ounded by architect-turned-watchmaker Michiel Holthinrichs, the Delft-based manufacture has built its reputation on translating architectural principles into wearable objects. With Ornamental Nouveau, the brand reaches a new level of ambition, inaugurating its “Holthinrichs Haute Horlogerie” collection and introducing its first in-house movement.

The 39.5mm titanium case showcases the company’s expertise in advanced manufacturing. Produced using high-end 3D metal printing technology, the case begins life through a complex binder jetting process before undergoing CNC machining and extensive hand-finishing. Holthinrichs deliberately preserves certain raw textures from the manufacturing process, combining them with brushed and polished surfaces in what the brand calls “Horlogerie Brut” – a philosophy inspired by Le Corbusier’s concept of Béton Brut and centred on material honesty and craftsmanship.

At the heart of the watch beats the new hand-wound HW-M02 calibre, developed, manufactured, assembled and finished in the Netherlands. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Dutch watchmaking, a sector that has historically lacked a local movement manufacturing ecosystem. One of the calibre’s most distinctive features is the “Holthinbridge”, a complex three-dimensional sapphire balance bridge developed to showcase the free-sprung variable-inertia balance wheel.

Another highlight is the innovative “Eclipse Dial”. Crafted from a photochromic material, it transitions from transparent indoors to smoke-black under UV light. This dynamic transformation alternately reveals and conceals the movement, creating a constantly evolving relationship between wearer and watch.

The first series of 10 + 10 pieces will be announced in November this year. Interested parties may contact Holthinrichs for further information or to register their interest in advance.

Price: From €60,000 (excl. VAT)

www.holthinrichswatches.com