The Phantom Rolex Submariner Watch

The Phantom Rolex Submariner Watch was produced as a collaboration between Bamford Watch Department (BWD) and Darren Romanelli (DRx) in the United Kingdom in 2015. The limited-edition specially designed watch is featured on a Rolex Submariner Non-Date model, blending the Phantoms pop culture heritage and the meticulous craftsmanship of a world-class watch brand. The watch was fully licensed by King Features Syndicate, exclusively available directly from Bamford Watch Department.

The Phantom watch came housed in a uniquely crafted black presentation box, with ‘The Phantom’ title found on the lift off lid. Found within the presentation box is:

  • Phantom Rolex Submariner Non-Date Watch – The dial features the Phantoms skull emblem, which the color purple utilized throughout the watches face front and movable hour/minute hands. The watch is coated in BWD’s durable Military Grade Titanium Coating (MGTC) for a stealthy, scratch-resistant black finish. The reverse side of each watch features an engraving with both the DRx logo as well as a unique limited-edition number.
  • Phantom Rings – A pair of Good and Skull Phantom rings, hand-crafted from Silver, made by The Great Frog, based in the United Kingdom.
  • Poster – A custom comic strip poster featuring the Phantom and Flash Gordon, each individually numbered.
  • Warranty Cards – Made of Steel.

The Phantom Rolex Submariner Watch was meticulously crafted by the Bamford Watch Department (BWD), located in the United Kingdom, and was designed by Darren Romanelli (DRx), who is based in the United States.

Bamford Watch Department (BWD)

Founded in 2003 by George Bamford, the Bamford Watch Department (BWD) is a pioneer in the luxury horology world, famous for championing the “lost art of personalization” in an era of mass production. The company’s origins are rooted in a personal quest for exclusivity; after being gifted a Rolex Daytona for his 18th birthday only to find that several other guests at a dinner party were wearing the exact same model, Bamford sought a way to make his timepiece unique. He began experimenting with industrial coatings typically used for drill bits, eventually applying a signature matte-black Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) finish to his watch. This “blackout” aesthetic quickly gained a cult following, transforming a hobby into a thriving business based in “The Hive,” a five-story creative headquarters in Mayfair, London.

While BWD initially operated as an independent customizer of brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe—often to the chagrin of manufacturers who would void warranties on modified pieces—the company underwent a radical transformation in 2017. Under the guidance of industry legend Jean-Claude Biver, Bamford became the official authorized customizer for LVMH brands, including TAG Heuer, Zenith, and Bulgari. This landmark partnership allowed BWD to receive watches directly from the factories, ensuring that every bespoke modification, from vibrant dial recoloring to forged carbon case swaps, remained under full manufacturer warranty. Today, BWD continues to push creative boundaries through high-profile collaborations with characters like Snoopy and Popeye, as well as limited-run projects with designers like Darren Romanelli, cementing its reputation as the premier destination for individualized luxury.

Darren Romanelli (DRx)

Darren Romanelli, professionally known as DRx, is a Los Angeles-based creative force whose design philosophy centers on the meticulous reconstruction of heritage brands. Often likening his process to “cosmetic surgery,” Romanelli strips iconic garments and objects down to their structural DNA before rebuilding them into contemporary, high-fashion hybrids. This dedication to upcycling has made him a pioneer in sustainable luxury, as he breathes new life into vintage materials from legendary names like Nike, Levi’s, and Coca-Cola. His work transcends traditional fashion, extending into furniture design, creative direction for music videos, and the curation of unique lifestyle spaces like The Pancake Epidemic, all while maintaining a signature aesthetic of “reconstructed” patchwork.

Beyond his technical craftsmanship, Romanelli is a prolific collaborator who specializes in merging pop culture nostalgia with high-end commerce. He has navigated the creative landscapes of global giants like Disney and Warner Bros., notably managing Mickey Mouse’s 90th anniversary and reimagining characters like Flash Gordon and The Phantom for the luxury horology market. By blending the historical lore of comic strips and classic Americana with the precision of watchmakers like Bamford and Jaeger-LeCoultre, Romanelli creates immersive brand experiences. His ability to act as both a designer and a storyteller allows him to honor the history of an icon while making it relevant for a modern, global audience.