We are known for our pioneering work with state of the art 3D metal printing. We strive for maximum freedom in design, and with that we choose manufacturing methods that best accommodate our quest to get these designs into reality.  Even if this means we have to walk untrodden paths to do so. This is why we work with 3D printing, and since the technology is so rapidly developing we keep track with all novelties to always be the first to use the best solutions.  

We work with some of the most innovative companies in the field of 3D printing to get the best results, and our cases are validated in strength, pureness and other material properties. Because it is complex and expensive to use 3D metal printing only the best and purest materials are used to make the metal powders used in the process. We have the ability to offer watches with cases made out of the following materials: stainless steel 316L, titanium grade 5, solid bronze or precious metals like solid 18K red, yellow or white gold, or solid platinum. 

3D printing gives us more freedom in design. It also gives us the opportunity to offer our clients integrated options for customization. Think of integrated three dimensional bespoke texts embedded into the side of the case, caseback or buckle, or even bespoke design details. For more information or if you want to start the process for your own bespoke project, please see our bespoke page.

After a case successfully passes the 3D printing process it goes to the next phase in which all precision fittings are made. We need up to one hundredth of a millimetre precision for our movement fittings, crystal fittings and caseback screw threads of the caseback. In this process the parts are individually calibrated into a high quality Swiss Fehlman computer operated milling machine.

Every single timepiece we create is unique due to the amount of manual finishing that we put into the 3D printed case. After CNC processing, the case, crown and buckle undergo hours of careful filing, sanding and polishing. All work is done by hand simply because no industrial computer controlled machine offers us the flexibility to finish the cases the way we want. We’ve spent years refining our techniques and even created our own internal polishing course to train our staff to meet our high standards and to get the best results. We see no other way than a painstakingly extensive and precise manual effort to ensure the sharp lines of our designs made possible by the 3D printing.

The Ornament 1 and RAW Ornament are equipped with a redeveloped Peseux movements we baptiste the HW-R01. It features our own bridge design and finishing. The first step in the creation of these shapes is milling on a historic manually controlled pantograph, a Deckel GL1. Here we create the raw parts and pre-work the anglage in an artisan way. With the help of precisely made laser-cut templates and the tracing arm of the machine, we have the freedom to machine the movement parts to a surprisingly high precision of up to one hundredth of a millimetre.

We love hand finishing all parts of our timepieces because it makes a difference! While being small in dimensions to accommodate our slender watch designs, we realised an aesthetic layered appeal inside our movements by applying extensive manual finishing on all components. Typical details like frosted surfaces of the bridges, strong expressive embossed edges with hand-bevelled high polished edges, an extensive snailing pattern on the ratchet wheel and black polished or blued screw heads create optical depth and refinement and empower the strong design of the movement. It gives it a contemporary, yet refined and elegant appeal. It takes many hours conducted by trained specialists to apply the finishing. The RAW Ornament - Bronze really takes finishing to a higher level with its countless inward angles, and takes up to 120 hours to manually finish. In our finishing style we choose for expressive and contrasting elements. This way the movement fully reflects the tectonic concept and architectural design language of our watches. 

We take pride in the fact that we are capable of making nearly all of our dials in-house. To get to this point we have been developing for years to select and use the right materials and textures in the exact way envisioned while designing. 

First the raw materials are machined to create the dial blanks. Reliefs are created with the use of a milling machine, precision lathes and laser technology. We then rework the material by bead blasting and by hand to obtain the right surface textures. 

For the sake of durability most of our dials are plated with a layer of precious metals like yellow or pink gold, white or black rhodium or black gold. To introduce new durable colours besides these galvanic coatings, we have developed an innovative way to create dials out of titanium. By anodisation we can realise deep natural shades of blue, green, purple and bronze and more. Bespoke projects, special and unique editions can be made out of exotic materials or hand-painted with cold enamel.

Hands are such an important aspect of a watch, and too often they seem to be forgotten. We spend much time in the creation of our hands. They are cut out of extra thick and corrosion-resistant spring steel, carbon steel, copper or precious metal. The designs are spacious, light and modern and have sufficient thickness to allow for a big manually applied anglage. On the top surface we play with contrasting textures like etching, frosting and brushing to make the high polished bevels stand out to the maximum and to create a strong optical depth. The heavy textural play and the openworked designs match perfectly with the overall design concepts and finishing found in all components of our timepieces.

When all components have been meticulously finished, it is time to put everything together. To ensure great quality assembly and regulation, we have our in-house watchmakers. They take every timepiece through rigorous testing and control on quality. Each watch comes with a manufacturing report including the measurement test results.

Perhaps the most important step of the process: receiving your Holthinrichs timepiece! Each of our watches comes in a nutwood box, handcrafted by a Dutch family business making mostly cigar boxes. Our box design is made compact enough so it can actually be used for travelling. 

Durability is one of our core values, so every timepiece comes with 2 years of warranty and a guarantee we will provide servicing, also after the warranty period.