Pared down precision: MH01 Watch by Matthew Hilton

British furniture designer Matthew Hilton put on a new face with his first ever watch design, MH01, launched at the London Design Festival in 2013. His self-taught skills combined with his knowledge of modern manufacturing result in “desirable, rigorous, and beautiful products; incredibly efficient and “exquisitely made,” his innovative timepiece seamlessly combines a 316 marine grade stainless steel case, watch face, and a battery powered Swiss quartz movement into a single component. A full grain vegetable tanned leather strap – complete with a stainless steel buckle – passes directly through the elegant form. Available in black, brown, or tan, the acid-resistant strap provides a delightfully organic contrast to the watch’s metallic surface. Hilton reduces the archetype even further on its face, which no longer contains numerals; custom-made Swiss hands land on subtly engraved tick marks that indicate the time. Through a precise approach and classic aesthetic, the designer has created a piece that will surely stand the test of time – both through routine wear and tear and amidst evolving styles.