Horological Meandering

Personally I think we are just at the start of a Golden Age. It really started at the turn of the Century with the emergence of creativity and innovation from the rising Independents tweaking our interests once again. You wouldn't think that companies like Urwerk and MB&F would have an impact given their tiny production numbers. But in my opinion they and others, opened up the eyes of the large houses, forcing them to be more creative, think out of the box, innovate.  In my opinion the creativity, advancement, and excitement we have seen in the last 15 years is almost unprecedented in the history of watchmaking. The Financial crisis of '08 had some impact, but the industry is truly resilient, and global passion for watches can only grow. There is room for Smart watches to flourish, but so long as traditional watchmakers focus on making desirable high quality products, they will prevail. 

What I would like to see is some of the traditional houses take a chance on producing a simple Smart watch, with the same attention to detail on the case, dial, hands and crown/pushers. Make a smart watch look and feel as desirable as a Datograph and it will sell. 

We owe a lot to men like Charles Vermot, the man who hid away all those El Primero movements and blueprints at the height of the quartz crisis. Also Max Busser, Vianney Halter, Franck Muller (yes he played a major role in nurturing up and coming creative talent) and others. Might be an idea to have a Hall of Fame ? 

Strictly my opinions, and I am sure many may disagree.

Dean

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