Ten years ago, while completing my graduation project in architecture, and after several years of designing and refining my first watch, I received an unexpected enquiry. A client had discovered my work online and asked me to create a bespoke timepiece as a wedding gift. That watch became the first production example of the Ornament 1 – the world’s first 3D-printed stainless steel watch – and, without either of us realising it at the time, it marked the beginning of Holthinrichs Watches.
The Ornament 1 established principles that still define our work today. Its architectural form, innovative construction and distinctive sub-second display demonstrated that contemporary manufacturing techniques could exist alongside traditional watchmaking. It proved there was room for a different approach to independent horology.
Building a philosophy
Five years later, what had started as a personal project had grown into a small team of passionate specialists. Alongside the Ornament 1 came the RAW Ornament, introducing our philosophy of Horlogerie Brut. Rather than concealing the manufacturing process, we embraced it, allowing raw textures, natural finishes and honest materials to become part of each watch’s character. As our capabilities expanded, we began producing dials and movement components in-house, while continually refining the finishing that elevates every piece.
The next milestone arrived with the RAW Ornament Bronze, a watch that pushed this philosophy even further. Its bronze monocoque case and copper oxide dial celebrated the beauty of materials that naturally evolve over time, creating a timepiece that develops its own individual character through wear. For me, that relationship between owner and object remains one of the most rewarding aspects of watchmaking.
A decade on
Today, as Holthinrichs Watches approaches its tenth anniversary, our team has grown to sixteen people, our watches are worn by collectors around the world and our work is represented by selected international retailers. Every milestone has been built on the same desire to combine advanced engineering with meticulous hand finishing, while remaining true to our architectural roots.
That journey brings us to the latest additions to our experimental collection: the SIGNATURE LAB 1.S and the SIGNATURE LAB 1.GMT. Rather than simply introducing new models, these watches revisit the ideas that shaped our earliest creations. The 1.S returns to the familiar sub-second display that defined the Ornament 1, while the new GMT introduces a practical complication inspired by the realities of travelling and working with clients across different time zones. Both are released as limited editions of just 100 pieces.
Craftsmanship in every detail
The dials remain central to each watch’s identity. Produced entirely in-house, they feature richly textured copper oxide patinas that create remarkable depth and colour. The SIGNATURE LAB 1.S draws the eye towards its sub-second register through bold relief work, while the GMT incorporates a subtle globe motif alongside its Breguet-inspired typography, reflecting the international perspective behind the complication. Together, they represent our most ambitious dial designs to date.
Equally important is the case itself. Once again, we have used advanced 3D-printing technology to produce lightweight titanium cases with sculptural forms that would be difficult to achieve through conventional manufacturing. Extensive hand-finishing ensures every case retains the tactile quality expected of fine watchmaking while preserving the distinctive textures created during production.
Inside, both models are powered by the reliable Sellita SW300 platform, complemented by one of our signature details: a hand-finished, patinated rotor designed to echo the colours and character of the dial. It is a small element, but one that reflects our belief that every visible component should contribute to the overall design.
Time for the next chapter
Looking back, it is remarkable to think that everything began with a single commission for a wedding watch. Over the past decade, Holthinrichs Watches has evolved from an architectural experiment into an independent watchmaker with an international audience, yet our ambition has remained unchanged. We continue to explore how emerging technologies and traditional craftsmanship can work together to create watches with lasting character.
The SIGNATURE LAB 1.S and 1.GMT are more than anniversary pieces. They represent the journey that has brought us here, honouring the watches that defined our philosophy while looking ahead to the next chapter of Holthinrichs Watches.
