With the unveiling of Holthinrichs ’ ORNAMENT NOUVEAU timepiece, the Netherlands-based watch brand officially made its mark in watchmaking history by presenting an inaugural movement that is entirely Dutch-made. At the start of the week, the watchmaker teased the new project’s design on its Instagram, touting it as “the ultimate wrist sculpture” and also the brand’s entry for this year’s GPHG Men’s Watch category prize. Making its debut as the first-ever fully-Dutch-made and in-house developed mechanical movement, the HW-M02 is highly sculptural and technical.
The caliber can be observed through the sapphire crystal watch face and caseback. Geared with around 85 hours of power reserve, it’s also meticulously crafted with an elegant design. Another noteworthy feature includes the stunningly created free-sprung balance wheel, which can be viewed on its three-dimensional “Holthinbridge” sapphire balance bridge at the dial’s 6 o’clock position.
While the spotlight is directed at its movement, the appearance of the ORNAMENT NOUVEAU is undeniably beautiful. Housed in Grade 5 titanium, the watch case boasts a distinct form that is organically Holthinrichs’. Measuring 39.
5mm-wide, the 3D-printed case exudes an elegant, classical and romantic appeal that creates a poetic synergy with its alluring Eclipse dial. A unique concept by Holthinrichs, the dial switches from a smoky black to a full-on openworked display under specific lighting conditions. This is paired with skeleton hour and minute hands in a complementing palette that echoes the galvanic white rhodium, gold and rose gold finishes on its movement.
Complete with a hornback alligator strap in brown, the ORNAMENT NOUVEAU is available in a limited production of 100 examples. For more details regarding its availability and price point, visit Holthinrichs’ official website . A post shared by Holthinrichs Haute Horlogerie (@holthinrichshautehorlogerie).
