Independents

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Slim, but once on the wrist the weight of the platinum case makes it clear that one is wearing something special.

It is compact, thin, light, elegant but not pretentious. Also the winding feel is really special.

I have to admit, I did NOT love the Hida as much as I expected to (I bought, and ended up moving on from it quickly). I was surprised at the crunchy, high-effort winding! It seemed unrefined. Does yours feel different than that or do we just have differen...  

I would definitely describe the winding as very low effort and really smooth with a precise click.

I thought mine felt less refined than much lower priced watches with the same base movement. When you're paying $20k+ for a stainless steel time only, it should feel nicer than an IWC Portuguese Chrono! I'm definitely interested to hear that yours isn't l... 

I don't think we have different perception, much more likely something was off with the movement of the example you got ... I have handled another Hida watch besides mine and the winding was again buttery smooth. You should have sent it back, but at the s... 

I didn't know what to expect, but what I did know was that it was a 7750-base movement. So the idea that it might end up with unrefined mechanical feel was not hard to believe. Very disappointed. I still think it's okay, that the watch wasn't for me as mu... 

Definitely each of them deserves its place on the podium but as for me I am particularly drawn to the VH Classic (I know I am biased 😉)… ...  

One does not come up with those three easily. I’ve been watching Hida’s watches since the start, and have managed to handle them all finally. I was reluctant to purchase without holding them in my hand. The design, style, details are all to my liking. I’m... 

I thought it would be interesting to play this mental game without falling into patterns like "if only 3 then I need a diver, a chronograph and a dress watch". Yes, all 3 are rare but not the obvious blue chip choices in this category. I like the minimali... 

You have a lot of personality in these three watches yet as you say they are all simple watches. Re the classic requirements of needing a diver, dress watch etc your post somewhat links to mine over the weekend where I was musing on how dress codes and a ... 

I completely agree that dress watches are sneaking back into our casual post Covid lifestyles. Here is one interesting anecdote - a friend of mine who has traditionally been more into bracelet watches somehow got interested in PP 5000J - a very classic 33...  

That cartier is really intriguing to me

I love the Vianney Halter Classic