Top Five Independent Watchmakers: A Collector's View

sham1 · 2016-12-15T02:10:43Z

Explore sham1's top five independent watchmakers: Kari Voutilainen, Philip Dufour, Romain Gauthier, Roger Smith, and FP Journe. Join the debate on the best in independent horology.

sham1

WPS member · Independents forum

87 replies28285 views8 photos

sham1 sparks a lively debate by presenting his personal top five independent watchmakers, complete with illustrative photos. This post invites the WatchProSite community to share their own perspectives on who represents the 'best of the best' in independent horology. It serves as an excellent starting point for new collectors to discover key figures and brands in this specialized segment of watchmaking.

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We all have our favourite independents and our own views on who are the best among them but this is my top five which I am sure will not necessarily be agreed upon by everyone. I have decided to attach some photos to highlight why I think these independents are the best of the best!

And in no particular order, the affable and humble Kari Voutilainen, the king of finishing Philip Dufour, the visionary Romain Gauthier, the traditional Roger Smith and the master watchmaker and designer, FP Journe! I was tempted to add Laurent Ferrier to the list too instead of FP Journe but FP has been an iconic figure for over a decade and his collection is arguably more varied.

Let me know what you think

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

Best wishes,

Sham

PS Needless to say none of the lovely photos below were taken by me!

Key Points from the Discussion

The choice of top independent watchmakers often depends on specific watches, with some collectors prioritizing innovative technical displays and aesthetic designs.
The finishing quality of Romain Gauthier's watches is considered by some to be nearly on par with Kari Voutilainen, despite Gauthier being less widely known.
The ability of a watchmaker to customize a watch for a client, demonstrating openness, humility, and quality dialogue, is a crucial factor in selecting a favorite.
Daniel Roth's historical contributions to tourbillon design, including the Breguet 3450 and his own Double Face Tourbillon, highlight his mastery of complications.
Greubel Forsey's partial ownership by Richemont Group raises questions about their continued status as a truly independent watchmaker.
Andreas Strehler is recognized for creating highly precise and innovative complications, such as the world's most precise moon phase and moon age indications.
For a bespoke dream watch, watchmakers like Kari Voutilainen, Roger Smith, or Philip DuFour are preferred for their unparalleled finishing, traditional methods, and ability to create smaller, beautifully made three-handed watches.
The top independent watchmakers often represent better investments due to their movement quality, finishing, handmade content, and exclusivity.

The Discussion

Alkiro1

Dec 15, 2016

Two of my Grail watches are there. The RG Logical One (on top of my wish list) and the FP Journe Chronometre Bleu (not so far)

You mentioned Laurent Ferrier and I\'m fully agree with you. From my side, the Galet micro-rotor in white gold grey or blue dial is a dream. I would add the MB&F Legacy Machine 101 and the Robin\'s Moser with its funky blue dial. Thank you Santa for this lovely reminder before Christmas. Best wishes Alkiro

sham1

Dec 15, 2016

Thanks Alkiro!

I was actually referring to the top 5 independents rather than the top 5 watches by independents and I randomly chose 5 watches from their respective collections. Coincidentally two of them are on your wish list

Alkiro1

Dec 15, 2016

Fully understand you

But, I would be really curious to know the distribution of the capital of these "independent" firms. For instance, Laurent Ferrier is not the main shareholder of the company which has his name (several private investors behind). I think it is the same situation for FP Journe. But, finally, the main goal is these brands make us dream ;-) Best wishes Alkiro

sham1

Dec 15, 2016

I agree Alkiro :-)

They have beautiful finishing and movements and are amazingly creative.

Alkiro1

Dec 15, 2016

That's what we want and love ;-)

Best wishes Alkiro

sham1

Dec 15, 2016

Actually stricty speaking

Patek Philippe is an independent too although a large one

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