When 3D Printing Meets Blockchain: Apiar Launches Gen1.0 MR² Crypto Titanium Watch

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March 18, 2026 News 9575

London-based watchmaker Apiar has recently launched the Gen1.0 MR² titanium mechanical timepiece, once again merging additive manufacturing, generative design, and cryptography.

Interestingly, this product was born from an Instagram mix-up—someone mistakenly attributed the Gen1.0 design to another individual with the same name, Max Resnick. Apiar seized the opportunity and invited both "Max Resnicks" (the original designer and a Solana researcher) to collaboratively create this MR².

While retaining the design of its predecessor, the MR² incorporates elements of blockchain technology. The case back features an engraving created using the SHA-256 hash function principle, with laser-engraved version numbers, contributor names, and technical data—much like how a blockchain generates a digital fingerprint for each block. This gives every watch a unique signature permanently fixed into the titanium. This release also marks Apiar's first integration of crypto payments in SOL and USDC.

The dial features no traditional logo, instead using the Solana symbol as its identifier. A CNC-machined guilloché pattern undergoes multiple processes including sandblasting, polishing, and coloring to achieve a gradient gray mix. More notably, it introduces an interchangeable dial system: the same printed central case can accommodate either flat 2D dials or organic 3D printed dials.

Original designer MR1 stated: "My vision for the Gen1.0 would have been impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods... Apiar's approach gave me complete creative freedom, allowing us to see in reality exactly what I envisioned in my mind."

The case and base are manufactured using laser powder bed fusion technology with Ti6Al4V Grade 23, a biocompatible titanium material with strong corrosion resistance. Co-founder Oosthuizen commented: "With the flexibility of our supply chain, we can explore ideas without fear of constraints."

Limited to 30 pieces, priced at £2,220 (£2,664 including VAT).