skyeriding
900
I stopped whatever I was doing when I saw this article out, to read it immediately
Monumental effort; especially having so much information contained in one place! Definitely an article people should be bookmarking for reference.
The more I read up on independents, the more I'm fascinated by the English works. Its a strange amalgamation of a somewhat "rustic" finish in comparison to the Swiss (I am personally one of the "fusspots"), yet still has delicately ornate work especially with dial guilloche and hands. I'm also surprised initially to see that RWS uses a cone and lever mechanism for the power reserve - intrigued to see it in a wristwatch, as it takes up significant height. But in retrospect it doesn't matter much, as he is not afraid to make his watches thick...
Frodsham's watch is also intriguing as he does an overkill solution for the natural escapement, by having two separate geartrains into a wristwatch. Modern manufacturing methods with high precision allows for simpler solutions, so this is a nod to the traditional methods as used by Daniel's pocket watches. Also, from the dialwork photos, the dial printing is some of the finest I've ever seen. But again, the movement aesthetics and finishing is an acquired taste as one usually expects high end Swiss styled finishing.
Of course you are well aware (and better informed than me on this, as with our previous discussions!), but I'd like to make a mention here of Andreas Strehler as an unsung hero, working behind the scenes for a number of brands. Also thanks for mentioning the Opus 7 as its something that usually flies under the radar - its mechanical uniqueness is something that can't really be captured in static photos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWYo6SBZBv0 . I think it's an awesome watch mechanically, but I'm biased.
I also like how the topic of industrial vs artisanal independent brands are covered, as we usually expect most to fall into the latter. Personally I lean towards coherency - if the watch being offered has a clear consistency of what price point its targeting (value is unfortunately, an unavoidable as everyone has to stay competitive - even within the realm of high horology), with a matching level of dialside and movement work, and the mechanical ingenuity of complications involved.
Again, more people should be reading this article! This will be something I'll share to people who wants to delve deeper into independents
Regards,
skyeriding
More posts:
A History of Independent Watchmaking - Curated by Phillips
Phillips quoted George Daniels when announcing an exhibition in Geneva this May to pay tribute to independent watchmaking: “ Independence is the utmost importance in life. Without it you are subject to the whims of other people. You are pinned down to a p...
Wow...thanks for this incredible write up...
Enjoyed reading it & went through all over again ! Very informative !! Well done... Best, Mahesh.,
Extraordinary post!!
Thank you so much! I have not read it but I shall print it out and keep it in my special file.
Very interesting article, Bjorn. The " artisan finishings " is indeed THE essence. Even if some" big brands " reserve such a treatment for some of their watches. BUT...
The contact, the relation with the watchmaker is unique to these Independents. I have fond memories of some moments spent with Max Busser, Kari Voutilainen, Laurent Ferrier, The " Dutch Brothers ", and a few others. It was really magical. On anther note, ...
One of the best articles in the history of Purists
Incredible. Thank you so much for this. Bookmarked permanently.
Thank you.
An impressive and engaging review. Appreciate the efforts and time this represents as well as the important examples and reminder of the role independent watch makers fill
Excellent report my friend . A real joy to read .
I think independent watchmakers are the real future for our hobby . They are infinitive and progressive imho.
Incredible work, huge thanks for this reference post !
I imagine how many hours you must have spent to write this incredible article, huge thanks it is so interesting 👍
Bravo!
Fantastic, passionate and erudite article covering my favourite aspect of the industry - the Independent Watchmakers. Thank you for showcasing the masters. Interesting that Vianney Halter, Vincent Calabrese, Daniel Roth and Paul Gerber were absent from th...
I stopped whatever I was doing when I saw this article out, to read it immediately
Monumental effort; especially having so much information contained in one place! Definitely an article people should be bookmarking for reference. The more I read up on independents, the more I'm fascinated by the English works. Its a strange amalgamation...
Just came in to say
Very nice report. And the use of the cover photo (Opus V with Daniels) is an excellent choice.
