Matt Oosthuizen is a sustainable manufacturing specialist at Autodesk and the founder of Apiar, a British watch brand redefining modern horology. With a strong background in engineering and sustainability, Matt has worked extensively with cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, including additive manufacturing. His role at Autodesk exposed him to the remarkable possibilities of additive manufacturing and generative design, inspiring him to bring these innovations into the watchmaking industry. Driven by a passion for design and manufacturing, Matt is committed to pushing boundaries in British watchmaking, creating timepieces that challenge convention and achieve what once seemed impossible.
Apiar is on a mission to redefine British watchmaking by leveraging additive manufacturing to create what was once deemed impossible. In this talk, ‘Building Impossible British Watches,’ Oosthuizen will explore how cutting edge technologies and practices, often seen in aerospace and automotive industries, inspired Apiar to reimagine horology.
He’ll share how Apiar has adapted additive manufacturing for small-scale production, drawing inspiration from advanced technologies, such as generative design, to craft intricate, organic designs that traditional methods couldn’t achieve. This approach has enabled Apiar to break free from large-order constraints, offering bespoke, tailored creations for watch collectors around the world.
Apiar’s journey includes overcoming technical challenges, establishing a fully British supply chain, and pushing the boundaries of design and engineering in a highly traditional industry. The company wants to bring the additive manufacturing industry into the consumer sector and show that advanced software and manufacturing solutions can spark innovation within the British watchmaking industry.