Nice Topic CL,
I have to say that it does not surprise me that the Simplicity comes up time and again. It is (from pictures) a stunning watch. I have never seen one, but it feels so soft and full of life and passion. You can never disagree with someone choosing that!
However for my Independent, I choose Kari's Observatoire. A fantastic watch that has so much character, and all 30-something watches are most likely different in some ways. Its been an honour to receive this from Kari who is a super friendly guy. I got mine literally yesterday!
Quiz: What's unique about this one?
I love the lugs, the tear drops are so classical and yet with Kari's style all over the dial in a modern interpretation. The experience with Kari also leads me to vote for the Obersvatoire. Helpful with suggestions all the way through. I got ideas from him from strap colour to balance cock style, to dial, numbers, flipped, not flipped....
Mainstream: Journe Resonance
The is the other watch i own that i will never sell. OK, yes I can buy it back, its not as rare as a Dufour or Kari, but again it has the hallmarks of a brilliant watchmaker. Its uniquely identifiable, and a watch that has been "copied" by another one else. The golden movement is stunning and warm, coupled with the rawness of the dial.
Again here i am also buying the man behind the watch. thats another part of the watch ownership experience.