Apiar is the culmination of two childhood friends’ shared love of engineering, horology, and technology.
Co-Founders, Matt Oosthuizen and Sam White were inspired by the innovation possibilities offered by additive manufacturing, and they wanted to elevate the technology into the mainstream consumer industry. They questioned why watch making couldn’t share technology with the aerospace industry and make watches with lasers.
Their first watch, the Invenire v1.0 is custom-manufactured according to individual configurations and uniquely numbered. For instance, if only five watches are configured with a specific combination of design features, those watches will proudly display ‘X of 5’ on their exhibition case backs, ensuring Apiar’s watches maintain their exclusivity.
They have developed an online 3D configurator which enables enthusiasts to register their interest prior to Apiar’s inaugural launch in February 2024. It will allow customers to delve into the world of additive manufacturing in horology, crafting their own bespoke timepiece.
Additive Manufacturing
Apiar aims to revolutionise horology one layer at a time, with watch cases manufactured through a laser powder bed fusion process. This cutting edge technology is mainly found within the aerospace industry and high end automotive applications. The process involves fine grade 23 titanium powder particles selectively melted in fine 0.06mm layers. Over thousands of layers, the near net shape cases are printed and ready for post processing and polishing.
Additive manufacturing allows for design freedoms which are not possible with conventional subtractive watch manufacturing processes. This allows Apiar to create algorithmically skeletonised cases filled with complex lattice geometries never seen before in the watch industry. Currently there are three types of lattice available as follows:
Hexagon Lattice: Drawing from nature’s wisdom, we’ve adopted hexagons, known for efficient tessellation and inherent strength. These qualities yield robust components with minimal material usage, mirroring engineering practices.
Gyroid Lattice: Gyroids excel in top heat exchangers and at handling compressive loads. Additive manufacturing now enables accurate reproduction of these advanced geometries.
X Lattice: The X-Lattice excels in strength-to-weight, ideal for aerospace applications. Beyond its technical prowess, its futuristic elegance enhances our watch designs.
Celebrating ‘Made In The UK‘
Apiar takes pride in championing British manufacturing as outlined below. They produce their cases, dials, straps, leather travel cases, and sustainable packaging all within the UK, with assembly taking place in London’s Hatton Garden.
Additive manufacturing drives the unique watch designs. Apiar partner with ‘Apex Additive Technologies’, based in Ebbw Vale, known for Laser Powder Bed Fusion expertise in Aerospace and Biomedical sectors, creating unique geometries with minimal waste. In Petersfield, FN Manufacturing – experts in 5-axis CNC machining – refine the Invenire cases with Aerospace-level machining. This precision post-processing is crucial for the intricate additive cases.
Bedford Dials, in Tenbury Wells, have been crafting dials since 1840, the dials feature intricate guilloche, hand-painting, and precise pad printing, reflecting the individual design of the brand. The ‘Strap Tailor’ in Aylesbury, creates handcrafted and bespoke straps made from sustainable sourced leather, suede, and TPU. Partnering with Devonshire’s ‘J & FJ Baker,’ Apiar use eco-friendly Oak Bark tanned leather, masterfully crafted into travel cases by ‘Tanner Bates’ in Devon. Pairing the modernly manufactured watches with traditional craftsmanship.
For impeccable finishing, Apiar rely on ‘Tic Toc Man’, in London (a Swiss accredited partner known for precise craftsmanship). They expertly polish, assemble, regulate, and test each Invenire watch to meet standards you expect from a luxury brand.
The Invenire’s movement is sourced from La Joux-Perret, while its sapphire crystals, crowns, and hands are manufactured in Germany, Switzerland and France.
Influenced By Nature
Apiar is inspired by the honeycomb lattice of bees’ natural engineering in the Apiary. This inspiration extends to their operational ethos, crafting luxury products sustainably and maintaining a carbon-neutral business for a positive impact on the planet.
Additive manufacturing allows Apiar to create watch cases with minimal material waste and carbon footprint compared to traditional manufacturing. This ensures a carbon-neutral supply chain, aligning with their commitment to a sustainable future.
Apiar’s impact strategy prioritises on-shoring and sustainable material sourcing, emphasising ‘Made in the UK’ for reduced carbon footprint. They have carefully chosen partners for raw materials, packaging and accessories from top-tier sustainable sources.
To enhance their environmental commitment, Apiar has partnered with UK charity Temwa to exceed carbon offset goals. They strive to offset five times the brand’s carbon impact, ensuring a fully carbon-neutral Invenire debut from manufacture to delivery.
Technical Specifications:
Model Reference: Invenire v1.0
Case: Grade 23 Titanium is a Ti6Al4V alloy with lower amounts of oxygen and iron compared to the standard Grade 2 or 5 Ti64 alloy. The material is well-known for having excellent mechanical properties: low density with high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. 39mm case diameter, skeletonised with latticed interior, 12.55mm depth and 47mm lug-to-lug. 100m (10ATM) water resistance. Made in the UK (3D printed in Wales and machined in England)
Dial: 5 hand painted matte colours: black, onyx grey, engineering orange, oxford blue and racing green. CNC machined from a single brass billet. 4 machined central sunken guilloche. Patterns: Clous de Paris, hexagon, striations and blank. Date window at 3 o’clock. Tritec Swiss Super-Luminova YL C1 white printed minute track. Roman and arabic numerals. Made in the UK
Strap: Hand crafted leather and suede straps. Black and brown leather options sourced from oak tannery in Devon. Blue Epsom leather, Grey Epsom leather and grey/olive suede sourced from Italy. Made in the UK
Travel Case: Black leather travel case lined with black pig suede. Leather and suede sourced from local oak tannery in Devon. Hides are sourced from the local meat industry. Handmade by artisans in Devon. Made in the UK
Movement: La Joux-Perret G100 version soignée vis bleues. Power Reserve: 68 Hours. Jewels: 24. Type: Automatic. Made in Switzerland. Modified and Regulated in the UK
Crystals: Domed front = Sternkeuz domed sapphire crystal with AR coating. Exhibition back: Sternkeuz sapphire crystal. Made in Germany
Hands: ‘Apiar’ hands – Lume filled (Tritec Swiss Super-Luminova YL C1 white). Made in France
Serial Numbered: Individually numbered, sequentially based on the number of orders for that particular configuration.
Retail Price: Based on configuration – Starting at £2160 (Inc. VAT) £1800 (Ex. Vat)
For more information please visit Apiar