Jump to content

Thoughts on the decision to Stop Production of Ornament 1 and Raw Ornament Models


TimeTexas

Recommended Posts

  • Administrators

I posted this in the forum news as well, but figured it is worth having a discussion here about what this decision means and what's in store for the future.

Its obviously a difficult situation for a small watchmaker to continue to support its bell-weather models while also providing new models and continuing to innovate. There's only so many watches they can make each year.

But its definitely a risk. Those have been their primary models for several years and although I don't have the numbers, I'm guessing easily their best selling models. There's a chance they are shooting the goose that lays the golden egg. And moreso, the timing is during a period of uncertainty in the world and certainly the watch markets after a meteoric rise up through 2021. One major development during that time-frame is that independent watchmaking became much more visible and exposure increased for smaller independent brands. This bodes well for the long-term future, but economic insecurity in the near term could be an issue. Especially with an ever increasing amount of independent watchmakers competing for clients dollars.

Obviously Michiel and the team are supremely confident in the decision and that to me is reason for excitement. I don't think they would take that step without having something in development that can step in and fill the void from stopping production on the Ornament 1 and Raw Ornament models. Michiel obviously has an incredible eye for design and has built a team along with @Damiaen that continues to show extreme creativity and increasingly skilled watchmaking. I know what they come out with will be exciting, creative, and different and I'll probably love it. I just hope it can gain widespread appeal and continue on as a key model to support the continued growth of the brand and company.

Thoughts?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Administrators

So a few weeks back, Holthinrichs ran a story on IG that had a design sketch. I didn't think too much about it, but obviously in hindsight I knew that was likely the preliminary snatches of the upcoming new model. I asked Damiaen about it and they posted another story today with the following sketches. 

Is seems they are going with even more dramatic and curvier lugs. They mentioned they were going for a more organic feel with the new piece. It also looks like the lugs will include some ribbing. 

Gotta say I'm pretty excited about the possibilities after seeing the sketches. 

 

 

Screenshot_20230312_144926_Instagram.jpg

Screenshot_20230312_144933_Instagram.jpg

Screenshot_20230312_144946_Instagram.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Administrators

Also should mention there will be some element of deconstruction coming. Not sure if that means the final release of the Ornament 1, a 3rd Liminality, or the new model slated for later in the year. 

I know they were working on that last year about this time when I first talked with them. They certainly don't shy away from trying different things which is why they're my favorite brand. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

×
×
  • Create New...