Indie Box One Watch Collection Completion

Hororgasm · 2022-04-19T09:41:58Z

Explore Hororgasm's 'Indie Box One,' a curated collection of independent watches. Discover the philosophy behind collecting artisan timepieces and their evolution.

Hororgasm

WPS member · Independents forum

68 replies17363 views1 photos

Hororgasm, a long-time collector and respected voice in the luxury watch community, shares his meticulously curated 'Indie Box One' collection. This article delves into his philosophy of independent watch collecting, tracing its evolution from a niche interest to a significant segment of haute horology. His insights offer a valuable perspective on the 'revolution' of independent watchmaking and the unique appeal of these artisan creations.

Friends, Purists, Collectors, lend me your ears........

51 years ago, almost to the exact day, at the height of the Cuban Missile crisis, in a letter to Chairman Khrushchev, President John F Kennedy ended with "The great revolution in the history of men, past, present and future, is the revolution of those determined to be free". We hear tons of marketing literature from Indie brands, about revolution in watch making, being rebels...yes, Mr. Busser, talking about you

... I have been reading tons of interviews from a lot of independent watchmakers and brands over the last 15 years, a common theme, is being independent and free to explore and create. That degree of "independence" depends on the ability of the watchmaker, the capabilities of the brand, and its connectivity(codependence even) to the rest of fellow Indie watchmakers and supply chain. Even the naming of the very professional grouping AHCI, Academie Horlogere des Createurs Indepedants, carries that message loud and clear.

I started collecting Indies in early 2000s, not as a genre, but as "just another interesting watch". I was subconsciously developing a healthy respect for Indie watchmakers, and that respect and understanding process, back in the late 2000s, were from watch sites like our beloved Puristspro, and back then Indie watchmakers would communicate direct to their collectors....no Zoom, physical meetings when they are in town, and subsequently thru emails. Singapore was then at the forefront of Independent collecting.....luminaries like Dr Bernard Cheong and then Purists moderator SJX were giving a healthy dose of publicity to these Indies locally, supported by ADs like The Hourglass and Sincere Fine Watches that were pioneers in selling Indies locally. That subconscious would become a CONCIOUS, in capital letters, and in 2011, I decided to create a Indie collection that in my humble opinion, spans time, price, complications and history. I am not interested in having 20 Journes(would be nice, doubt I can ever afford it though), or having every Horological Machines created( would be nice, doubt I will be allocated though)....you get the drill. The idea for the Indie box is curating what I think is horologically relevant(very subjective, but then again, its MY box), across price spectrum, creation processes, watchmakers, collaborations, from different eras....subjected to what I can find and afford. Box One also captures the evolution of Indies from a semi cottage industry to a more glamour driven must have mentality of current days.

I am actually half way thru Box Two, and I hope to present it next year this date. I end this post with a quote from the celebrated watch auctioneer Aurel Bacs

"Independence can be a lonely adventure, and only few find success. By signing their work, these makers put their reputation on the line with every watch they produce. They have given their collectors the greatest luxuries, the gift of choice. Their watches are atypical and that is why we love them"

best, and free

Horo

Key Points from the Discussion

Independent brands offer a more insightful and memorable collecting experience due to their small production and personable approach, contrasting with mainstream brands that prioritize younger demographics and shareholder returns.
The collection impressively showcases the evolution of independent watchmaking, inspiring reflection on the journey of these brands.
The 'Indie Box One' is an exceptional, cherry-picked collection featuring many highly desirable independent pieces, including a GoldPfeil placed next to an Urwerk UR-105.
The collector's journey and diverse, incredible collection serve as an inspiration for other enthusiasts.
The absence of a Laurent Ferrier watch in the box is due to a suspected theft within the family, highlighting a personal challenge faced by collectors.
The collection is a 'mindboggling box of indie candy,' reflecting a vision and a selection process that was likely both joyful and challenging.

The Discussion

ArmisT

Apr 19, 2022

Truly impressive spectrum that helps one reflect and appreciate the evolution some of these indies went through, and that others are working towards. Would be great addition if you had a label for these amazing pieces, but it’s a little on the larger side, and researching select models can be fun. I can imagine what you’re curating in your second box 🤔…pieces like Kudoke jump to mind as one example. But I know you have your own criteria for choosing the indies you like. In all cases, thank you f

Geo

Apr 19, 2022

I remember having seen many of them. GEO

VinnieD

Apr 19, 2022

Interesting to see a Preziuso: very uncommon to see one Honest question: have you lost interest in "mainstream" brands?

Bounce781

Apr 19, 2022

This is probably the best collection of interesting watches I’ve ever seen. Huge congrats and thank you for supporting the indie creators. Cheers

Credor

Apr 19, 2022

Thank you for sharing your very impressive collection of rare independent watches. Cant wait to see more.

Hororgasm

Apr 19, 2022

its just like my day job versus my night job I still collect mainstream brands, but the marginal utility of Indies have a gentler slope. and the hype of Rolex, Patek etc is turning off true blue collectors, including past-sell-by date collector like me. mainstream brands wants the youngest of Gen Y and the oldest of Millenials to be their core audience, thinking of longevity and shareholers returns, IMHO a wrong strategy. Indies(or, some Indies) do not curate their customers that way. The small

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