Michiel Holthinrichs trained as an architect at the TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) in the Netherlands before moving into watchmaking. His founding insight, in 2017, was that additive-manufacturing (3D-printing) of metal components had reached a stage where it could produce watch cases with geometric complexity that conventional CNC machining could not achieve at any cost. 3D-printed metal cases allowed Holthinrichs to apply architectural design directly to the case geometry, with latticework, compound curves, and ornamental surface treatments not feasible in traditional production.
The launch reference, the Ornament 1 (2017), was a 3D-printed stainless-steel wristwatch with an elaborate ornamental case finish directly drawing from Dutch baroque architecture. Subsequent references, the Raw Series, exposed the 3D-printed case surface texture (visible striations from the printing process) as a deliberate design choice rather than finishing it away. Movements are supplied (Sellita SW200-based) with Holthinrichs-designed custom dials and case work.
Holthinrichs has been admitted to the AHCI track (candidate member) since 2021, marking him as one of the emerging independent watchmakers in the European scene. The brand's material experiments have extended into 3D-printed titanium, 3D-printed 18k gold, and compound-alloy variants with colour gradients not achievable in conventional metallurgy. The geometric language of the cases is rigorously architectural: facets, latticework, and geometric patterning visible on every surface.
Production is small: approximately 30-40 watches per year across all references. The commercial model is direct-to-consumer through the Holthinrichs website, with each piece typically sold before production begins. Retail runs from approximately €8,500 (Ornament 1 stainless steel) to €22,000 (Ornament 1 titanium) and €35,000+ for the 18k gold variants. Holthinrichs operates the atelier from Delft with a small team and remains wholly independent.
