Famous tattoo artist Sandry Riffard is also a watchmaking lover
Interviewing self-taught tattoo artist Sandry Riffard cast light on a fascinating meeting between the art of tattoo and the high-watchmaking universe. Much more than a simple source of inspiration, the concept of time is a key outlook in his work and his passions. The artist states his fascination for complex mechanisms as well as big-name houses. Frank Sans C met this surprising guest and interviewed him in his studio Au-delà du réel Tattoo by Sandry located in Le Puy-en-Velay, France.
Tattoo artist Sandry Riffard, internationally renowned for his hyper-realistic creations, welcomed me in his studio in Le Puy-en-Velay. One of his customers, who works in the watchmaking field, was being tattooed a skeletonised calibre surrounded by a Gothic rose window on his calf. An encounter between two fanatics, two amazing persons, each one in their own universe. He offered to tattoo me as well – I said no! He replied “You’ll get there on your own…” It was the start of a new friendship.
Frank Sans C
What does the concept of time mean for him, and how is it reflected in his creations?
For Sandry Riffard, time is a fundamental theme he incorporates into his work. To conjure up his own fear of death, the artist frequently uses motifs such as skulls, stained-glass windows and cathedrals rose windows. The last choice is particularly significant: it helps the French patrimony to be known under other shapes and forms. Sandry insists that even if not everyone visits these monuments, anyone can wear their story on themselves. This approach adds a symbolic glow to his creations, blending the ephemeral aspect of the human life (i.e., the skull) with the beauty of historical permanency (i.e., the rose window). Tattooing is an intuitive process for him – concentrating requires a special “feeling” that makes the tattooing session feel shorter.
Why did tattooing the Audemars Piguet movement represent a challenge for him?
We naturally started talking about watchmaking, as Sandry recently carried out a daring tattoo design: the movement of an Audemars Piguet watch. This project tattooed on the shin of his friend Alexandre – a retired watch-maker – represents the first watch complication ever tattooed by Sandry. He explained that this design took about 20 hours of work split on 4 days, with the 2 first days only dedicated to the main outlines and the black areas.
This tattoo represented a true challenge. On the one hand, Sandry considers it was too small, arguing it would have been easier to tattoo if it were bigger (as to be expected). On the other hand, placing it on the shin turned out particularly hard: the skin there is very thin, exposing the bone. The artist himself chose this place; he now regrets not having chosen the back instead. When asked about his future plans, he didn’t deny the possibility of tattooing other complications such as an oscillating weight or another visible movement.
What is his dream big-name watch brand?
The reason why Sandry Riffard started this calibre tattoo is his passion for watches. He clearly stated that Audemars Piguet is one of his favorite houses. His ideal model is the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked made in black ceramic – a precise choice that reveals his knowledge and his sharp taste for contemporary watchmaking. The artist explained he generally prefers unconventional designs. He also admires more modern creations, citing Ulysse Nardin among the “out-of-reach” watch brands he likes.
What about his personal collection?
Despite loving big-name models beyond the reach of ordinary mortals, Sandry also owns a well-stocked and varied personal collection. He remains particularly faithful to Tissot, whose accessibility and stylish designs he admires. His Tissot collection is quite full, with several PRX models with various dials, the latest PRX Damascus and a carbon edition. He also mentioned wanting to purchase the last Tissot Grendizer edition, as he thinks it is better than the first one. Hamilton watches are also present among his collection, including a Face 2 Face limited edition, as well as Casio references.
See the technical specifications sheet of the PRX Powermatic 80 Damascus by Tissot.
Near future
This passion-profession bears some consequences: German, English, Swiss-German and American customers keep on replacing each other on his packed timetable. But he has his priorities straight: “I need to work to afford new watches!” Way to go!
The interview closed on his future projects, including his wish to visit the Audemars Piguet factory located in Le Brassus, Switzerland, around February 2026 to enjoy the snow, and his motivation to attend the Watch of the Year ceremony in Paris. Should we invite him over?
AU DELA DU REEL TATTOO
25, avenue Maréchal Foch
43000 Le Puy-en-Velay
audeladureeltattoo@gmail.com
CHECK OUT SANDRY’S AMAZING WORK
Instagram – @audeladureeltattoobysandry
See also:
Read also: