I didn't learn how to drive a car until I was 25 years old. This was partially motivated by my frugality that draws me to budget watches, but...
Founded in 2016, the French independent brand Baltic has gained attention for their vintage inspired watches. Recently, they released the Signature Collection, which marked a shift towards more accessible prices. However, fans of the brand have held onto hope that Baltic would still pursue their original goals of creating high-end, in-house timepieces. And now, with the introduction of the Holthinrichs Haute Horlogerie project, this hope has been reignited.
The first watch under the Holthinrichs Haute Horlogerie banner is the Ornament Nouveau, and it is a departure from anything they have attempted before. The defining characteristic of this timepiece, like all of Holthinrichs' creations, is its sculptural design. But what sets the Ornament Nouveau apart is that the sculptural elements are not only seen in the case and dial design, but also in the movement itself. The brand describes the movement as in-house, although it is the result of partnerships with Dutch manufacturers and Swiss suppliers.
The movement of the Ornament Nouveau measures 4mm thick and maximizes visual depth through hand finishing and an architecture that complements the sweeping curves of the case. The brass mainplate can be finished in various custom galvanic treatments, and the steel bridges above it add to the three-dimensional qualities of the caliber. The balance wheel is held in place by a unique three-dimensional glass bridge known as the "Holthinbridge." This manually wound caliber has a power reserve of up to 83 hours.
In addition to the intricate movement, the Ornament Nouveau features a special dial. Made from a photochromic material, the dial turns dark gray when exposed to UV light, allowing the wearer to view the movement underneath. This adds a unique touch to an already striking timepiece.
The Ornament Nouveau is a limited series of 20 pieces with a retail price of CHF 67,138. To follow the progress of this project, Holthinrichs has also set up a special Instagram feed.
Overall, the Ornament Nouveau represents a new vision of high-end watchmaking for Holthinrichs. It combines their signature sculptural design with an integrated movement, creating a timepiece that is truly unique and ambitious.
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