Independents

This post is more about the book, one I can truly recommend and ended up reading in one go. I’ve always had great admiration for Svend Andersen because, in my view, he is the man who made it possible for us to have so many independent watchmakers today.

Among the most well-known independents who worked with or were influenced early on by Svend Andersen are Franck Muller, Felix Baumgartner (co-founder of Urwerk), and Kari Voutilainen, who spent time in Andersen’s restoration atelier. Andersen’s workshop in Geneva functioned as a true incubator, where young watchmakers were exposed to high-level restoration, complications, and independent thinking—many of them later becoming leading names in modern independent watchmaking.

Svend Andersen founded the AHCI to give independent watchmakers visibility, credibility, and a collective voice in an industry dominated by large brands. It created a platform where independents could present their work, support one another, and preserve creative freedom. Then and now, the AHCI is essential in protecting craftsmanship, innovation, and true independence.

Notable AHCI members include Philippe Dufour, François-Paul Journe, Kari Voutilainen, Denis Flageollet, Felix Baumgartner, Vianney Halter, Ludovic Ballouard, Andreas Strehler, Konstantin Chaykin, George daniels and many more.

In short, everything written above makes him, for me, a hugely important figure in the industry. It also makes it hard for me to understand why Andersen is not far more popular, especially when compared to some contemporary independents who, all things considered, have not yet proven very much, yet for reasons unknown to me are already regarded as gods within the industry.

Even if you don’t agree with me (which you absolutely don’t have to), I can still highly recommend reading this book in full. That is the reason for this post, and for sharing a small insight into a book that I personally consider one of the better watch books of recent years. I do admit I may be somewhat biased, as I already had great admiration for the man. But finally, a truly in-depth book about Svend Andersen has been published—one that offers real insight into his life, his choices, and his values.

At 250 pages, it features smoothly written text and beautiful photographs. It is something entirely different from the all-too-brief mentions he usually gets in one watch book or another.

Here are just some photos from the book to give you an idea.

part of the foreword mr Helmut Crott wrote ( if you do not know Mr Crott, do google him. He is a serious collector with an insane knowledge.

Via a screenshot, I highlighted some parts in yellow—of course, only on the photo and not in the book! 🙂 But I think Mr. Crott puts it perfectly here. It reflects the man’s own humility, without taking advantage of today’s completely crazy market for independents, where astronomical and absurd prices are charged simply because, apparently, they can.

some pics about old and new watches and projects, tools, explanation through text and photos of how certain things are made ... and much more

the PAST

he Present

and the Future

THE PRESENT : Born in 1942 but at the age of 83 still part of the team and enjoying what he always did 

A little correction to a post I made years ago ... I always believed the Worldtimer Chronographs were made in 51 pieces.

30 more regular and later 21 (3x7) as a special limited edition.

Seems there are less .. the 30 regular was incorrect and seems to be - 20

So proud to have these

and the last picture ... Their latest creation to celebrate the 45 years

I absolutely love this watch, unfortunately my bank account doesn't allow me ...

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