Introducing the Holthinrichs Signature Ornament, Delft Blue and LAB Series

Holthinrichs Watches specialises in metal 3D printing watch cases and bracelets. These days, 3D printing is a well-known but often misunderstood process. Did you know 3D printing adds layers to construct an object rather than carving a shape from an existing block? Well, you might, but for the longest time, I had no idea. Holthinrichs takes this process further by utilising metal (grade 5 titanium) rather than plastics to form the case shapes, which requires more advanced technologies.

While the brand launched in 2016, it wasn’t until last year that its products’ impact was felt. That is down to the Deconstructed range released in 2023. And if we’re being honest, the Aventurine model caught most people’s attention. Skeletonisation is fun and impressive, but the allure of the Aventurine stone representing a starry night sky forms a far more emotional response. Evidently, the interest generated by the Aventurine has spurred Holthinrichs Watches to revisit and refresh its inaugural ranges: the Ornament and Delft Blue — this time with the same signature spark that made the Deconstructed Aventurine such an eye-catcher.

Holthinrichs Signature Ornament

These new releases from Holthinrichs Watches form the Signature series. The Signature mantra is to achieve “…a clean aesthetic with natural, smooth curves, striking angles, and a rich textural interplay.” You can see the results of the new approach in the more harmonious appearance of the Signature Ornament. There’s a timeless yet cutting-edge juxtaposition between the heavily sculptured lugs and case band, with the classic frosted dial almost mimicking pocket watch dials.

The floating angular indices emerging from the inner case with Super-LumiNova C3 luminescence ensure an unbroken dial surface. This continues with the hovering minute markers and signature logo pad printed onto the double-domed sapphire crystal. The glittering dials are available in 14K yellow gold, 18K rose gold, and white or black rhodium.

Powering each version is a modified Sellita SW-300 automatic movement with a rotor plated in 18K gold with a tungsten weight. The use of the Sellita movement is due to its relative slimness to fit within the 9.85mm thick grade 5 titanium case. This thickness is also proportional to the 38.5mm case diameter. Each edition is €3,500 (approx. £3,000).

Holthinrichs Signature Delft Blue

The Signature Delft Blue pays homage to its Holthinrichs workshop in Delft, The Netherlands. With a rich tradition in pottery, the Signature Delft Blue uses a white ceramic dial with pad-printed blue Breguet-style numerals. These numerals are recognisable for the lack of straight edges, focusing on curvature enveloping a classic feel.

With specs similar to those of the above signature ornament, the real star is the clinical execution of the white ceramic dial. Against this dial is the mixture of brushing and raw formation of the 3D printed cases, which appear frosted due to the process. Affixed to the watch is the ostrich leather strap that tapers from 20mm at the lugs to 16mm at the buckle. The Signature Delft Blue has a slight premium over the Ornament of €250 at €3,750 (approx. £3,200).

Holthinrichs Signature LAB Series

Lastly is the Holthinrichs Signature LAB Series, featuring the most extreme levels of sculpture. While all three models feature lugs that appear disconnected from the case in the Ornament and Delft Blue models above, the lugs of the LAB Series are skeletonised to almost breaking point, yet still retain structural rigidity. It pushes the 3D process but demonstrates the inherent strength and quality of the Grade 5 titanium.

Holthinrichs produce the dial in-house by hand, starting with a metal base with sunburst engraving and copper patina. The expanding green sunburst pattern carved into the dial will evolve and generate a unique patina. Continuing the patina is the top-grade Sellita SW-300 with a customised rotor. The rotor is treated with acid heat to develop a unique layer. Expanding on the outrageous concepts is the rooster feet leather strap, which is brushed, oiled and processed by hand to feel much softer. The Signature LAB Series is limited to 30 pieces and is POA.

More details at Holthinrichs Watches.

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