolex calibre 3135 fitted with the added moonphase indicator.
The project page describes the color shifts as the result of the guilloché and layered color treatment, and frames the moonphase as a poetic visual element requested by the client. It does not describe the work as a Rolex-developed complication or factory dial option.
How much does Val Viola cost, and can you buy one?
Artisans de Genève’s project page lists an estimated service price of CHF 34,520 excluding VAT. This is the workshop’s estimate for the customization service, not a retail price for a finished watch; the page says the final cost may vary with the nature and complexity of the requested work.
Rank #2
- Strength, Height and Time of Tide, Date, Moonphase
- 45mm Dodecagonal Titanium Case
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The workshop states that it performs this service only on a client’s own watch and does not sell or supply watches. Val Viola is therefore an example of bespoke work, not a watch available to purchase from Artisans de Genève. The published estimate should not be read as a current universal quote or as the price of a Rolex Submariner.
Is this an official Rolex, and what happens to the warranty?
No. Artisans de Genève says it is independent, is neither affiliated with nor authorized by Rolex, and that Rolex has not approved its modifications. Its legal notice says the work is for personal, private use and that modifications invalidate the original manufacturer’s warranty. Rolex did not design, approve, or warrant Val Viola.
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Rank #3
- Swiss Made Watch
- Movement: Automatic Mido Caliber - Power reserve 80 hours
- Case Type: Stainless steel with blue ceramic bezel - Capable of withstanding pressures of up to 20 bar (200 m/660 ft), and equipped with a screw-down crown, this watch offers optimal protection against water.
- Case Size: 42.5mm - Case Thickness: 12.25mm - Blue wave design dial with individually applied indexes coated with white Super-Luminova - Crystal: Sapphire crystal with double sided anti-reflection treatment
- Band Type: Blue rubber strap - Folding Clasp with Diving Extension - Band Width: 22mm
That distinction also separates the custom 116610 from Rolex’s current official Submariner page, which features reference M124060-0001 in Oystersteel. Rolex says only official Rolex retailers are allowed to sell and maintain Rolex watches. The current page does not establish the availability, price, or specifications of the older 116610 used for Val Viola. Rolex’s page for the current Submariner M124060-0001 is about that official reference, not the customized Val Viola.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What process and timing does the workshop report?
Artisans de Genève describes an eleven-step process that takes nearly ten months from receipt of the owner’s watch to its return. The workshop also reports 36 weeks of work per project and 2,000 hours of craftsmanship on every timepiece. These are the workshop’s own process figures, presented without a date on its process page; they are not independent industry benchmarks.
Rank #4
- 59 teeth gear for 29 ½ Days MoonPhase Display
- BlueGold Stone Dial
- Perlage Movement Polished and Engraving
- Big Date Indicator
- Exhibition Case Back Cover
- 250 components reworked and decorated, according to the workshop.
- 26 individual final quality checks, according to the workshop.
- A final test performed with Timelab, which Artisans de Genève describes as an official Geneva-based independent foundation specializing in horological and microtechnical certification.
These figures describe the workshop’s stated process; the page does not establish that every Val Viola commission has identical requirements or timing. Artisans de Genève’s process page provides its account of the stages and checks.
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- 🌊 1000M Water Resistance: Pressure-tested for depths of 1000 meters, perfect for professional divers and water enthusiasts.
- ⏱️ Japanese Caliber NH36 Automatic Movement: Known for accuracy and reliability, crafted with precision by expert watchmakers.
- 💎 Sapphire Crystal: Slightly domed for enhanced visibility and scratch resistance, magnifying the dial for clear reading
- 🌟 316L Stainless Steel: Corrosion and rust-proof, offering long-lasting durability and a polished finish.
- 🛠️ Helium-Safe Valve: Fully functional Helium-release valve, ideal for deep-sea saturation diving.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
