Yamaguchi
2
Price vs Value and repairs questions
Dear all,
I'm a newbie to the world of independents, so I have a few questions.
I'm very attracted by the watches of Vincent Calabrese (les techniques, power), Peter Speake-Marin (piccadilly) and Christian Van Der Klaauw (Pallas, Ariadna... Is Orion a woman's watch?). They are very beautiful, but one thing that concerns me is the (relatively) low price. Each of these watches is at least half the price of a Patek Calatrava. Is there anything to these watches which is half the value of a Patek? Or do they set their prices lower so that they can compete? Being from independent watchmakers, I would imagine that the price would be much higher, like Dufour. Or is it in fact that the quality of Dufour is the best, followed by Patek, with the others slightly lower? I can't imagine that being the case, though...
Second, I'm concerned about when these watches need repairing. I'm in Japan, so not close to Europe. I understand that the original watchmakers can repair the watches now, but what about in 40 years? Do you know if there are any places I could have them repaired in Japan?
Thank you for any advice.
Independents
BjoernM21 · Jul 11, 2018
BjoernM21 reviews essential books on independent master watchmakers, offering a guide to building a horological library and preserving knowledge.
11 replies13042 views
Welcome!
By: KIH : May 9th, 2011-20:33
I am so happy to see a new member from my country Hope to see your posts and pics going forward. Now to your questions.... Very valid and important questions. Price is generally what the market (supply/demand) determines. Everybody pays top money for Pate...
Thank you so far!
By: Yamaguchi : May 10th, 2011-01:32
Thank you for the responses so far! When I saw the prices for the watches I was interested in, I thought it was too good to be true, so I wondered what the catch was... I'm happy to hear it's nothing to do with quality. If anyone else has some opinions, p...
In 40 years...
By: nickd : May 10th, 2011-04:36
I'm currently getting a 43-year old Grand Seiko 5722 serviced / restored, and it's not easy. Some watchmakers don't like working on them as they're apparently fiddly. Parts are to all intents and purposes not available. It needs a movement retaining screw...
Movements
By: Greg D : May 14th, 2011-00:59
Most of the more modestly prices Independent watches are based on off the shelf movements modified slightly. So generic parts should be available for the movements, and even if the maker is no longer around, a qualified watchmaker should be familiar with ...
