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 donβt 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
And most of the time, succession of business is more at risk in smaller company, I believe the CEO has tried her best to explain even the company is out of business there would be some watchmakers able to repair and service it watches. However, it is not a reassurance or guarantee in anyway. Best regards, Baxter
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
One is used, the other one is kept for parts recovery π€π€π€π€ Problem solved
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
Even the big brands may go under or change their practice significantly which can affect the future service. I remember many years ago owning a Brietling the service charge for which was insignificant. The cost of the second service a few years later was nearly as much as the watch itself.
I think the CEO brings some reassurance. She mentions the blueprints for parts. Perhaps this could be something for AHCI to keep an archive of blueprints of the watches of their members if the brand, independent or suppliers disappears. Having access to the blueprints is not a guarantee of course. But it must be a big help for a watch restorer. How much one is willing to spend on the restoration of a watch of course always depends on the value of the piece at the given time. I guess we can all t
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