Michiel Holthinrichs' 10-year-old 3D-printed Magic: Holthinrichs Signature LAB Series 1 Small Seconds & GMT Watches

A decade ago, Michiel Holthinrichs, a promising architect, embarked on a trailblazing journey into watchmaking. His brand, Holthinrichs Watches, marked a pioneering leap in horology with the world’s first-ever 3D-printed stainless steel watch, the Ornament 1. This timepiece, distinct for its unique design aesthetic, emerged from Holthinrichs’ architectural background and established the brand’s stature in the industry.

Fast-forward ten years, and Holthinrichs celebrates this milestone by presenting two new additions to the Signature Series: Small Seconds and GMT variants. Merging integrity of material and design philosophy, the new timepieces embrace the concept of ‘Horlogerie Brut’. In this concept, textures, finishes, and colours are directly derived from the manufacturing processes.

Continuing its tradition of robust design, the Signature Series undergoes a slight transition. The 3D-printed case transposes to a traditionally machined one, with a notable exception - the LAB model. It’s this specific model, featuring a titanium 3D-manufactured case, that lays the foundation for the two newer versions: the 10th-anniversary Small Seconds and GMT models.

Both the Small Seconds and GMT models possess the distinctive 3D-printed titanium case associated with the LAB series. Measuring a mere 38.5mm diameter with a 9.85mm thickness, the case design retains a compact footprint yet makes an indelible impression. The design language harks back to the Signature Ornament series, incorporating sculptural yet liquid lug elements that frame the case body.

Reminiscent of architecture and classic car design, the case’s curves and twists contribute to an impactful aesthetics. High-end selective laser melting is employed, followed by precise milling and extensive hand-finishing, to craft the models. Holthinrichs takes full advantage of the high precision of the process to grant the LAB Series slender, openworked, nearly floating lugs. The case also attains a reduced weight for better comfort, a curved caseback for improved wrist positioning, and a design approach that almost subverts conventional wisdom.