Bruno.M1 takes WatchProSite readers on an exclusive four-day journey through Switzerland, offering an intimate look into the workshops of independent watchmakers Hervé Schlüchter and Beat Haldimann. His detailed account, enriched with personal anecdotes and high-quality photography, provides a rare glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship and passion driving these horological artisans. This post is invaluable for understanding the dedication behind truly independent watchmaking.
Drove with some friends trough Switzerland and we visited some independents. A fantastic 4 days and want to share a bit of the passion and joy we had.
I hope this spices give you a good impression
Hervé Schlüchter
A great guy, been there a couple of hours and later that day we had a nice diner as well.
The watch above is his first piece. The movement is very well finished. Look at the angle and black polishing
He also showed us his 2 next creations but these are still under embargo an it will take years to produce all a-of them.
A long time to be patient but believe me they will be worth the wait.
Beat Haldimann
At work, Beat himself and some staff. If I remember correct he had about 10 people staff
I have no correct info about the exact number of production cause thats kind of a secret but he did say it is low, very low.
Think about 10, maximum 15 pieces per year
The Wonderful H1
Do realise I took the pics with an iPhone so macro pics look terrible.
This watch and watches that will follow in this post are PERFECT finished !
Vianney Halter
Vianney and his daughter 'Victoire'
Again some pics from the atelier
Now look at this part. Yes it's a big piece but still ...
Victoire was working on that part. You know, finishing ... putting some perfect angle on it.
Anyway, do you have any idea how long it takes to finish that part to the level they desire?
How long ?
I'll tell you
45 hours!
Yes, 45 hours only for finishing that part
In the same time Rolex makes about 21.000 watches (do the math
)
This is the part I'm talking about
Now some watches
Later that say we had diner with Vianney.
The stories that guy had to tell ... unfortunately I can't share them but we were amazed how 'open' and 'straight forward' he was.
It gave us a great insight
Yosuke Sekiguchi
A Japanese guy living and working in Switzerland
Honestly ... a VERY humble guy, very down to earth
But I guess he underestimates himself. If you're into classic watches this is something you will love
Again, sorry for the quality of the iPhone pics
For the movement I took a pic from his own site cause mine were really to bad
Cedric Johner
The 'Abyss' he is wearing
He is working on an entire new watch. But again I'm not allowed to tell more for the moment
It's not ready yet but we've seen enough to ensure you it will be a great one.
Completely new, new movement but ofcourse with his case design DNA
Xhevdet Rexhepi
Worked many years together with his brother Rexhep but decided to go his own way.
Hereby want to wish him the best of luck
Looking at his watch I'm pretty sure he will succeed
What the hell is a mass produced Patek doing in a post about independents who only make a handful or max a few dozen watches per year ?
Well, he graduated at Patek and this was his school watch or 'Montre école'
And his own and first creation ofcourse
The Minute inerte
That was it, I hope you enjoyed it a bit .... We certainly did !!
