Independent watchmakers vs brands

Nov 02, 2019,13:40 PM
 

I’m more a independent watchmaker guy - only watches where I can/have met the watchmaker personally so “bigger” brands like FPJ don’t fit quite as well.

While I have a few others, my three -most- independent watchmakers (own movements, hand made, very small quantities) are:

McGonigle (have)





Aaron Becsei (coming)



Masahiro Kikuno (coming)







More posts: Masahiro KikunoMcGonigle

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My personal triumvirate of independant watchmaking

 
 By: nafetS : November 1st, 2019-08:20
The „simple“ and elegante LF, the more extravagante but still unflashy Grönefeld and the kind of in your face FPJ. Completely different approaches, watches, philosophies. Yet they all represent the (in my opinion) most interesting current independant watc...  

WoW!

 
 By: Rapwatch : November 1st, 2019-08:30
I would have the Galet square case, and only change the Journe to a version w/o the rubber. Awesome trio. R

A galet square would be my next LF, even though it‘s not that high on my wish list. Regarding the rubber...

 
 By: nafetS : November 1st, 2019-09:19
.... I‘ve seen a centigraph without rubber and I have to say I prefer the version with rubber, especially in RG.

Very great choices! Enjoy (if yours)!

 
 By: Pour le Mérite : November 1st, 2019-08:52
I disliked the Remontoire at first but it grew on me. These impeccable dials from Comblemine are just stunning. I'd pick it together with a RW Smith Series 2 and a Richard Mille RM 63-01 Dizzy Hands.

thank you. [nt]

 
 By: nafetS : November 1st, 2019-09:20

Buying Independent often adds a whole new layer to satisfaction

 
 By: nafetS : November 2nd, 2019-04:58
It's often a lot more personal. I'd definitly recommend buying as Close to the source as possible. Buying directly from the Grönefeld Brothers and visiting them is a much better experience than Just buying at an AD. Buying at the FPJ Boutique was also a v... 

Absolutely. Well said. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : November 2nd, 2019-07:10

Gr8 trio...well chosen !

 
 By: mahesh : November 1st, 2019-11:07
I’m all for Independents... now with a Journe... & waiting for an Akrivia Chronometre Contemporain in 2020 and another 'hopeful piece' also for 2020 but waiting... Best, mahesh., ...  

i think so too...

 
 By: mahesh : November 1st, 2019-15:10
i felt he is young, passionate & the movement is beautiful too - so i felt i did a right thing too ;-)

Totally agree. He can certainly be top 3

 
 By: Gelato Monster : November 1st, 2019-15:48
IMHO one of the more ingenious movement

The Akrivia is definitly a very nice watch

 
 By: nafetS : November 2nd, 2019-05:04
I Had it on my Radar AS Well, but decided against it because it's a tad bit too small for my wrist (40mm would have been ideal for me). I'm interested to See, whether he'll be able to Release more watches Like that in the Future. He definitly has the Pote... 

you've the opposite trouble ;-) for my wrist 40mm works better...

 
 By: mahesh : November 2nd, 2019-07:11
if you look for larger case, try out the Akrivia line - when you see them in flesh you might enjoy it better...the case architecture is quite different. I saw a video of Steve H in youtube y'day. Best, mahesh.,

I will try to visit them when I‘m in Geneva next time. I‘m not sure I will find something, though.

 
 By: nafetS : November 2nd, 2019-09:17
The chronometre is too small. I‘m not into tourbillons. That only leaves the AK 06 and at least judging from pictures and videos I‘m not really sold on that one. Maybe they‘ll (he‘ll) have something for me in the future. Too bad, I‘d really love to have a... 

Hope near future all your wishes come true !

 
 By: mahesh : November 2nd, 2019-11:19
I am hoping for black enamel too but on white metal 😜

It was sold long before I was even able to get into the queue...

 
 By: mahesh : November 5th, 2019-11:00
I chose Pt White dial, goes with my preference for white metals. Best, Mahesh.,

That is a well curated spread.

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : November 1st, 2019-11:16
I think an MB&F, Urwerk, DeBethune or something else less conventional might round out the Indie collection. Sure, you can get a Roger Smith or some other conventional piece but those would really just take the place of the LF or 1941. Albeit in the c... 

Still Love the FPJ

 
 By: nafetS : November 2nd, 2019-05:08
You're tight, something less conventional is Missing. While I Like looking at MB&F and Uhrwerk, I can't See myself wearing one of these at the Moment. Haven't Seen a DeBethune in the Metal yet, but the starry various Looks very nice in pictures.

But that DeBethune is almost too conventional also.

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : November 3rd, 2019-10:43
It’s a beautiful watch no doubt. I think Urwerk takes some time. I put one on my wrist first several years ago, it took a long time to see it the way I do today (any it took Urwerk refining the watch a little to make it more wearable). You have three fant... 

My goodness

 
 By: colton_d : November 1st, 2019-11:22
I was contemplating a piece of chocolate after lunch (shamelessly stolen from my son's halloween bag) .. but this cured my sweet tooth in one glance! The LF is wonderful, and I echo your enjoyment of the FPJ with rubber inserts - that rattrapante repsents... 

wonderful trio

 
 By: donizetti : November 1st, 2019-13:31
which shows not only how creative but also how diverse independents can be, right? I would nominate these from my current lineup and add a Vianney Halter Deep Space if I could. That would make for a neat tourbillon trio. Best Andreas ...  

Totally agree

 
 By: Gelato Monster : November 1st, 2019-15:02
For me If I can add 1, I would ad Urwerk. if I can add 2 I will add Urwerk and MBF. I would be very interested in purists opinion on who would be the top 3 in ingenuity and intricacy and quality of movement, quality of finishing (including dial)

Yes, that would be Interesting.

 
 By: nafetS : November 2nd, 2019-05:15
While I enjoy a great finishing, I don't really See myself having a Lot of knowledge in that area. The Level of finishing is Not that high in my priority list.

Wow thats one impressive trio of great watches from great brands

 
 By: Watchonthewrists : November 1st, 2019-15:48
Love your LF . I hope i can try a FPJ like yours one day and i dont have to tell you how i feel about the great Gronefeld brand 👌🏻🤗

Dutch pride, I know 😁 [nt]

 
 By: nafetS : November 2nd, 2019-05:16
No message body

Awesome Trio!!!

 
 By: kcinemod : November 1st, 2019-18:17
For independents, that is my triumvirate as well. Enjoy them!!

Thank you, I will. [nt]

 
 By: nafetS : November 2nd, 2019-05:16

Thank you

 
 By: nafetS : November 2nd, 2019-05:18
Buying Independent is Not Just about the watches, it's also about the often much nicer experience when ordering/Picking Up.

Love them all

 
 By: Ed Watches : November 2nd, 2019-07:36
Congrats! Perhaps my preferred indie trio would be FPJ, Grönefeld and RG instead of LF.

That has to be one of the best 3-watch collections I've ever seen!

 
 By: jleno : November 2nd, 2019-07:57
All elite pieces, movements that look completely different, a wide range in complication, and you hit the formal/casual/sport styles perfectly with each. Very well thought out!

Independent watchmakers vs brands

 
 By: Watch_time_it_is : November 2nd, 2019-13:40
I’m more a independent watchmaker guy - only watches where I can/have met the watchmaker personally so “bigger” brands like FPJ don’t fit quite as well. While I have a few others, my three -most- independent watchmakers (own movements, hand made, very sma...  

Oefff my friend , cant wait to see your new watches in person one day .

 
 By: Watchonthewrists : November 2nd, 2019-14:16
That Bexei looks so so good on your rendering, it def will be stunning in person 👌🏻😍

Amazing really

 
 By: Mohannad (aka Riddler) : November 3rd, 2019-03:13
Personally the FPJ split is my favorite and I too dream of it The Gronefeld is spectacular as well