Simon Brette: New Independent Watchmaker Release

Key Points from the Discussion

• The current market for independent watchmakers often operates like a modern patronage system, where established collectors and networks facilitate initial sales, potentially creating a 'closed shop' environment for newcomers.
• While the watch itself is admired, the marketing strategy, particularly the perceived scarcity and 'gatekeeping,' is a point of contention for some collectors, leading to frustration with the industry's behavior.
• For an independent watchmaker like Simon Brette, limited networking capabilities and funding constraints likely necessitate a subscription model to secure initial capital and manage production, even if it results in limited availability.
• The stated production rate of 'one watch a month' for a total of 12 pieces is viewed by some as a marketing tactic rather than a genuine reflection of production capacity, raising skepticism about the industry's transparency.
• A collector who met Simon Brette and saw the prototype expressed being deeply impressed by the 'Chronomètre Artisans,' describing it as an amazing and beautiful creation that gave them 'goosebumps.'
• The trend among new independent watchmakers is to showcase highly finished movements, often with open dials, reminiscent of brands like Greubel Forsey, shifting from the previous focus on multiple tourbillons.