amerix
1537
I might start off by asking
how they feel about products - such as cheese - that are necessary for defining a traditional and still viable culture that under the rules and regulations of the European Union has become "normalizied" into trade and export agreements. This is well over the heads of the local producers and their ability to react effectively against such decisions - or to influence anything at all at a global level!
You know the Greek story of Procrustes and his bed?
This is the classic tale of an inn-keeper with one bed available for a traveler. If that person was too long for the bed, Procrustes would see to it that bits and pieces of him - often including the feet - were cut off to fit the bed; if too short, he would be stretched into the "right" size.
That is rather like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
What all this rambling has to do with independent watchmakers - you may ask?
The need for them to buy their materials and to pay their bills - and still somehow survive!
Many of their suppliers, even of the raw commidities - but especially the customized ones requring special skills - are disappearing - almost evaporating overnight. Or they can not make a handful of parts at anything approaching a reasonable cost, or for a price at which they are willing to deliver. Thousands of parts could do it - but you would still be on the backside of a waiting list.
Then come the delays ...
And where are the apprentices, another handful of the very talented few that have not been recruted for life into the watchmaking Industry?
So I say BUY from an independent !!!
You will not only be helping him to survive, but for him to continue making some very special watches - for you to enjoy!
Support the independent of your choice and you may have a great time, even fun, together.
Sorry, no further questions - to an Independent,
amerix
Burning Questions to Independetnts
Hi All I always wondered. What do you ask the likes of Daniel Roth, Kari, Vianney, Dufour and PSM etc? If you met them, what would you like to know? Happy watching Justindependent
among the indepedents excluding your creations, which piece would you acquire and why
assuming price is of no issue. cheers PAt
Why you decided to be independent instead of keeping
the high position in the big & stable firms? If you can get back to that moment, will you do the same?
What is the cost of a repair or a service, how many time does it need to
Be serviced or repaired, and who will accept to service or repair it if the brand disappear? Best, Nicolas
What TV shows they like to watch. What books do they like. Their favorite movie.
Oh yeah, what makes their watch stand apart and to describe their creative process. What is their definition of "the watch". I have had the pleasure having in-depth conversations with quite a number of independent watch makers in various settings. The con...
I asked PSM
I asked PSM the question about which mainstream brand he likes most. Well, Rolex it is. No one can deny they make a GOOD and RELIABLE watch. Not accounting design.
I talked biz...
with Roger Smith :). We compared notes, he sells in super low quantity, and I sell in super high quantity. How to increase sales without dilluting brand image, how to find capable watchmakers in Isle of Man, etc. Turned out we all have our own headaches :...
The truth about this inhouse vs ETA movement
Please come clean and admit it, nothing we human can do to improve on those evil low cost ebauche. LOL Actually I would like to know what complication or the lack thereof does the watchmaker prefer. Regards Tyler
Christian Gütermann from Heritage Watch Manufactory
told me that he liked Urwerk because of unique design and very different way to look at time
"Have you heard from Volker?" :)-
"if you have to go work for a mainstream brand, which one would it be?" "retirement plans, if any?" best, Horo
(And if they reply "Yes"...
...you know you are dealing with someone who cannot be trusted!) ;-) Horo, you are a breath of fresh air. Cheers, pplater.
I might start off by asking
how they feel about products - such as cheese - that are necessary for defining a traditional and still viable culture that under the rules and regulations of the European Union has become "normalizied" into trade and export agreements. This is well over ...