A different perspective
When Atelier Holgur’s founders, Matthew de Bakker and Asbjørn Simonen-Andersen, set out to create the company’s first divers’ watch, they didn’t want to follow the same well-trodden path as others. While the timepiece needed to fulfil the requirements of a professional diver, they did not feel it should forgo the luxurious details typically the preserve of fine watchmaking. Furthermore, they recognised that an increasing number of horophiles are drawn to the practicality of a divers’ watch despite seldom exploiting its subaquatic capabilities. Sometimes referred to as ‘desk divers’, this market segment is characterised by wearers seeking something more than a mere utilitarian object.
Recognising the public’s growing appetite for divers’ watches with a notable quotient of style and buoyed by the success of its inaugural model, Atelier Holgur now presents the Frømand Edition Fumée, a new addition to the brand’s product portfolio.
Inspired by fauna and flora
Matthew and Asbjørn both share a love of scuba diving, discovering the fauna and flora inhabiting the world’s oceans and seas. Indeed, both gentlemen are passionate about conservation and, in particular, marine life.
The dynamic behaviour of colours
The electromagnetic spectrum comprises colours of different wavelengths ranging from red, orange and yellow to green, blue and violet. Different wavelength emit varying levels of energy, meaning colour disappears as depth increases.
This natural phenomenon led Matthew and Asbjørn to select two dial colours that behave very differently beneath the waves. Fire Coral red, a hue that brims with energy on terra firma, has a long wavelength, such that it transitions from red to black as the wearer dives ever deeper. On the other hand, Ocean Emerald green has a shorter wavelength, causing it to remain visible underwater when red hues have already transitioned to black.
More lounge suit than chinos
Rest assured, the hands, indexes and count-up scale, with their liberal application of Super-LumiNova®, remain visible deep underwater. The main dial epidermis swaps the snailing found on the brand’s inaugural model for a sunburst finish, presented on a smooth surface, save for the small seconds display which continues to feature a series of fine concentric circles. The resultant watch looks slightly more formal. Indeed, you could say it is more lounge suit than chinos.
Some details are refreshingly familiar
The new Edition Fumée models retains the highly acclaimed skeletonised movement employed on the inaugural watch, the Schwarz-Etienne ASE 200 for Atelier Holgur. Equipped with a micro-rotor and enriched with refined finishing, the calibre is far removed from the mundane movements fitted to divers’ watches of yesteryear. It seems appropriate, therefore, that Atelier Holgur has chosen to equip these new variants with an exhibition caseback, showcasing the beautifully appointed movement for the delectation of purists.
25 aug 2023 - "Pietro and Johnny talk with Atelier Holgur co-founder Asbjørn Simonen-Andersen to discover the story behind a small company dedicated to creating luxury sports watches, with an eye on the state of our planet and her oceans"
8 may 2023 - "... I can absolutely envision 100 Frømand fans lining up for their allocation, particularly if they get a chance to try it on first. There’s a harmony between the case and strap options that really works on the wrist. It’s a watch with an undeniable presence – a true conversation piece – that’s also incredibly easy to wear."
25 apr 2023 - "... and yeah you flip it over and boom there's a Schwarz Etienne movement... modern, kind of aggressive dramatic, light weight,,.. I was think it would cost closer to 20,000.."
30 apr 2023 - "This watch shouldn't be possible.. Frømand is equipped with Schwarz Etienne's caliber ASE 200, a hand-made mechanical movement that in a certain sense is equivalent to putting a finely tuned Rolls Royce engine in a four-wheel drive."
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.
Technical data
Case
Material: Grade 5 Titanium, polished and microblasted finish
Integrated strap bars
Bezel: Unidirectional dive bezel in black DLC, 120 clicks
Diameter: 40mm
Height: 13.5mm
Water resistance: 300m / 30atm
Glass: sapphire crystal front/back with anti-reflective coating
Dial: snailing with 3D applied Super-LumiNova®, sub-seconds
Hands: Atelier Holgur sword style with 3D applied Super-LumiNova®
Movement
Details: Schwarz-Etienne ASE 200 for Atelier Holgur
Skeletonised, microblasted with hand polished bevelled edges
Self-winding mechanical movement
Power reserve: 86 hours
Winding rotor: micro-rotor with bi-directional winding
Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 Alt/h)
Movement parts: 198
Movement jewels: 33
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds (hacking)
Straps
Supplied with two straps made with tide ocean material® (recycled ocean plastic).
Daily wear strap with Hook & Loop fastener and pin system
Diving single loop strap with Hook & Loop fastener adjustment