Our watch designs are strongly inspired by the elegant and three dimensional shapes of the Art Nouveau, clear lines and proportions, materialistic expression found in Art Deco and early modernism. Great architects like Victor Horta, Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Eero Saarinen, Santiago Calatrava or car designer like Battista Farina all show us that a holistic approach, exceptional sense for spatial composition, simple but refined lines, clear materialistic expression and craftsmanship can result in pure art.
Michiel and his team developed an obsession for detailing and for the artistic expression and craftsmanship found in the ornament. The Holthinrichs Watches are therefore named after the ornament, for it does to the wrist of the wearer the same as beautiful ornaments does to the building: it is a small but powerful expression of the sophistication of a developed taste, with a strong impact on the appearance of the whole.
The brand Holthinrichs Watches is the brainchild of architect turned watchmaker Michiel Holthinrichs. During his studies in Delft he developed a strong interest in watches and watchmaking. After years of collecting he decided to dedicate his life to watch design.
After four years of pioneering into new 3D metal printing technologies Michiel was able to create a timepiece that featured an unprecedented skeletonized case shape. It proved the technology could be used to create exceptional designs in horology, and it marked the introduction of our signature sculptural design language. The brand was launched in 2016, together with our first model, the Ornament 1.
Today Michiel is supported by a passionate and highly skilled team from various creative and technical backgrounds. A dogged determination fuels the process of creating timepieces that are characterised by tasteful, original designs that make use of high-level technical development and extensive manual finishing. With this wide skill set we are able to make and develop many components in-house, from case designs, to movement components and dials.
