Sarpaneva vs. Ochs und Junior: Collector Debate

Mostel · 2013-03-29T21:17:53Z

Sarpaneva vs. Ochs und Junior: Explore collector preferences for edgy designs or minimalist purity in independent watchmaking. Which brand wins?

Mostel

WPS member · Independents forum

25 replies6344 views2 photos

Mostel initiates a compelling discussion, inviting the community to choose between two distinct independent watchmakers: Sarpaneva and Ochs und Junior. He highlights their strong brand identities, with Sarpaneva leaning towards edgy and genuinely 'weird' designs, while Ochs und Junior captivates with irresistible minimalism and extreme purity. Mostel deliberately omits watch images to encourage a deeper consideration of the watchmakers' philosophies and craftsmanship.

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Would you rather own a

Sarpaneva--any model.

an Ochs and Junior--any model.

I find both to be very strong in the identity department, and almost equally intriguing, probably giving the edge to Sarpaneva because he is leaving the classical and creating genuinely edgy designs, genuinely weird designs. Sometimes simultaneously. I prefer his more purely edgy designs.

However, O and J have an irresistible minimalism, extreme purity, sublimity meeting Industrial design, crazy colors, an unbelievably personal experience in choice, etc.

I PURPOSELY did not put pics OF WATCHES here, because I feared that with a quick glance, the reader would choose between two pics, and not between two watchmakers.

So I've chosen Sarpaneva, but that could change.

Which would you choose? Why?

I'd love to hear views on the actual movements and the skill of the watchmakers, as I have concentrated mostly on design. In this department, you would almost definitely favor O and J.... OR would you?

Key Points from the Discussion

Sarpaneva watches, like the Harvest Moon, exhibit a surprising level of perfection in quality and unique, artistic case designs, with the brand offering timely delivery for custom requests.
The Kaamos model by Sarpaneva is admired for its darkly ultra-modern, industrial city-like aesthetic, representing a shift in taste towards more fascinating and edgy designs.
Some collectors appreciate the 'nitty-gritty, down to earth' concept and movement designs of Ochs und Junior but find their aesthetic too minimalistic, resembling 1980s Braun quartz watches.
The choice between Sarpaneva and Ochs und Junior often comes down to preferring design versus concept, with admiration for Oechslin's technical creations and Sarpaneva's unique design sense.
While Oechslin's work, including the Freak and Ludwig perpetual, is highly regarded, Ochs und Junior pieces do not appeal to all, suggesting a preference for different styles.
The Ochs und Junior concept, despite its ingenuity in displaying the date, is considered too 'quirky' by some due to subtle inconsistencies like minimalist design with bright colors and ETA movements.

The Discussion

amanico

Mar 30, 2013

After all, when we buy an Independant watch, I guess that it is also because of " The Man " behind the watch! In this case, I have a lot of admiration for Mr Oechslin's creations under his name and Ulysse Nardin's, and I love Mr Sapraneva's sense of the design. I guess that the best would be to see, one day, a watch designed by Sarpaneva and conceived by Oechslin! ;) you can't go wrong with any of these two. It al depends if you prefer the design, or the concept, IMO. Best, Nicolas

Sandgroper

Mar 30, 2013

favourite everyday watch which I do not yet own, I must add and yes, you are right it is for its minimalism but also for the ingenuity of showing the date, just brilliant in my opinion. Sarpaneva is a little too...busy perhaps, however I love the moon:) Cheers, Francois

moc

Mar 30, 2013

I cannot resist Stepan s style and design....just too romantic and cool at the same time.. as I said I cannot give some photo evidence but...i will follow soon...... Stepan all the way. Mo

Tim Jackson

Mar 30, 2013

I own this "Oechslin" designed annual cal....even though the watchdial and case were Christian Gafner's creation. This belongs to a friend of mine and is superb. Different strokes from different folks.... Cheers, Tim

foversta

Mar 30, 2013

Honestly, I don't like the "Naive" style of the O and J watches. I didn't enter the concept. On the other hand, I love the atmosphere of Stepan's watches. Fx

sans_cesse

Mar 30, 2013

I like the nitty-gritty, down to earth concept behind the Ochs watches, and admire Oechslin's movement designs. But for me they are really too minimalistic and "Streng" with a look that reminds one of those Braun quartz watch designs (which are perfectly fine!) of the 1980's - just not me. Anyway, they are such different watches in every aspect that I think it is a little like comparing apples with oranges....? Alex This message has been edited by sans_cesse on 2013-03-30 16:16:59

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Sarpaneva vs. Ochs und Junior: Collector Debate

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