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Actor Ben Affleck spotted wearing Artisans De Genève

Ben Affleck was photographed in New York City wearing what is arguably one of the most technically ambitious custom Rolex Daytona derivatives on the market: the Artisans De Genève 'La Montoya.' Holding hands with Jennifer Lopez outside a Manhattan venue, Affleck kept his outfit understated — white western shirt, dark trousers — letting the watch do the talking for those who knew what to look for.

Artisans De Genève, founded in Geneva by Florian Güllert, operates in a niche but highly regarded corner of the watch world: bespoke customization built on legitimate horological craftsmanship. The 'La Montoya' starts life as a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, most likely based on a reference 116500LN or 116519LN donor case. The atelier's technicians then disassemble the caliber 4130 automatic movement — already one of the finest in-house chronograph ebauches in production — and perform extensive skeletonization by hand. Material is removed from the mainplate and bridges with surgical precision, preserving structural integrity while revealing the gear train, column wheel, and vertical clutch in full view. Colored components — red, blue, yellow — are visible through the open dial, a deliberate nod to motorsport livery and the racing career of Juan Pablo Montoya.

The bezel is a standout feature: forged carbon, a composite material created under extreme heat and pressure that produces the distinctive swirling fiber pattern visible in the image. It replaces the standard ceramic tachymeter bezel and reduces weight while adding an unmistakably modern, technical aesthetic. The case and bracelet remain in stainless steel, providing contrast against the dark bezel.

From a collector's perspective, Artisans De Genève pieces occupy a complex position. Rolex purists view any customization as sacrilege; a growing contingent of younger collectors — and clearly, A-list celebrities — see the atelier's work as legitimate fine watchmaking that happens to use Rolex as a canvas. Each commission is effectively unique, with documented provenance and the atelier's own certification.

No official retail price exists for the 'La Montoya' as it is a bespoke commission. Comparable Artisans De Genève skeleton Daytona builds have traded privately in the $80,000–$150,000 range depending on configuration and donor reference, placing this squarely in serious collector territory.