Atelier Holgur was founded by Matthew de Bakker and Asbjørn Simonen-Andersen and was born out of a desire to build watches that could stand up to the rigors of life and adventure, incorporating high-end watchmaking materials and techniques to deliver a uniquely rugged yet luxurious experience. Atelier Holgur is determined to carve out a niche in the independent watch market while supporting ocean conservation efforts around the world. Harnessing Matt’s passion for design and horology, as well as Asbjørn’s watchmaking heritage, Atelier Holgur pays homage to Asbjørn’s grandfather whilst at the same time delivering distinctive watches suited to the present day and beyond.

Atelier Holgur is pleased to unveil the Frømand, a model that redefines the divers’ watch genre by encompassing many luxurious features seldom found on subaquatic-themed timepieces. The company looks at horology from a different perspective, keen to deliver quality and value with a responsible approach to commerce.

In the beginning Divers’ watches first appeared in the 1930s and were originally intended for commercial and military use. While they were water resistant, they differed aesthetically from the modern-day divers’ watch we have since grown accustomed to. Indeed, this latter genre of watch emerged in the 1950s, coinciding with the rising popularity of scuba diving, a subaquatic activity that transcended mere commercial and military use, to encompass recreational diving.

The typical characteristics of a divers’ watch include a unidirectional bezel often equipped with a count-up scale, a screw-down crown, a screw-in solid caseback, a very legible dial endowed with a high degree of luminescence, and, of course, impressive water-resistance. The so-called ‘desk diver’ appreciates both the appearance of a divers’ watch and the functional benefits its specification confers. For example, a water-resistant watch is highly useful should you wish to sail, swim or simply shower. Likewise, extraordinary legibility is equally useful on terra firma. There is much wisdom in a landlubber owning a divers’ watch.

Atelier Holgur Frømand is a diver’s watch that is equally at home complementing a lounge suit or jeans as it is underwater with its water-resistant to 300 meters. The name Frømand is Danish for ‘frogman’ and it celebrates the military divers of yesteryear, however, the design language is contemporary, ideally suited to the here and now. The dial of the Frømand is snailed and dressed in an inky shade of black, serving as a foil for the adjacent white accents. The hour and minute hands are black near the centers but are predominantly executed in a brilliant shade of white, matching the color of the indexes. Atelier Holgur has applied three-dimensional luminescent material —blue emission— to the hands, indexes, and the small seconds’ indication positioned at 6 o’clock, granting superb readability at all times while adding depth to the composition.

A minute track, again employing white tones, hugs the edge of the dial, allowing the wearer to easily read off the prevailing time. The 40 mm Grade 5 Titanium case is equipped with a titanium bezel, presented in black DLC which is unidirectional and features a count-up scale that incorporates proving ideal for timing dives. This lightweight alloy is corrosion-resistant, non-magnetic and hypoallergenic. Not to be confused with lower-cost Grade 2 titanium, Grade 5 titanium is composed of 90% titanium, 6% aluminium and 4% vanadium. Grade 5 Titanium is stronger than Grade 2 titanium and can be polished. In this instance, Atelier Holgur has chosen to endow each component with either a polished or micro-blasted finish. The case, lugs, crown protector and buckle are all made of Grade 5 Titanium.

Breaking with divers’ watch convention of a skeleton movement with a diver’s watch, the Atelier Holgur is powered by a Swiss Made Schwarz Etienne calibre ASE 200 automatic movement with a micro-rotor. Assuming the mainspring is fully wound, the watch will run autonomously for 86 hours.

Fitted with a sapphire crystal display caseback, the highly refined automatic movement can be fully appreciated. The movement is skeletonized and encompasses sandblasted finishing and hand-polished beveled edges. The screws have polished heads and, along with the jewels, sit in polished sinks. This beautifully refined movement surpasses what is typically found within most divers’ watches.

The Atelier Holgur Frømand is equipped with an integrated strap bar, steadfastly securing the watch to the wrist, a useful attribute whether on dry land or underwater. Atelier Holgur’s strap system allows the wearer to easily swap between straps without the need for tools. The Frømand comes supplied with two straps made from recycled ocean plastic, produced by tide ocean material. The first strap is fitted with a Hook & Loop fastener and pin system, allowing the wearer to view the movement to the rear. An additional single-loop diving strap is also supplied with the watch. It is presented in teal with black edging and is perfectly suited to subaquatic action.

The initial version of the Frømand is limited to 100 pieces and is engraved with ‘THE FIRST 100’ on the caseback. The watch is supplied in a box made from sustainable materials including bamboo wood and cor,k, and it is available for order via the Atelier Holgur website.

Sticker Price $11,000 USD. For more info on Atelier Holgur click here.