The 3D Printed Watches of Dutch Watchmaker Michiel Holthinrichs – Part 2, Up Close with the Ornament 1
After introducing Michiel Holthinirichs as a watchmaker and brand yesterday, it is time for the in-depth review of the Holthinrichs Ornament 1. I already explained some elements of the 3D printing used to create Michiel’s first watch but feel it is important that this is not a gimmicky watch. It is not a watch that leans on the concept of 3D printing, this is a watch that incorporates 3D printing into its design and architecture. It’s not the first time we investigate 3D-printing, but this is 3D-printing on a whole other level; the Holthinrichs Ornament 1.
The more distance and time I’ve had to reflect on SIHH 2018, the more I’m inclined to think that the calibre of the exhibiting collections was – overall – very high. The very top end of town was well represented but of more interest to me (and I suspect a lot of you reading this), the offerings at the less stratospheric price points were plentiful, interesting and attractive. Case in point – Montblanc. Montblanc’s hero collections were the greatly expanded and slightly re-imagined 1858 collection, and the classically styled Star Legacy, both full of the sort of value-packed, thoughtful watches that Montblanc have become synonymous with lately. But really, for me it was the 1858 that was the star of the line-up, what with their rugged charms and easy wrist appeal. Make sure to watch the video for a full overview, but to my mind, these three regular production 1858 watches are the ones to watch. Montblanc 1858 Geosphere With its twin, rotating hemispheres and ceramic compass bezel this twin-time watch was one of Montblanc’s real talking points. It’s offered in a regular production steel model or a limited bronze case, bund strap combo that’s Reinhold Messner levels of awesome. Montblanc…
Van Cleef & Arpels have long been recognised as one of the world’s most creative high jewellery houses. Taking inspiration from nature, magic and fairy tales, the Parisian Maison creates complex jewels of unusually high technical and design content – so that even the most extravagant pieces have a lightness, charm and wit. In recent years, Van Cleef & Arpels have also become recognised for their artistic and highly creative watches. But it is no mere arriviste in the world of horology. In the 1920s the famously elegant Louis Arpels designed the Ruban (‘ribbon’) watch, with a rectangular case that formed an unbroken line with the links of its gold bracelet. A 1927 pocket watch with a double retrograde display featured a robed Chinese Mandarin on the dial, whose arms indicate the hours on one side and the minutes on the other. Having coined the phrase “Jewels that tell the Time”, Van Cleef & Arpels have always endeavoured to blur the lines between high jewellery and horology. However, a decision made in 2006 has radically changed the Maison’s stature in watchmaking. Stanislas de Quercize, then the CEO, asked Nicolas Bos (Creative Director at the time, Bos succeeded de Quercize as…
If you follow the world of independent watchmaking you’re likely familiar with the name Peter Speake-Marin. Until recently, Speake-Marin was the man behind the eponymous watch brand. After 17 years, the English watchmaker stepped away from the brand (which is still in business) and announced a new venture – The Naked Watchmaker — a site that bills itself as a sort of horological encyclopaedia, utilising Peter’s formidable watchmaking skills to strip watches down to their barest essentials, taking numerous macro photos along the way, with brief (not overly technical) explanation. It’s an excellent resource, regardless of where you are on your watch journey. The other day we spotted a watch deconstruction we suspect a few of you might be interested in — the mighty Rolex Submariner. Thanks to its solid back, you don’t typically see inside the Sub. But if you’ve ever wondered what lies beneath that iconic dial, in minutest detail, you’ll want to click this link. Images via thenakedwatchmaker.com