This new ArtyA Luminity Wavy debuts a new AMR-02 calibre
Zach BlassAre watch collectors not talking about ArtyA enough? When independent watchmakers like ArtyA often work with bold shapes or more colourful, experimental materials, sometimes their creations can be polarising or even intimidating for the wrist. However, I think the design of the new ArtyA Luminity Wavy AMR-02 is a great starting point to ease people into the world of this innovative brand. Let’s take a closer look.
The cases
A circular 40mm case, 13mm thick, is by no means unfamiliar, but it is amazing how the detailing and finishing of a case can distinguish it and make it feel more modern. The Luminity Wavy uses the brand’s signature Wavy case, but the AMR-02 makes this case available in both grade 5 titanium and sapphire. For the grade 5 titanium variants, the two case variants both utilise DLC coatings – but transparent DLC coatings.
I have to confess that, until now, I never knew a transparent DLC coating was a thing. Typically, we see DLC coatings to darken or blacken a case, but the real point of a diamond-like carbon coating is to make a base material more robust and scratch-resistant. Therefore, with the transparent DLC coating, you get the look of a more natural grade 5 titanium but with more elevated scratch resistance. To be more specific, titanium typically has a Vickers hardness of 400, but the transparent DLC coating raises the Vickers hardness to 1,200 and the black DLC coating to 1,800.
The grade 5 titanium cases feel very futuristic, almost alien in nature, with their surfaces fully sandblasted to give them a matte appearance. However, as a luxury product, there has to be a little flair, right? ArtyA has injected a subtle, polished flank to really highlight the contour of the case and its sculptural form. It may appear simple, but finishing titanium like this is anything but easy.
Your other case option, which shares the same dimensions but has a slightly lower depth rating of 30 metres compared to the 50 metres found in the grade 5 titanium case, is the sapphire case option. The sapphire surfaces are hand-polished to achieve perfect clarity, affording a window into the inner mechanical world of the watch from all angles.
The dials
In the same way that there are multiple case options available for the Luminity Wavy AMR-02, there are also multiple dial options. With all of these watches featuring ArtyA’s new AMR-02 micro-rotor automatic calibre, the dials are crafted in sapphire to allow the calibre to be on full display. However, you can choose to have a tinted sapphire to introduce more colour, or you can even opt for a natural stone inlay, such as meteorite or aventurine, to introduce new texture and colour.
It is incredible how ArtyA inlays the stone within the sapphire dial on the same plane; it does not jut out above its surface. This is a testament to the brand’s manufacturing capabilities. When Jamie, Marcus and I were at Geneva Watch Days filming these watches, we quizzed ArtyA founder Yvan Arpa about how ArtyA has managed to pull this off: Yvan was tight-lipped about exactly how they do it, as he doesn’t want competitors following suit, but he alluded to a unique milling process that’s the result of a lot of R&D.
Some may be concerned that an open dial like this would be hard to read, but there is a full set of applied hour indexes and a full outer minutes track to make time telling clearer. Additionally, the dauphine hour and minutes hands are brushed and diamond-polished, enhancing both their elegance and legibility.
The straps
All of the Luminity Wavy AMR-02 models are offered on leather straps with an ArtyA pin buckle with or without a black DLC coating. To be honest, there is not much more to say here other than the straps are striking, comfortable, and outfitted with a pin buckle that is handsomely detailed.
The movement
The in-house AMR-02 is a powerful, handsome micro-rotor automatic movement that is notably just 3.6mm thick. It is billed with a guaranteed 82 hours of chronometric performance, thanks to twin barrels working in parallel – each fitted with longer, finer springs that unwind more smoothly to provide a steadier, more linear flow of energy. Its tungsten micror-rotor also ensures more efficient self-winding. Visually, the mainplate and bridges have received an anthracite coating and have been decorated with a sandblasted finish to maintain the future-forward aesthetic of the brand. It is a very visually balanced calibre from a structural perspective, and every working component is on display for you to take in.
The verdict
Ultimately, it is safe to say that ArtyA watches, like this new AMR-02 collection, are for collectors who are looking for something that departs from the norm. It is a conversation piece, striking in its distinct look. That being said, it exhibits a level of horological prowess to satiate movement purists and sticklers as well. It is said this AMR-02 calibre will be rolled out in other collections in the future, and with its 3.6mm thickness, it really opens the door for new case forms and designs.
My only points of feedback would really be that, with a 3.6mm thick calibre, I feel like the case could have been a bit thinner. But, then again, the Wavy case is an established design in its catalogue that would lose some of its sculptural sensibility were it thinner. I also would like to see slightly more elevated bevelling on the bridges of the AMR-02 calibre to up the luxury factor even more. But overall, it’s a very impressive package.
ArtyA Luminity Wavy AMR-02 pricing and availability
The ArtyA Luminity Wavy AMR-02 is available now as a limited series of 99 pieces. Price: starting at CHF 17,900 (excl. taxes), full pricing can be found in the table below
| Brand | Artya |
| Model | Luminity Wavy AMR-02 |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) X 13mm (T) |
| Case Material | Grade 5 titanium (transparent or black DLC) Sapphire |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres (titanium) 30 metres (sapphire) |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Transparent or tinted sapphire, with or without natural stone inlay |
| Strap | Leather strap, ArtyA pin buckle |
| Movement | AMR-02, in-house, micro-rotor automatic |
| Power Reserve | 82 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Limited series of 99 pieces |
| Price | CHF 17,900 (titanium/black DLC & transparent sapphire dial) CHF 19,900 (titanium/DLC noir & stone or tinted sapphire dial) CHF 37,900 (sapphire & sapphire dial) CHF 39,900 (sapphire & stone dial) All prices excl. taxes |