Independents
Velociphile initiates a crucial discussion on the long-term viability and serviceability of Laurent Ferrier watches, directly addressing concerns about independent watchmakers. By sharing a direct response from the CEO, this post offers rare transparency into the brand's strategy for ensuring future support. The community's subsequent discussion delves into the broader implications for collectors of independent brands.
Dear Sir,
Many thanks for your interest in Laurent Ferrier.
I can understand your concern about service on the long term. Let me just explain how we work at Laurent Ferrier.
All our movements are designed in house exclusively for us. Every single component blueprint is made in-house and sent to the best suppliers who make the parts for us with our standard of quality.
So whoever needs to repair a LF timepiece can get access to the original suppliers in the unlikely event the company is out of business.
Moreover, a very good watchmaker can study our escapement and understands how it works. So there is no assembly problem.
For the near future, we also think about training some watchmakers in selected service centers around the world so that we can ensure a long-term service capability. These watchmakers will be authorized to carry an inventory of key spare parts.
I hope I answered your question. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
If you or/and your fellow collectors are interested in a visit in Geneva, you are most welcome. If you don’t travel to Geneva, I can also make it to your area and introduce you our latest pieces.
Please keep me posted.
All the best,
Vanessa Monestel
LAURENT FERRIER SA
150 ROUTE DE SAINT JULIEN
CH-1228 PLAN LES OUATES / GENEVE
it will rely that in the event of a liquidation that the component designs are saved, in a structured way, and then on the availability of the information to turn into actual parts and on what basis and price by what route to the end user. A separate observation: It is interesting to see that they have no issue in it being clear that all the parts are outsourced. Velociphile
BUT also for all small watch companies, Independents, mostly... If I didn't have these questions in mind, it would have been a relatively long time I'd own a Laurent Ferrier, or a Kari Voutilainen. Best, Nicolas
Is L. Ferrier just an assembler? Did those suppliers make the finishing? I guess these questions are very interesting and the answers could be a bit shocking. I'll be honest, i can't afford it but i've always considered Ferrier one of the most appealing independent so far. Now my respect has unfortunately changed, obviously not in a positive way
And I understand in house. Personally I don’t have a problem with this. It’s a realistic approach and not disguised unlike some others we could shame. It also keeps the cost down.
Swiss made is such a misty definition; no one really knows what IN HOUSE means. They produce 100 watches/year, but the prices are higher than Journe, with less complications. Still a great watchmaker, but no longer at the top (at least for me).
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