Grönefeld, Akrivia, Credor: Independent Watch Comparison

sham1 · 2018-03-28T09:10:22Z

Sham1 compares Grönefeld Remontoire, Vianney Halter, Akrivia Chronomètre Contemporain, and Credor Eichi II for a top independent watch choice.

sham1

WPS member · Independents forum

79 replies15624 views7 photos

Sham1 challenges the community to choose a single exceptional watch from a curated selection of independents and one outsider, all within a CHF 40k-55k budget. His post sparks a lively debate on exemplary finishing, accuracy, wearability, and the elusive 'soul' of a movement, inviting collectors to weigh the merits of Grönefeld, Vianney Halter, Akrivia, and Credor.

you had 40k to 55k CHF to spend on one watch and it had to be chosen from one of these independents and one outsider. Your criteria would be a watch with exemplary finishing, highly accurate and reliable, sized between 38mm and 39.5mm, an exclusive watch that is in limited production, a simple 3 handed watch but not just any other 3 handed watch. Short of a Dufour Simplicity, RW Smith Series 1 or 2 and Voutilainen Vingt 8, one of these watches would not only be able to compete with the best but be a watch that would please you even if it was your only watch. Which would you choose?!

A steel Gronefeld Remontoire limited to 25 pieces

You have all seen the movement before but no one will ever get tired of it!

The Vianney Halter anniversary steel watch limited to 20 pieces
Sorry I do not have any photos of the movement and it is the only automatic watch here.

The Akrivia Chronometre Contemporain in rose gold or platinum

Yes I know!

Rexhep Rexhepi makes some of the best movements out there and would get full marks for creativity and finishing. This was a prototype and would be fine tuned before production begins.

The Credor Eichi II may not be an independent brand but it is a superb piece of horology. Photo borrowed from SJX with thanks.

The immaculate finishing of the spring drive movement is an added bonus to a watch with an accuracy of half a second a day!!

Key Points from the Discussion

The Akrivia Chronomètre Contemporain is praised for its art deco dial, clean movement architecture, and exquisite finishing, with collectors eager to get in early on Rexhep Rexhepi's promising brand.
The Grönefeld Remontoire is highlighted for its versatility, capable of dressing both up and down, making it a strong contender for a single-watch collection.
The Credor Eichi II is recognized for its exceptional wearability, immaculate Spring Drive movement finishing, and impressive accuracy of half a second a day, making it a highly desirable 'under the radar' piece.
The Chronomètre Contemporain dial uses vitreous enamel, not grand feu, and while Rexhep Rexhepi offers some customization, it's not as extensive as Kari Voutilainen, who can even alter case sizes.
Service and long-term stability are significant concerns for independent watchmakers due to their small production volumes, making the choice of a watchmaker with robust after-sales support crucial.
The platinum Credor Eichi II is often preferred over the rose gold version, with its rarity increasing as the Micro Artist Studio diversifies its production beyond the Eichi II.

The Discussion

Spencer Karrington

Mar 28, 2018

You have a wonderful selection of timepieces, truly beautiful!!! I my choice would be between the Rexhepi Rexhepi (black dial with rose gold) and the Credor. Both are so different and stunning in their own unique way it would be nearly impossible to choice between them. That would be my choice. Perhaps make the budget 100,000 so that we could buy both :P

sham1

Mar 28, 2018

Yes they are all great watches in their own right. The Credor is arguably terribly understated and it is actually the lowest priced of the four making it an attractive option. Rexhep Rexhepi's movement is quite something and even the dial design is elegant yet modern and unusual. I chose a plain dial Gronefeld rather than one of Kari's guilloche or enamel dials so as to keep the watch in the price bracket. The Vianney almost looks plain by comparison except for the scrumptous hands and clever lu

sham1

Mar 28, 2018

You have a Remontoire I recall so I do not blame you for putting that in first place. The watch was released almost two years ago but it competes well against the Basel novelties and I believe it will continue to do so year after year. The Chronometre Contemporain apparently even had Philip Dufour admiring it in awe at Basel so we are talking about one of the best finished pieces in the market today. The fact that it is the Akrivia budget model is mind boggling!

agyzace

Mar 28, 2018

If forced to choose, Akrivia or Credor. All the best, Alex

damianp

Mar 28, 2018

I‘m still researching. Also, I‘m not sure whether there is a sales point in the EU. But definitly an interesting watch.

john c

Mar 28, 2018

..failing that any watch by the independent maker from Japan, Hajime Asaoka. Best, John.

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Grönefeld, Akrivia, Credor: Independent Watch Comparison

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