Keaton Myrick: An Independent Watchmaker's Mark

elliot55 · 2015-11-14T14:31:52Z

elliot55 shares a friend's journey acquiring a Keaton Myrick bespoke watch. A look into the world of independent watchmaking and the patience it demands.

elliot55

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

20 replies4158 views9 photos

elliot55 chronicles his friend's two-year journey from Rolex collector to patron of independent watchmaker Keaton Myrick. He details the unique experience of acquiring a bespoke timepiece, highlighting the patience required and the profound satisfaction of owning a hand-made work of art.

Hello Friends and Purists. After a long and patient wait, I can say with great pride that another one bites the dust.

The odyssey began about two years ago when a very close friend of mine came to ask my advice on which Rolex he should purchase next.

With my standard look of disdain, complete with rolling eyeballs and best condescending tone of voice, I said, "Wait, not another Rolex. How many is that? Seven? Eight?"

My good friend giggled and said, "Well, alright then. I sure liked that watch you posted on your facebook page the other day..."

He was referring to this one.

"One-Of-Thirty", hand made in Sisters, Oregon by watchmaker, Keaton Myrick. Pictured above is the prototype (0/30).

Most watch buying customers are used to going into a Geary's or a Tourneau and leaving with something they just paid for. Such is not the case with the Independent watchmaker. First of all, to order a watch from an Independent usually requires a 40 to 50% up front payment, with the balance to be paid upon delivery. Second, it is more than likely delivery will be eighteen-to-twenty-four months from the day the order is place, making the customer more of a patron, if you will. Believe me, there were many times when I got an earful as my friend grew increasingly impatient waiting for the timepiece to be delivered. "This ain't no Rolex!" I had to keep reminding him.

And so the day finally came. The watchmaker and his patron arrived at my home to make the presentation.

For a few moments, my friend sat stunned in an almost surreal state. Time tends to stand still when a piece of living art takes your breath away.

Truly a work of art, from the tremblage hand-decorated dial, to the perfectly matched bluing of the hands and indices, Number 3 of 30 is a stunner!

Watchmaker and Patron - One is smiling out of sheer joy, the other out of total relief!

The "OG"

The Latest and Greatest!

More high resolution photos to come.

- Scott

This message has been edited by elliot55 on 2015-11-14 14:36:16 This message has been edited by elliot55 on 2015-11-14 14:37:56

Key Points from the Discussion

The timepiece is praised as the contributor's favorite Keaton Myrick iteration to date, commending the patron's patience and the watchmaker's talent.
The community expresses hope for more work from the watchmaker, acknowledging the importance of collector support for independent artisans.
The post is recognized for sharing a compelling story and passion, with plans to feature the wristshot on the WatchProSite Instagram page.
A user expresses anticipation for more high-resolution photos, particularly movement shots, to further appreciate the watch's artistry.
The removal of the large 'KM' from the dial is noted as a significant improvement, making the watch's design 'perfect'.
The author confirms his friend is happy with the watch and is now looking at Voutilainen, indicating a continued interest in independent watchmaking.

The Discussion

Brandon Skinner

Nov 14, 2015

Kudos for being an early adopter of a timepiece from an incredibly talent American watchmaker, and for also having the patience to work past the see-watch-buy-watch mentality (not easy).This is easily my favorite KM iteration to date. Seeing Oregon on the dial has got to be a first... Congrats!

i_am_Sam

Nov 14, 2015

A very beautiful watch indeed And I'm looking forward to see more , and hopefully some movement shots too Sam

elliot55

Nov 15, 2015

... Happy. Loves the watch. Now he's looking at Voutliainen. Oy vey! - scott

elliot55

Nov 15, 2015

... Leap of faith. But this leap paid off very nicely. - scott

Bill

Nov 15, 2015

Bravo to the Watchmaker I hope to see more from him and thanks to support from watch lovers like yourself I think there is strong hope. Wear it in great health. Bill

elliot55

Nov 15, 2015

... Look forward to seeing you soon. - Scott

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Keaton Myrick: An Independent Watchmaker's Mark

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