The New Holy Trinity of Watches Discussion

enjoythemusic · 2021-12-28T13:36:16Z

Explore the WatchProSite community's debate on redefining the 'Holy Trinity' of horology. Discover which independent watchmakers collectors propose for a modern pantheon.

enjoythemusic

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

28 replies5132 views1 photos

In a thought-provoking discussion, enjoythemusic challenges the long-held notion of the 'Holy Trinity' in horology, arguing that the landscape of mechanical timepieces has dramatically shifted. He invites the WatchProSite community to redefine this esteemed group, focusing specifically on true independent manufacturers. This article synthesizes the community's diverse perspectives on which brands deserve a place in a modern horological pantheon.

Have been thinking about the old-school "Holy Trinity" some entity came up with long ago. A few of the older brands have been bought and sold to big conglomerates. One changed leadership with some questions coming forward during that time. Thus the old-school Holy Trinity desperately needs updating imho.

Since the mechanical timepiece landscape has GREATLY changed since the first-generation old-school Holy Trinity was decided upon by ????, we are now faced with the important task here on WPS of what manufacturers should be part of the new modern Holy Trinity.

Which handcrafted true independent timepiece manufacturers should be part of the new Holy Trinity of timepieces?

Key Points from the Discussion

The original 'Holy Trinity' is outdated due to corporate acquisitions and questions regarding consistent quality levels in one of the remaining brands, necessitating a new definition for 2022 and beyond.
For a 'true independent' Holy Trinity, Dufour, Smith, and Voutilainen are considered head and shoulders above others due to their consistent superb finishing, accuracy, and limited production.
Wearability is a crucial factor; while brands like Greubel Forsey produce beautiful, complicated, and accurate watches, their bulkiness can be a deterrent, raising questions about their inclusion if they are not truly independent.
Alternative lists for a modern Holy Trinity include Romain Gauthier, F.P. Journe, and Vianney Halter, or Romain Gauthier, Roger Dubuis, and Kari Voutilainen, highlighting a diversity of preferences for independent watchmakers.
If historical continuity is a factor for independents, a brand like Charles Frodsham, in continuous business since 1858, would be a strong contender, with one collector having placed an order for one.
Some members still consider the traditional Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, and Patek Philippe as the Holy Trinity, suggesting A. Lange & Söhne as a potential 'Holy Foursome' if independents are set aside.

The Discussion

rip9er

Dec 28, 2021

That said I don’t think we need to replace the original trinity but maybe it can be rephrased modern independents trinity?

Watchonthewrist

Dec 28, 2021

Debethune , Urwerk and MBandF

enjoythemusic

Dec 28, 2021

So we keep the Old-School Trinity, yet have a new Modern Holy Trinity for independents.

MikiJ

Dec 28, 2021

Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe. Independents aside, maybe we should add A Lange & Sohne as a Holy Foursome?

enjoythemusic

Dec 28, 2021

Yet to try and 'erase' history may be a challenging task. Let's honor history for what it represented °°at the time of inception°°, though also realize this is ~2022 and so we need a version for today's landscape.

sham1

Dec 28, 2021

then it would actually be quite easy - Dufour, Smith and Voutilainen. For me they are head and shoulders above the next three which would be Romain Gauthier, Charles Frodsham and Rexhep Rexhepi. Don't get me wrong - Gauthier, Frodsham and Rexhepi are brilliant but that's how highly I rate Dufour, Smith and Voutilainen. Many independent watchmakers can produce superbly finished watches but these three do it consistently, not sacrificing accuracy and in limited numbers which partly explains their

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Horological Meandering forum with 28 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum