In a striking fusion of innovation and organic beauty, designer Ayoub Ahmad unveils STRACTRA, a 3D printed titanium watch that reimagines the language of timekeeping. Developed as a concept entry for the Dubai Watch Week x Grail Watch Design Competition, the piece challenges conventions through its sculptural form, fluid structure, and poetic interpretation of time. The watch design draws equally from engineering precision and the quiet elegance of natural forms, making it a standout example of where craftsmanship meets future-forward thinking.
Nature as inspiration for design
Inspired by the quiet complexity of tree branches and natural growth patterns, STRACTRA’s silhouette feels less manufactured and more “grown.” The case is formed by smooth, flowing lines that echo nature’s unpredictability — a design philosophy that Ahmad describes as rooted in transformation. Along the right arc of the dial, branch-like structures weave across a 180-degree arc, with sunset-orange numerals nestled between them to mark the hours. This symbolic use of nature not only grounds the watch in emotional resonance but also gives it a sculptural presence on the wrist.
3D printed titanium watch with an architectural edge
Built using 3D printing technology with titanium as its core material, STRACTRA is a study in modern fabrication and minimalist construction. A 360-degree minute ring encircles the center, intersected by organic lines that reference the passage of time as something continuous and alive. The left side of the watch reveals a textural grille-like surface, while the open structure exposes some of the inner mechanics — a subtle nod to transparency in design. Engraved discreetly is the watch’s name, STRACTRA, adding a personal signature to the conceptual work.
Although still a concept, Ayoub Ahmad’s watch design is already generating buzz. By treating nature as inspiration for design and embracing the technical possibilities of 3D printed titanium, STRACTRA invites wearers — and watchmakers — to imagine a new dimension of time: one that flows as organically as the world around us.
Images courtesy of AYOUB AHMAD