Timepiece, small numbered release: (40mm).
The world’s first 3D fractal watch:
Fractal Emergence:
The first 3D fractal watch ever made!
By Chris Melchior with UnconstrainedTime
Incorporating a (modified) 3D fractal model by Aiekick (details here).
“Wow! The watch looks amazing.“
(Brian Madigan, musician/composer)
Artist’s note: “I love sheer the beauty of this fractal, its delicate sweeping curves and complex yet natural organic forms.
It is emerging from the much simpler, yet related, forms of the surrounding watch, as UnconstrainedTime is emerging into various worlds such as watch microbrands and conceptual-art-jewellery.
The fractal is literally emerging from a higher dimension . . . this 3D fractal is a Julia Quaternion, which is a 4 dimensional object emerging into 3 dimensional space.”
Small numbered release (see below)
Prices will start around $2,000
Free international shipping.
Size = 40mm
Each watch is a personalized order, available in your choice from these mostly recycled metals:
- 18k gold
- white gold
- rose gold
- Sterling silver
- bronze (yellow)
- bronze (red)
Available with or without clear coat to decrease the metal’s reaction with the atmosphere (see below).
Strap/band (leather) available in:
- white gold colour
- rose gold colour
- gold colour
- silver colour
- bronze (yellow) colour
- bronze (red) colour
- matt black
- navy blue
- brown
- other (please contact us)
This will be the first watch we create, and the small numbered release is expected to sell out rapidly, so:
Don’t miss the launch:
Join our Priority List (above) for early access to our small numbered releases, exclusive creator insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our artistic process before they’re shared anywhere else.
World’s first! This is, as far as we can determine, the first 3D fractal watch ever made.
Images: The watch will be slightly different from the initial virtual renders shown above which are designed to give an approximate idea of the general visual concept of the watch. Some of the details of the fractal will have to be slightly thicker in order to 3D print effectively and to not be too delicate in use. Any parts that protrude will be polished, as shown above, while the inner areas will have a grainy texture (not illustrated), showing its authentic nature as a 3D printed form made using the lost-wax casting process. Real photos coming soon.
Small, numbered release: This watch, at the 40mm size, will be the watch we launch with, as a small numbered release, which we expect to sell out rapidly. So make sure you don’t miss the launch . . . subscribe here for launch notification. The size of the release will be announced 14 days before the launch, and will be of 100 pieces or less, depending on estimated demand. We plan a later separate release for this watch at the smaller size of approximately 30mm which will be the only other available version of this watch.
Details on the back-plate: the company logo and name (UnconstrainedTime), the name of this watch (Fractal Emergence 40mm), the signature and name of the artist who created this watch (Chris Melchior), serial number and release number. The engraving on the back-plate (which is made of 316L stainless steel, used in many highly-regarded watches) is high-quality but with a deliberately plain aesthetic, so that most of the focus is on the fractal. We include the artist’s name and signature on the back-plate because art is personal: it matters who made a piece of art, unlike with design:
Time Display: All UnconstrainedTime watches are touch watches, which means that they display the time when the button is pressed, showing the time to the nearest minute. Details of how our watches display and set the time.
Authenticity and Provenance: Each numbered Fractal Emergence watch is permanently protected by unique blockchain product authentication, with a secure certificate of ownership, facilitating easy verification of authenticity, provenance, and ownership history, as used for watches like the “Genesis” by H. Moser and Cie, and the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra, as well as by brands such as Louis Vuitton who in collaboration with Prada Group and Cartier, launched a similar blockchain ownership certificate system: (Aura Blockchain Consortium).
Size: This small numbered release of Fractal Emergence will have a case diameter of 40mm maximum. Since each watch is individually hand cast and hand polished, the case diameter might sometimes be fractionally different from that. The thickness of this watch, at the maximum point including the fractal, is 14mm, with the majority of the case being 9mm thick.
We expect to create only one other small numbered release of Fractal Emergence, with a case diameter of 30mm, so make sure you don’t miss this launch . . . subscribe here for launch notifications.
Strap/band: The strap/band is made of high quality leather. The lug width is 22mm, with standard 22mm spring-bars holding the strap/band in place. The strap is high-quality leather with a deliberately plain aesthetic, so that most of the focus is on the fractal.
Materials and construction:
Entirely custom-made. Each part of a Fractal Emergence watch was specifically designed and made for UnconstrainedTime only.
The case/body of a Fractal Emergence watch is solid metal, 3D printed then cast, usually in recycled metals, by small British artisan casting foundries. It is made using the traditional lost-wax casting process (a technique dating back to at least the fourth millennium BC), then hand finished with the protruding parts polished, leaving the non-protruding surfaces proudly showing their authentic 3D printed and cast origins. This makes it clear that Fractal Emergence is part of the art jewellery space (which can meet the definitions of art) rather than the fine jewellery space (which is design).
If the metal is silver or gold, the case/body will be hallmarked. Note that 3D printing has less environmental impact than most methods used in making watches.
Internal parts of our watches are 3D printed to ensure the indefinite availability of spare parts.
The time-display functionality is implemented using a single custom-designed flex/rigid printed-circuit-board, for maximum reliability. It utilizes quartz time-keeping and the components are assembled onto the board in the UK. A water-resistant coating is applied to rigid areas of the printed-circuit-board other than the battery-contacts which are gold-plated stainless steel.
The parts which need to be electrically non-conductive, including the battery-cover, are 3D printed from PC-ABS. (All quartz watches necessarily uses a non electrically-conductive battery-insulator.)
The parts which need to be transparent and polished (for optimum optical transparency), resistant to shocks, are complex in shape with thin sections, are 3D printed from clear resin.
Other internal parts are 3D printed from 316L stainless steel.
The PC-ABS parts are 3D printed in Holland, all other 3D printed parts of our watches are made in the UK.
British made, by hand: Each UnconstrainedTime watch is individually assembled, checked and finished, by hand, in Britain, by a leading watchmaker (Horologium UK).
Metals, patinas and clear coat: Some metals, such as bronze or silver, react with the atmosphere which changes their colour and texture. Some people like the patina formed by this reaction, especially with bronze watches. Others might prefer the metal to retain its original colour and surface texture, so we provide the option of adding a clear coat on the outside of the watch, which acts to give metals some degree of protection from patina, tarnish, oxidation, fading etc. Note that the transparent time-display elements of our Fractal Emergence watch are 3D printed from clear polymer resin, so don’t use any patination chemicals which could damage those parts, or the gaskets under them.
In use: UnconstrainedTime watches are pieces of conceptual-art-jewellery. In terms of use, Fractal Emergence needs to be treated as a piece of jewellery rather than a typical watch, and is definitely not a sports watch. It is designed for careful gentle use, is not shock, scratch or dent resistant. It is not defined as water resistant . . . there is an O-ring/gasket inside the back-plate, under each of the 12 time-display elements and under the button, with internal components all having additional protection against moisture, so it will be OK in normal dry use, but our watches are not intended for use near water or any other liquids.
Shipping: Each Fractal Emergence watch is made to order: Each piece not only represents artistic vision but becomes uniquely yours through personalised material selection. Your choice of metals transforms these unique sculptures into individually crafted expressions that reflect both the creator’s artistry and your personal aesthetic. This means we can’t start making it until you specify your personal choice of metal as you order your watch. While we will do everything we can to get your watch to you as rapidly as possible, it takes time to make and hand-assemble a made-to-order watch, and test and polish it by hand, so it might take up to 90 days to begin the shipment of your watch to you. We provide free international shipping using DHL.
Accuracy: UnconstrainedTime watches use quartz timing, with an accuracy of within 53.6 seconds per month (at room temperature).
Battery life: UnconstrainedTime watches use a simple, unique electronic touch time-display with 12 small time-display elements to allow as much focus as possible on the unique creative aesthetics. The CR1216 battery used will last for approximately one year if the time is displayed 5 times each day. You can get the battery in an UnconstrainedTime watch replaced by any reputable watch repair service or jewellers. Alternatively it can be sent to the original watchmakers (Horologium UK) or their network of approved service providers.
The battery life will be significantly longer after planned updates to the firmware which will be implemented before the watch is shipped to you.
Spare parts available forever: Because most parts of our watches are 3D printed, spare parts can be made as needed, at any time in the future.
Make sure you don’t miss the launch . . . subscribe here for launch notification.
Inspirations and Development: The Story Behind Our Fractal Emergence Watch.
I’ve loved the exotic beauty of fractals since I discovered them and began exploring their intricacies both in the natural world and with computer code, such as by implementing example algorithms released by “Scientific American” magazine in the late ’80’s.
A few years later I was exploring several different perspectives on fractal sounds, while also working with different types of fractal images, especially the IFS system which facilitates a wide variety of forms, from a fine art perspective. I had some ideas of how to make 3D fractal sculptures, but didn’t explore any of those at the time.
While looking for the most suitable watch to launch our uniquely creative UnconstrainedTime brand, I found that the idea of using a beautiful and unique 3D fractal resonated with many aspects of what matters most to the UnconstrainedTime creative project, especially since fractals have a special place in my heart. I still find myself entranced by their exotic, alien, yet relatable beauty and fascinated by their complex yet intuitively natural forms.
I was also fascinated that the fractal I found (below) relates to the concept of emergence, mathematically being a 4 dimensional object emerging into 3 dimensional space, as well as the fractal emerging from the shape of the rest of the watch with secret, hidden areas, and also being a fractal emerging from the border between chaos and order, as the UnconstrainedTime brand emerges into the world. Here are views of the fractal we used (slightly modified) in our watch:
I was excited to find such a beautiful 3D fractal as the starting point for our watch, using it in the same way that a “found object” is used in other types of fine art, and was strongly committed to modifying it as little as possible in order to preserve its natural beauty, while also making a realistic watch to make and wear. The rest of the watch was made to be curved to fit the nature of this fractal, and shaped to allow our time-display to be viewed easily, but otherwise to be as simple and unobtrusive as possible, keeping the focus on the fractal itself.
The 3D fractal this watch is based on has no practical functionality aspect at all, it is pure aesthetic focus, along with it being a very much part of my personal exploration of one of my life-long aesthetic fascinations. These are two of the main defining characteristics of art.
The choice to polish the protruding parts of the watch but leave the non-protruding surfaces proudly showing their 3D printed and artisan-cast origins makes it clear that the watch is part of the art jewellery space (which can be art) rather than the fine jewellery space (which is design) where everything must be highly polished . This relates to concepts such as a mountain range where the peaks are weathered by their contact with the environment while the rocks in the hidden valleys retain the jagged textures of their origins.
It’s also fitting that UnconstrainedTime, as an unusually unique microbrand evolving from the synergy of art and time, is launching with what is almost certainly the world’s first 3D fractal watch.
At UnconstrainedTime, we anticipate the questions that arise when encountering truly original artistic expression—so we provide pathways to deeper appreciation through thoughtfully crafted content and experiences . . .
See more on the UnconstrainedTime brand philosophy.
You’ll only get this one chance to own one of the first 3D fractal watches ever created. Make sure you subscribe to our Priority List for updates on the launch of Fractal Emergence.
FAQs.
The UnconstrainedTime philosophy.
We understand your scepticism. Unlike watches that simply incorporate artistic elements into traditional designs, each UnconstrainedTime piece is conceived and executed as a unified artistic vision. Every watch includes its creator’s signature, and is part of a small, numbered release – bringing true fine art from gallery walls to your wrist.
Unlike other artistic watches that simply decorate conventional designs, our entire timepiece is conceived from its genesis as a unified artistic statement – making us the first brand to truly unite the worlds of fine art and horology.
Our pieces evolve out of a synergy of art and time, leading us to choose materials and concepts based on artistic vision and the optimal functionality of our unique time-display rather than convention. Just as contemporary sculptors might use any material that serves their vision, we use contemporary technology when it best expresses our artistic intent.
Each component is carefully chosen and, unlike many of our competitors, designed and made only for us – including our 3D printed parts which ensure lifetime repairability, unlike many microbrands that cease parts production.
Every quartz watch necessarily has a battery-insulator component. In most quartz watches in the world (whatever their price) there are made from nylon. In our watches, the battery-cover is made from PC-ABS for improved toughness as well as electrical non-conductivity, and 3D printed so spare parts are available indefinitely
Each UnconstrainedTime piece is a small numbered release in a new category of horological art. While we can’t predict future value, we’re creating something genuinely new in watchmaking – and history shows that innovative firsts tend to become significant.
Our time display draws directly from fundamental horological traditions – the 12-point ring display dates back to ancient Near Eastern timekeeping. We’re not rejecting tradition; we’re combining it with fine art to explore new creative territory. This is evolution, not revolution.
That’s exactly why our collectors love these pieces – they spark fascinating conversations. We give you informational content to ensure that you can talk about how your watch relates to various fields. Each watch also comes with its artistic story and concept, allowing you to share not just a timepiece, but a piece of horological history in the making. You’re not just collecting watches; you’re collecting stories.
Specifications and details.
In terms of use, Fractal Emergence is closer to being a piece of jewellery than a typical watch, and is definitely not a sports watch. It is designed for careful gentle use, is not scratch or dent resistant, and it is not designed to be water resistant. There is an O-ring/gasket inside the back-plate, and under each of the 12 time-display elements, and under the button, and internal components are protected, so it will be OK in normal dry use, but our watches are not intended for use near water or any other liquids.
Some metals, such as bronze or silver, react significantly with the atmosphere which changes their colour and texture. Some people like the patina formed by this reaction, especially with bronze watches. Others might prefer the metal to retain its original colour and surface texture, so we provide the option of adding a clear coat, which acts to protect metals to some degree from patina, tarnish, oxidation, fading etc.
UnconstrainedTime watches use quartz timing, with an accuracy of within 53.6 seconds per month (at room temperature).
UnconstrainedTime watches do not store or display the date, they only display the time (to the nearest minute).
Your strap/band is secured with a standard 22mm spring-bar. To change the strap you can either visit any reputable watch repair-shop or jeweller, and it is normally something they’ll be able do while you wait. Alternatively you can swap a strap at home easily, using a small forked watch tool or a small flat head screwdriver.
Leather is porous, so the longevity of a watch strap can vary from person to person. The leather will absorb oils and will develop a natural patina which gives the strap its character. The lifespan of your strap can be extended by avoiding letting it come into contact with water, moisture, oils, perfumes or cosmetics which will significantly deteriorate the lifespan of the item. Avoid over-exposure to extreme heat or direct sunlight.
The CR1216 battery in your UnconstrainedTime watch should last approximately 1 year if you display the time 5 times a day.
When you do need a replacement battery for your UnconstrainedTime watch you can get it replaced at any reputable jeweller or watch repair shop, usually while you wait. The battery is a commonly available and inexpensive CR1216.
The watch strap for the 40mm Fractal Emergence watch is 22mm wide.
Yes, definitely, since it is a standard 22mm spring bar, which is commonly available.
No. While we do use gaskets / O-rings inside the back-plate and inside each of the time-display elements and the button, to help protect the watch in normal dry use, and internal components are protected in various ways, our watches are not design to be resistant to water or any other liquids.
The cases of our Fractal Emergence watches are 3D printed and hand cast by an artisan foundry in the UK . Each watch is then assembled by hand, polished by hand (by a leading British watchmaker), individually tested then shipped from the UK.
You can choose the colour of your high quality leather strap, from the options near the top of the product page.
Fractal Emergence 40mm will have a small, numbered release. We do expect to also make available just one other small numbered release of the Fractal Emergence watch, at around 30mm in size, so make sure you subscribe for email notifications so you don’t miss the launch.
Maintenance.
Most minor marks and scuffs will rub off with your finger, but if you’d like to carry out a more thorough clean we would recommend using a lightly dampened microfibre cloth to wipe the case – but do not use abrasive compounds as they could scratch the watch.
Our leather straps are much like any other leather item you own, and benefit from a gentle polishing occasionally – we also don’t recommend submerging our leather straps on a frequent basis as that may reduce the durability.
First of all, with a dry cloth wipe off any dirt or debris from your strap. Then with a very small amount of mild soap and water, gently rub your strap in small circular buffing motions. You do not want the strap to become damp as this can do more harm than good to the leather, so use only a small amount of water. Make sure you have removed all the soap residue from your strap, then leave it to air-dry, avoiding direct sunlight. Then you can use a leather balm to recondition your leather once it has been cleaned.
We recommend replacing the gaskets approximately every 3 years. An UnconstrainedTime watch has 12 gaskets under the time-display elements, one under the button and one under the back-plate. Since some of the gaskets used might not be easily obtainable, and the unique internal components of the watch need to be removed and replaced carefully and correctly in order to replace all the gaskets, we highly recommend that they be replaced by the renowned watchmaker who originally hand-assembles the watch for us: Horologium UK.
Ordering and purchasing
We accept most credit and debit cards.
If you’re purchasing a watch for someone else, please let us know so that we can make the paperwork out in their name.
Each Fractal Emergence watch is permanently protected by unique blockchain product authentication, with a secure certificate of ownership, facilitating easy verification of authenticity, provenance, and ownership history, as used for watches like the “Genesis” by H. Moser and Cie, and the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra, as well as by brands such as Louis Vuitton who in collaboration with Prada Group and Cartier, launched a blockchain ownership certificate system: (Aura Blockchain Consortium).
Can I choose the metal my watch is made in? Yes, the UnconstrainedTime Fractal Emergence watch offers a choice of different solid metals.
Your choice reflects not just aesthetic preference, but a chapter in your own story – marking time through both its display and its significance. Each piece not only represents artistic vision but becomes uniquely yours through personalised material selection. Your choice of metals transforms these small numbered release sculptures into individually crafted expressions that reflect both the creator’s artistry and your personal aesthetic.
If you have any questions, contact us.
Unfortunately, we are currently unable to offer serial number or release number requests on our watches. Each individually made-to-order watch will be assigned a release number and a serial number, by us.
We are currently only launching one watch at a time. When we launch one of our watches, it is available on our website as a small numbered release, sold on a first come first served basis, and expected to sell out rapidly
For this reason we recommend you subscribe to our Priority List so you don’t miss watch launches by UnconstrainedTime.
Currently, UnconstrainedTime watches are only available direct from our own website. We plan to collaborate with creators such as art jewellers to produce one-off watches which are likely to be exhibited in art galleries.
UnconstrainedTime watches art art in synergy with time, presenting individually crafted, personalized, made-to-order pieces, which don’t align with the concepts of mass production. Our watches are for the very few people who appreciate unusually unique watches which genuinely fit the definition of art. Like fine art prints, our watches make sense in small numbered releases.
Unfortunately, we do not currently offer pre-orders on any of our watches. You can sign up for our email list to receive updates on upcoming watch launches.
Currently we do not sell straps unless they are purchased with a watch.
Shipping
We offer free worldwide shipping via DHL. Once your order is ready to ship you can expect an email from DHL directly with tracking and delivery information.
We use DHL.
International shipping is free of charge for all watch orders purchased from our website.
We offer free worldwide shipping, to any country that DHL can ship to (which you can check on their website, and at the time of writing does not include North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Myanmar, Syria, Sudan, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus).
As soon as your order ships you will receive your tracking number and a link to manage your delivery preferences from DHL.
Yes, all DHL shipments will require a signature, unless you state otherwise when you manage your preferences with DHL.
UnconstrainedTime watches are individual personalized orders, which means we can’t start making your watch until you specify your choice of metal. While we will do everything we can to get your watch to you as rapidly as possible, it takes time to make and assemble a personalized watch and polish it by hand, have it passed by our quality control, then get it to you, so it might take up to 90 days from the day you buy a watch, for us to begin shipping your watch to you.
How long the shipping process itself takes will vary according to which country you are in. The DHL website will provide further details.
For your peace of mind, all our products are tracked and insured by us and shipped on a signed for basis to confirm receipt. We will keep you updated by email as your watch is made, assembled, finished by hand, tested and shipped to you, and you will receive tracking details from DHL once shipping is started.
All watch shipments are tracked, and the DHL tracking details will be shared with you once your order is dispatched. We monitor all shipments until they arrive safely with you.
Problems, returns and warranty:
Yes. Most of the parts of this watch are 3D printed, so they can be created whenever needed at any time in the future. If we ever go out of business, we can easily make the 3D files for each part publicly available at no cost.
If you have received your order and it is incorrect or damaged, then please contact us.
We take photographs of our watches to give you an idea of the colour of the metals and other materials used, but each computer monitor or smartphone screen displays colours slightly differently, and it’s never possible to know that you’re looking at the physical watch in the exact same lighting conditions it was photographed in. So the colour indications on photos on our website are only approximate indications of the colour you will see when you look at one of our watches.
If you have received your order, and would like to return it for a refund, we are able to accept returns within 30 days of the tracked shipping marking your watch as having been delivered to you, provided the watch is unworn and not damaged in any way. Once it has been inspected a refund (minus return shipping fee) will be processed. Please contact us, to arrange a return.
Please note: The return payment can take up to 10 days to process. For more details of our returns policy, see our returns policy and warranty page.
We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return. To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags and any paperwork, and in all its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase. Returns within 30 days will qualify for a full refund (minus return shipping fee).
Once your returned watch is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to the original method of payment, within 10 working days.
To return your product, you need to contact us to find out where to ship it to. When shipping, please make a note of your tracking number and ensure you keep a copy of proof of postage. We recommend that you use a trackable shipping service when returning your items, as the goods are your responsibility whilst in transit.
To start a return, you can contact us. For more details of our returns policy, see our returns policy and warranty page.
We include a 2 year warranty which extends to workmanship defects, valid from the date of purchase. This covers any form of mechanical fault and we will arrange a repair free of charge. You ship the watch back to us, and we will repair it and ship it back to you.
The warranty does not cover: battery, aesthetic changes to the leather straps, nor does it cover accidents or damage caused by lack of care, or normal wear and tear, nor does it cover damage due to intrusion of water or other liquids, or scratches or dents. For more details of our warranty, see our returns policy and warranty page.
It is usually not possible to change the details of the watch you ordered, after it has been paid for, because we will start making it individually for you very soon after payment has been made.
An exception is the strap, which we might be able to change for you before the watch reaches the stage of the strap being added, if the colour was chosen from our recommended colour options. If you requested your own choice of strap colour, that cannot be changed after you’ve made your order.
If your watch strap is faulty, or is returned unworn within 30 days of delivery, we will either send you a new one, or send you a full refund on the strap. Please contact us for details.
General questions:
Sign up for our Priority List, which will notify you about our launches as well as giving you priority access to behind-the-scenes secrets of our brand, and also follow us on our social media (links at the bottom of every page of our website).
We are always here to help. We try to provide as much information as possible on our product pages, but if you’d like to know something specific please contact us.
Please contact us with your question.
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