Mr.Gatsby
2971
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 there is longevity in their operations (again this is because I feel it’s intrinsic value is high).
Also from a practical standpoint, what is the ratio of independents versus non-independents in your collection ? Assuming our collections are skewed to the latter, than that in itself is a natural hedge to the risk of buying an independent watch.
Ultimately, we should all enjoy the watches ! 
Great thread btw, enjoyed reading the post and all the replies.
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...