KIH
[Purist]
12054
Their plan have changed twice in the past....
... unfortunately. I DID love LF watches (love at the first sight), in fact I used own them. Their long term strategy made sense, the movement maker was super top notch, so much so that it made me confident about their future - back then, none of those used watch dealers was interested in the brand, if I may add - now they are more than willing to buy/ sell particularly the first two models (Gallet Tourbillon and Gallet Micro Rotor).
First "incident" was acquisition of Fabrique du Temp by LVMH - at that time, LF lost its future plans and that is why they did not introduce new movement for such a long time and instead they came out with the different case/color version with the same movements (three, to be exact) over and over again. And then-CEO, Olivier, was fired by the owner/ investor, who drove Le Mans with Mr. Laurent Ferrierr and won, and kept telling Mr. Ferrier to pursue independent way since when he was still working for PP. I felt something very, very wrong with the governance structure and got really uncomfortable with the brand so let my LF watches go. Owner is owner, the ultimate owner, but if he doesn't know much about watches, he should not, he should not have interfered with the business. I don't know whether that owner still has ownership interest in the brand, but as long as he does not change, I would not feel comfortable owning LF watch, while I DO love Mr. Ferrier very very much as he is a very friendly, likable gentleman.
So, they introduced new movement this year after very long time. They may have regained the grip of themselves, but IMHO, I would be still in "wait and see" mode.
Just my 2 yen.
Ken
Laurent Ferrier in the Long Term
Following on from this thread: 7/ I contacted Laurent Ferrier SA and asked them what, " long term plans existed in your company in the sad event that you could not continue the business in its current form." Today, I received the following reply within o...
It's encouraging but I think this needs further thought because
it will rely that in the event of a liquidation that the component designs are saved, in a structured way, and then on the availability of the information to turn into actual parts and on what basis and price by what route to the end user. A separate obse...
Transparence on that matter of outsourced parts, which is a good point. Now, your questions are the same than the one I have, and not only for Laurent Ferrier, of course.
BUT also for all small watch companies, Independents, mostly... If I didn't have these questions in mind, it would have been a relatively long time I'd own a Laurent Ferrier, or a Kari Voutilainen. Best, Nicolas
What does it mean "..... the best suppliers who make the parts for us with our standard of quality"
Is L. Ferrier just an assembler? Did those suppliers make the finishing? I guess these questions are very interesting and the answers could be a bit shocking. I'll be honest, i can't afford it but i've always considered Ferrier one of the most appealing i...
This is not news. The finishing is very intensive
And I understand in house. Personally I don’t have a problem with this. It’s a realistic approach and not disguised unlike some others we could shame. It also keeps the cost down.
I thought having your own CNC machines would have been a cost reducing strategy
Swiss made is such a misty definition; no one really knows what IN HOUSE means. They produce 100 watches/year, but the prices are higher than Journe, with less complications. Still a great watchmaker, but no longer at the top (at least for me).
Dear Amanico and dear all...
... what is your opinion about the new De Bethune? Do the new shareholders provide more reassurance about a wonderful independent brand which had some financial difficulties in the near past (or at least this is what I perceived)? Thanks in advance to any...
No doubt that Laurent Ferrier is excellent watch but also it is a very small company
And most of the time, succession of business is more at risk in smaller company, I believe the CEO has tried her best to explain even the company is out of business there would be some watchmakers able to repair and service it watches. However, it is not ...
There is no guarantee in life
Even the big brands may go under or change their practice significantly which can affect the future service. I remember many years ago owning a Brietling the service charge for which was insignificant. The cost of the second service a few years later was ...
Buy 2 watches each time
One is used, the other one is kept for parts recovery 🤗🤗🤗🤗 Problem solved
Its a really good and valid discussion.
I think the CEO brings some reassurance. She mentions the blueprints for parts. Perhaps this could be something for AHCI to keep an archive of blueprints of the watches of their members if the brand, independent or suppliers disappears. Having access to t...
Great points
I think the AHCI idea is realy good. There must be a way here whilst protecting IP in the right way etc. LF components are 'conventional' with the exception of the escape wheels and lever. I guess as time goes by it will be more 'conventional' to use more...
Better than a poke in the eye
velociphile, It's some reassurance tat they've thought about it. The movements are simple and made of traditional materials. Watch repairers/restorers have plied their trade for hundreds of years and those who float to the top in watchmaking have a backgr...
Interesting
Hi MTF, The LF escape lever and wheels are somewhat 'special' though ? interested in why you say, "LF watches are more likely to find care in the future than Dufour ones" What makes you say that? What did I miss? Velociphile
I think it's worth the leap of faith
LF is on my radar. So excquite. Thanks for sharing the letter. I think she answered the question as honestly as possible given what is known today. Nothing is for certain in the future even with the larger brands and collectors have their vintage pieces s...
Same problem for all the independents to be frank
What I found interesting is the parts are not made in-house...basically just assembledcat LF unless I read that wrong
designed, developed, finished and assembled in house
as I understand yes. Procured from throughout the watch industry, to LF specification of performance and tolerance etc, but the laborious effort to finish the parts is made in-house with specialist. In addition, a key point is one watch is made by one wat...
Their plan have changed twice in the past....
... unfortunately. I DID love LF watches (love at the first sight), in fact I used own them. Their long term strategy made sense, the movement maker was super top notch, so much so that it made me confident about their future - back then, none of those us...
This is the risk we all take...
if we buy independents. I don’t know what you guys are thinking, but I’m on to my second LF. The reason why I buy it is because I think the watch has very high intrinsic value. As with all businesses there are risks involved, but I am of the view that the...