Independents

I think the answer depends on what you're seeking in a watch. There’s no doubt that independents, like Raul Pages, offer exceptional craftsmanship and unique designs that appeal to a more niche audience. The personal involvement and rarity can be very attractive, and many collectors appreciate the opportunity to own something that feels more intimate and exclusive.

However, when we talk about pricing—like the €115,000 for a steel watch—it’s tough to ignore the fact that independents have become more expensive as they've gained recognition and demand. The price point, as you pointed out, may make some people question the value proposition, especially when compared to what you can get from the big brands in terms of heritage, reliability, and resale value.

The larger brands have invested heavily in innovation, technology, and marketing, which gives them a certain prestige and value retention that many collectors appreciate. Additionally, while you might pay a premium for a big brand, you're also investing in a piece with a broader historical context and significant recognition.

Ultimately, it's about what resonates more with your values as a collector—whether it's the cutting-edge craftsmanship and exclusivity of independents, or the legacy, innovation, and stability offered by big brands. There's room for both, and the beauty of the watch world is that it allows us to navigate this balancing act according to our preferences.

time only watch, Sounds silly but I guess it can, but there come a point where it can't and the price gets to be
ridiculous and you are not getting anymore value for what you are spending.

there's price...and there's value ,and the gap seems to be enlarging out of proportion,it seems to me

Tiffany stamped nautilus, Rexhep, Dufour, Bergeron  , and now this to name a few .
But the markets determines price not value. That is determined by individual purchasers.
i could have bought a rexhep on the secondary market.
Price was determined by recent auction results but I personally could not see myself paying this price. I am sure the watch was sold at asking price or close
Julian

That’s nice but I don’t see anything to distinguish it from a dozen other indies who would charge half that. But the whole industry has lost its mind regarding pricing. Desirable, “reasonably “ priced pieces can’t be got until they hit the secondary market, where they sell for 2-3 times msrp. Just ranting.

But as the saying goes what goes up must come down. There will be a period of reckoning I reckon.

NT

Wayyy to expensive for what it offers!

not this piece specifically, more a comment on the industry generally. 

At the end of the day, it depends on what you value.  Do you really want to own something special?  

...I had the chance to get some nice watches at (now) good prices. But I had a hard time spending money on myself. Now that I might be able to swing one of these, the prices have gotten ridiculous. Oh, well...

For example: i sold my soul for rock and roll.  😎

And if we don't like the price, then we don't have to pay it. The fact of the matter is that these small independent brands can get those super high numbers. And while we aren't happy that we can't afford these brands anymore, we should be happy for the artist that he's able to sell his work for a great price.
Oh! And I'm pissed at concert ticket prices!!! $500 for rock concert ticket prices with a VIP pass that doesn't really get you anything (the VIP section doesn't seem to have any catering, for $400 more than the $100 standard ticket cost)???? But hey... Enough people will pay for it! I'm not forced to buy it. And I should be happy for the event organizers and the band.

And for those ABOUT to rock....
Enjoy the Music
youtu.be

I've got some ocean front property in Arizona
From my front porch, you can see the sea
I've got some ocean front property in Arizona
If you'll buy that, I'll throw the Golden Gate in free

and increased their prices significantly. If collectors keep buying independents will be proven right. If collectors stop buying, prices will have to become more reasonable again. Two years ago Yosuke Sekiguchi’s Primevère retailed for €60k, now the exact same watch retails for €80k. It makes no sense, but it all depends on the reaction of collectors. Same for the rose gold Cornes de Vache: msrp went from €58k to €70k in a few months during 2022. Absurd, but Richemont just decided to take advantage of the rising watch trend. And the market might prove them right unfortunately.
Best, Emmanuel

will buy an A Lange over these any day 😍 and I have purchased a H Moser in the past