Watch_time_it_is
544
Independent brands vs independent watchmakers
Feb 07, 2021,21:58 PM
I imagine there are many who are comfortable and excited by independent brands and the watches they produce but for me personally, it’s the support of independent watchmakers that matters.
Not designers, marketers, investors, etc.
As watchmaking has several elements (including movement design, movement making, assembly, timing, etc) a watchmaker (in my opinion) is one or more of these.
Buying parts from others and placing them together is (again, IMHO) a watch assembler, not watchmaker.
Romain Gauthier is as much (or more) a true watchmaker as many other brands - just look at the movement design and esthetic design of the Logical One or the HM.
Masahiro Kikuno - like George Daniels - makes the parts for his watches by hand in his at home atelier. There are other such watchmakers if you look.
Keeping mechanical time measurement devices alive after the amazing 400+ year history they have had will happen only by supporting those who are drawn to this art and occupation with their hearts and hands.
But without an income, these maintainers of the trade and tradition will not be able to succeed.
I wish you the greatest of success in your endeavors but ask that you use the term “independent” and “watchmaker” with respect and accurately.