Every so often, a project comes through that feels different right from the start.
A few months before Inception hit theaters, we received a call from someone asking if we could reproduce an existing object. The request itself wasn’t unusual — we often recreate older or one-of-a-kind pieces — but the tone of the conversation was. They made one thing very clear:
“Whatever you do, don’t lose it.”
They wouldn’t say what the item was, only that it was irreplaceable. Naturally, our curiosity went into overdrive. We started guessing — Abraham Lincoln’s top? George Washington’s?
When the package arrived, the mystery was finally revealed. Inside was a small, elegantly machined spinning top. Simple, weighted, balanced, precise.
We documented every millimeter, generating exacting measurements to ensure the reproduction would be indistinguishable from the original. Using die-cast zinc alloy and nickel plating, we recreated the piece with the same smooth balance and surface. For the finishing touch, we added a small engraved tag that read INCEPTION.
When the client received the finished replicas, their excitement and appreciation was clear — and only then did they share what the project was for: commemorative pieces made for the VFX production and cast party after the film wrapped.
That’s when it clicked. This little top was the totem — the symbol at the heart of Christopher Nolan’s Inception.
It’s not every day that something crafted in our workshop becomes part of cinematic lore. But moments like this remind us what custom work is all about: precision, collaboration, and trust.
If you’re looking to create something equally personal — whether for a film production, corporate event, or your own brand story — our Made to Order Custom Keychains page is a great place to start. We’ve helped clients design everything from commemorative keepsakes to detailed reproductions, all made with the same care that went into this one.
Because every idea deserves to take shape — and sometimes, to spin a little magic of its own.
