Limited-edition watch (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 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.”
Limited edition (see below)
Prices will start around $2,000
Free international shipping.
Size = 40mm
Each watch is a bespoke order, available in these (mostly) recycled metals:
- 18k gold
- white gold
- rose gold
- 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 limited edition is expected to sell out rapidly, so:
Don’t miss the launch:
World’s first! This is, as far as we can determine, the first 3D fractal watch ever made. You can’t get much more unique than that!
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. 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. Real photos coming soon.
Limited edition: This watch, at the 40mm size, will be the watch we launch with, as a small limited edition, 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 limited edition will be announced 2 weeks before the launch, and will be of 100 pieces or less, depending on estimated demand. We plan to later release a separate limited-edition for this watch at the smaller size of about 30mm which will be the only other release of this watch.
Details on the back-plate: the company name (UnconstrainedTime) and logo, the name of this watch (Fractal Emergence 40mm), the name of the artist who created this watch (Chris Melchior), serial number and limited edition number. The engraving on the back-plate (which is made of 316L stainless steel, used in many well-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 on the back-plate because it matters who made a piece of art, unlike design.
Time Display: All UnconstrainedTime watches are touch watches, which means that they display the time when the button is pressed.
Ownership Security: Each Fractal Emergence limited edition 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).
Size: This limited edition 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 limited edition of Fractal Emergence, ever, with a case diameter of around 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 but with a deliberately plain aesthetic, so that most of the focus is on the fractal.
Metals: The case/body of this watch is solid metal, 3D printed and cast, usually in recycled metals, by an artisan casting foundry using the lost-wax process, then hand finished with the protruding parts polished, leaving the non-protruding surfaces proudly showing their 3D printed origins, which makes it clear that the watch 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 of making watches.
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.
British made, hand finished: Each UnconstrainedTime watch is made, assembled and polished by hand in Britain.
In use: In terms of use, Cross #1 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. 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 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 a bespoke order, which means we can’t start making it until you specify your personal 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 bespoke watch, and test and polish it by hand, so it might take up to 90 days to ship 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 unique minimal electronic touch time-display with 12 small LEDs to allow as much focus as possible on the unique creative aesthetics. A CR1216 battery 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.
Make sure you don’t miss the launch . . . subscribe here for launch notification.
The Story Behind Our Fractal Emergence Watch.
I’ve loved the exotic beauty of fractals since I discovered them and began exploring their intricacies with computer code, such as by implementing example algorithms released by Scientific American 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 resulting shapes) from a fine art perspective.
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 as fractals have a special place in my heart. I still find myself entranced by their alien beauty and fascinated by their complex yet intuitively natural forms.
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 it a realistic watch to make and wear.
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 personal exploration of my own life-long aesthetic fascinations, which are two of the main defining characteristics of fine art. See our home page for more on how we find that we align with the definitions of art. The choice to polish the protruding parts of the watch but leave the non-protruding surfaces proudly showing their 3D printed 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).
It’s also fitting that UnconstrainedTime, as an unusually unique microbrand, is launching with what is almost certainly the world’s first 3D fractal watch. For more details on how and why we’re so unusual, see our home page and “our story” page.
Definitely an exciting embodiment of our slogan: “Celebrate your Uniqueness”!
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.
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 with each of the 12 time-display elements, and with 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.
UnconstrainedTime watches do not store or display the date, they only display the time.
Your strap 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 as this 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, 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.
Yes. The edition is limited. We do expect to also release just one other small limited edition 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 unusual internal components of the watch need to be removed and replaced 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 limited edition 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. If you have any questions, contact us via info@unconstrainedtime.com (or via our social media, which is checked daily).
Unfortunately, we are currently unable to offer serial number or limited edition number requests on our limited edition watches. Each individually made bespoke limited edition watch will be assigned a limited edition 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 limited edition, 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 the next watch launch by UnconstrainedTime.
Currently, UnconstrainedTime watches are only available direct from our own website. We might be launching an unlimited edition watch at some point in the future, which is likely to be available in some physical shops, and we plan to collaborate with creators such as art jewellers to produce one-off watches which are likely to be exhibited in art galleries.
Most UnconstrainedTime watches are individually made bespoke artworks, which don’t align with the concepts of mass production. Our watches are for the very few people who appreciate unusually unique and creative watches. Like fine art prints, our watches make sense in limited editions, like some of the other great limited edition watches.
Unfortunately, we do not currently offer pre-orders on any of our limited edition watches. You can sign up for our email list to receive updates on upcoming watch launches.
At the moment, 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 bespoke orders, which means we can’t start making it until you specify your personal choice of metal for the watch to be created from. 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 bespoke 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 get 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:
All of the mechanical 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 using our contact form, at: info@unconstrainedtime.com, or via our social media, which is checked daily and we will resolve this immediately.
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 as long as 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 using our contact form, via info@unconstrainedtime.com or via our social media, which is checked daily, 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 email 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 at info@unconstrainedtime.com (or via our social media, which is checked daily). 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 on our contact form, at info@unconstrainedtime.com or via our social media, which is checked daily, 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 using our contact-form, by emailing info@unconstrainedtime.com or on our social media which is checked daily.
Please contact us using our contact-form, by emailing info@unconstrainedtime.com or on our social media which is checked daily.