Geneva's independent watchmaker ArtyA has just unveiled a timepiece that challenges every conventional notion of luxury watchmaking—and we're utterly captivated. The new Purity Curvy HMS Mirror Titanium represents more than just another limited edition; it's a bold declaration that contemporary haute horlogerie can be both radically innovative and deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship. Limited to just 99 pieces, this extraordinary timepiece marks the first time ArtyA's iconic Curvy case has been rendered in titanium, and the results are nothing short of spectacular.
At the heart of this remarkable watch beats the in-house Purity Curvy movement, now reimagined in HMS—Hours, Minutes, Seconds—configuration around what ArtyA poetically calls the "Stairway to Heaven" escapement. This isn't marketing hyperbole—the escapement is elevated like a star performer, suspended in space at the movement's center, beating at a robust 4Hz frequency.
The visual drama is extraordinary. Hand-beveled bridges, frosted with cast iron microbeads, create a landscape of light and shadow that frames the sculptural escapement. Twin barrels working in parallel, house longer, finer mainsprings with polished blades, delivering 72 hours of power reserve with remarkable linearity. Every curve of the redesigned barrel drums mirrors the movement's flowing architecture – a symphony of mechanical poetry that few manufactures could execute with such finesse.
Titanium Transformed
Grade 5 titanium might be aerospace-standard material, but ArtyA's treatment elevates it to jewelry-level sophistication. The dominant matte finish is achieved through full manual polishing, followed by sandblasting, which creates a surface that seems to absorb light rather than reflect it. Yet along the case edge runs a mirror-polished contour, a detail so subtle and technically challenging on titanium that it borders on the obsessive.
The optional transparent DLC treatment pushes the envelope further, boosting the case's Vickers hardness from titanium's already impressive 400 HV to an extraordinary 1,200 HV—compared to steel's mere 200 HV. This isn't just about durability; it is about creating a surface that maintains its pristine appearance through decades of wear.
The Curvy case architecture, flowing and symmetrical, demonstrates what happens when creative vision isn't constrained by committee decisions or market research. At 38.5 x 43 mm and just 12 mm thick, it offers contemporary proportions that work beautifully on a wide range of wrists.
The Mirror Mystery
Perhaps the most intriguing feature is the optional mirrored case back—a semi-reflective surface that functions as a one-way mirror. From above, it appears opaque, concealing the movement. But tilt your wrist, and suddenly the mechanical theater within reveals itself. It's a playful yet sophisticated touch that adds an element of discovery to daily wear.
Independent Excellence
What makes this achievement particularly impressive is its provenance. ArtyA remains a truly independent, family-owned manufacture, designing and producing everything in-house from Geneva to the Jura Mountains. In an industry increasingly dominated by conglomerates, such independence isn't just rare, it's precious.
For those 99 fortunate individuals who secure one, they're not just buying a watch; they're acquiring a piece of contemporary horological art that pushes boundaries while respecting traditions.
The ArtyA Purity Curvy HMS Mirror Titanium represents everything we love about independent watchmaking: technical innovation, artistic vision, and the courage to be different. In a world of endless variations on familiar themes, ArtyA has created something genuinely new.
Sticker Price USD 35,900. For more info on ArtyA click here.
