ROTORIS launches special edition automatic watch with Shantnu Nikhil

The Manifesta edition is co-designed by ROTORIS and Shantnu Nikhil, the dial of the watch is made of natural Pietersite with solid 18K rose-gold details. A special edition of the Manifesta automatic, automatically designed by ROTORIS in collaboration with couture house Shantnu Nikhil, is introduced in the market. The collaboration is not just about the watch, but also offers an Italian leather strap, a pocket square, and a presentation box centred on the natural Pietersite dial.

A Manifesta dial starts with something that nature produces only once,” says Prerna Gupta, the Co-founder at ROTORIS. We would like that individuality to be realized in a watch that feels timeless. Shantnu Nikhil has a unique approach to proportion, precision and personal expression. We have combined together the character of natural stone with the elegance of couture into one-timepiece.

This edition is part of ROTORIS Annual Production 2026-27 and comes in 36mm and 40mm case sizes. The production of each Dial from a monolithic block of natural Pietersite causes each Dial to have its own unique mineral occurrences and colour.

Four Natural Materials Shape the Manifesta Collection

Manifesta features four natural dial materials:

1. Lapis Lazuli: A deep blue stone with naturally occurring pyrite flecks that create gold-toned markings across the dial.

2. Imperial Jade: Known for its rich green colour and natural translucency, with variations in tone and mineral structure.

3. White Mother-of-Pearl: Made from nacre, the inner lining of certain shells, its surface displays iridescence that changes with the angle of light.

4. Pietersite: A stone with a dark ground and irregular bands of pale grey and gold. Its mineral patterns create a varied appearance across the dial.

Since each dial is cut from a single piece of natural stone, variations in colour and pattern are retained rather than reproduced through a uniform surface design.

How to Choose Between the Four Manifesta Dials

The four Manifesta editions differ not only in their natural stone dials but also in their available case sizes and detailing. The 36 mm and 40 mm configurations vary by edition, while lab-grown diamond settings are available on the Lapis Lazuli and Imperial Jade variants.

A feature shared across the collection is the open-heart aperture at six o’clock, which exposes the balance wheel of the Japanese Miyota 82S0 automatic movement. The movement has 21 jewels, operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour, a double-domed sapphire crystal, an exhibition caseback, 5-BAR water resistance, and offers an approximately 42-hour power reserve.

The dial treatments provide further distinctions. Faceted and ball-pin indexes mark the hours, while the Manifesta Pietersite Shantnu Nikhil Edition features a solid 18K rose-gold ROTORIS wordmark and open-heart bridge. These specifications offer a basis for comparing the editions beyond their choice of natural stone.

ROTORIS and Shantnu Nikhil Co-Design the Pietersite Edition

ROTORIS and Shantnu Nikhil developed the timepiece together, from the initial sketches to the final material selections. Their design collaboration also extends to the leather accessories and presentation elements. The two Italian leather straps in the edition reflect the individual design contributions of both houses. The dark grey Italian leather strap with a lizard finish was designed by Shantnu Nikhil, while the black crocodile-finish strap features ROTORIS’s own design. A matching pocket square and presentation box complete the co-designed set.

“A well-cut garment changes how someone carries themselves without asking for attention. We see a similar possibility in a timepiece: the discipline of its construction, the character of its materials and the way it becomes part of an individual's presence. ROTORIS has a strong point of view on design, and this collaboration gives us the opportunity to interpret that point of view through our own language of couture,” said couture label Shantnu Nikhil. 

Pietersite Edition Allocations Managed Through the ROTORIS Registry

The edition forms part of Annual Production 2026-27, with numbered production runs of 500 timepieces in 40 mm and 150 in 36 mm. Access is managed through the ROTORIS Registry. Prospective buyers can select the timepiece and submit a profile for individual review. Those approved for access are contacted with the next steps. Submitting a profile does not guarantee approval or allocation. Availability is subject to the production run and remaining allocations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are the Manifesta dials unique?

Yes. Each dial is cut from a single piece of natural stone or material. Natural variations in colour, mineral patterns and structure give every dial an individual appearance.

2. Are the straps interchangeable?

Yes. Two Italian leather straps: one in dark grey with a lizard finish, and another in black with a crocodile finish are included with the timepiece and can be changed according to preference.

3. Is the Manifesta Pietersite Shantnu Nikhil Edition available to buy?

The edition is allocated through the ROTORIS Registry. Prospective buyers can submit a profile through the ROTORIS website for review. Access is subject to approval. 

(This article is from the Brand Desk. User discretion is advised.)