sham1
9620
Imagine..........
you had 40k to 55k CHF to spend on one watch and it had to be chosen from one of these independents and one outsider. Your criteria would be a watch with exemplary finishing, highly accurate and reliable, sized between 38mm and 39.5mm, an exclusive watch that is in limited production, a simple 3 handed watch but not just any other 3 handed watch. Short of a Dufour Simplicity, RW Smith Series 1 or 2 and Voutilainen Vingt 8, one of these watches would not only be able to compete with the best but be a watch that would please you even if it was your only watch. Which would you choose?!
A steel Gronefeld Remontoire limited to 25 pieces
You have all seen the movement before but no one will ever get tired of it!
The Vianney Halter anniversary steel watch limited to 20 pieces
Sorry I do not have any photos of the movement and it is the only automatic watch here.
The Akrivia Chronometre Contemporain in rose gold or platinum
Yes I know! 
Rexhep Rexhepi makes some of the best movements out there and would get full marks for creativity and finishing. This was a prototype and would be fine tuned before production begins.
The Credor Eichi II may not be an independent brand but it is a superb piece of horology. Photo borrowed from SJX with thanks.
The immaculate finishing of the spring drive movement is an added bonus to a watch with an accuracy of half a second a day!!
Manufacture
Mahesh visits Atelier AkriviA, meeting Rexhep Rexhepi and exploring the Chronomètre Contemporain. See insights on craftsmanship and brand vision.
47 replies6436 views
Independents
Sham1 secures a Grönefeld Remontoire after a long wait, discussing dial options for his stainless steel piece. Insights on independent watch collecting.
72 replies14206 views
Reference Guide
Explore the Rexhep Rexhepi Chronomètre Contemporain (RRCC) series, from its GPHG-winning debut to unique editions. Discover design evolution, movement details, and collector insights on this Akrivia masterpiece.
41 replies1651 views
Independents
Discover Salon QP through templetowers' lens, focusing on independent watchmakers like Artelier De Chronometrie, Rexhep Rexhepi, and Kari Voutilainen.
22 replies2218 views
Collection
Explore the timeless appeal of white metal and black dial watches from Akrivia, A. Lange & Söhne, Patek Philippe, and Chopard. See collector favorites.
40 replies8865 views
Review
Candid review of the Charles Frodsham watch: 42mm size, double impulse escapement, £60k price. Insights on finishing, wearability, and market position.
97 replies19076 views
Independents
Explore the Louis Vuitton x De Bethune LVDB-03 Louis Varius Project, featuring GMT and Sympathique modular timepieces. Discover the fusion of high fashion and independent watchmaking.
13 replies916 views
New Release
Explore Simon Brette's debut 'Chronomètre Artisans,' a new independent watchmaker's manually wound chronometer. Discover its design, movement, and the community's debate on its market approach.
88 replies23717 views
Imagine..........
you had 40k to 55k CHF to spend on one watch and it had to be chosen from one of these independents and one outsider. Your criteria would be a watch with exemplary finishing, highly accurate and reliable, sized between 38mm and 39.5mm, an exclusive watch ...
tough choice
You have a wonderful selection of timepieces, truly beautiful!!! I my choice would be between the Rexhepi Rexhepi (black dial with rose gold) and the Credor. Both are so different and stunning in their own unique way it would be nearly impossible to choic...
Thank you Spencer for your reply!
Yes they are all great watches in their own right. The Credor is arguably terribly understated and it is actually the lowest priced of the four making it an attractive option. Rexhep Rexhepi's movement is quite something and even the dial design is elegan...
Thank you for your feedback!
You have a Remontoire I recall so I do not blame you for putting that in first place. The watch was released almost two years ago but it competes well against the Basel novelties and I believe it will continue to do so year after year. The Chronometre Con...
Yes, I have a remontoire and I‘d buy it again :-) Regarding the chronometre: I‘d love to see one in person, but I currently don‘t know where I can.
I‘m still researching. Also, I‘m not sure whether there is a sales point in the EU. But definitly an interesting watch.
I know one in the UK
A Collected Man in London is the AD for Akrivia. Or I guess you could go to Geneva and visit Akrivia
Just for having a look, I might make it to geneva this year. For buying it‘s a different thing.
Because of all the trouble with customs, I‘m not really interested to buy a watch in switzerland. But then, I pretty much never go to london. This basically means, that the RR is not a real option for me and I‘ll spend my money elsewhere
I did not realise that
buying a watch in Geneva would be problematic when it came to reclaiming the Swiss tax. Alternatively you could try the watch on at Geneva and then RR will ship it ex tax to your home country (assuming your home country has zero import duty on watches lik...
+1 [nt]
Gotta to have both, Grönefeld Remontoire 1941 & Rexhepi Chronometre Contemporaine
How I wish!
I can see the Remontoire and RR being the popular choice here but I can only afford one!
Then Remontoire
Remontoire is limited. I have not read anywhere whether chronometre contemporain limited/not. + You will fell different kind of love, achievement and happiness every 8 seconds for the rest of your life
No the RR is not limited
but I cannot imagine Rexhap making too many of them. Still, the Remontoire is a compelling choice. I cannot say no to it and my love affair with this watch has been going on for over a year and a half now.
Thanks for the reply Alex
and for your candour! Quite interestingly, no one has chosen the Vianney Halter yet.
Thank you for replying!
I would speculate that the look holds people back in that case. Look forward to the conclusion of your thoughts. All the best, Alex
I agree with you!
This is Vianney's most conservative offering but it still pretty 'outside the circle' watch in line with his creativity. One might argue that as the Rexhap is almost 40% dearer than the Credor, it has an unfair advantage. I just want to make sure whicheve...
I would love to have the Gronefeld..
..failing that any watch by the independent maker from Japan, Hajime Asaoka. Best, John. ...
Great choice John!
Do you know the size of the Hajime Asaoka? I must embarrassingly confess that I know little about this brand.
Thanks John!
Unfortunately, I can pull off wearing a 42mm watch with my small wrist. But I wish I could as I would then be keen on the rare offering from Charles Frodsham, the world's oldest makers of chronometers. Sublime movement and a ceramic dial! ...
I thought so too!
And I have an appointment to try it on for size on 4 May. Apart from the size, the £60k retail price is outside my budget but I really need to see this watch.
I hope to take at least one
since it is a pretty rare watch with only one sales outlet and an annual production of ten to twelve pieces. Thanks John!
I'm totally smitten with the RR
...so I would go that way, but Gronefeld is amazing as well. Good luck in your decision.
Thank you!!
You have the perfect handle! Both the Gronefeld and RR have the most beautiful movements. I need luck and a bit more money
Even if 28 Voutilainen remains my first choice...
...I easilly admit that I find the Remontoire extremely attractive 😉. I know you won't be surprised by my answer my friend... Mike
Mike, my friend
You are the champion of independents and sorry that I did not include the Laurent Ferrier in this list but it is slightly too large for me. I think the movement of the Remontoire is extremely difficult to resist even when compared to say a manual chronogr...
Without any doubt: the Gronefeld Remontoire
There is nothing that I do not like and Grönefeld's finishing of that amazing caliber is absolute outstanding. Vianney Halter would be my second choice. GEO
Ah finally a vote
for Vianney. But I see the Gronefeld remains the popular choice. And like you, I like all four watches but only one is close to being affordable. Thank you Geo.
My mind says Credor my heart says Halter
but i d spend 50k for a PP rare handicrafts.
I am almost 100% sure that
a PP rare handicrafts will cost a lot more than the CHF55k limit that I have placed. If I am incorrect, please PM me because I too would definitely consider one! I can see that you would prefer to buy from an established brand and your choice of the Credo...
I only wish my budget could stretch that far
but unless I am willing to part with some of my watches (which I am unwilling to), a Patek handicraft watch remains a dream.
50k is a sweet budget....
with so many nice choices: 1) Ludovic Ballouard upside down 2) Vianney Halter Classic 20th Anniversary 3) Christian Klings Open Version 4) Jean Baptiste Viot Paris Chronometer S
Salman, my friend
I am afraid the choices are limited to the four in the photo but as per your earlier thread and with the above reply, you have chosen the Vianney. Surely a sought after and rare watch. Thank you very much for your suggestions.
Salman, I too am excited
because this a tough field to emerge the winner in. All four watches are the holy grails of many but I think at this moment of time, the Vianney is the one I am least keen on, probably due to my conservative views on design. I can imagine my liking the RR...
Unfortunately Blourenco
the UJ although falling into the price bracket does not fall into the size bracket. Nice watches though but I want a watch which has KV's level of finishing rather than compromising and arguably the RR and Credor are at least as well finished as any KV bu...
Great post my friend .
But i dont have to tell you what my choice will be😉 . Although i have a deep respect for Akrivia (gorgeous movement) and VH (very unique design)and Credo my patriotic side will Choice my Grail watch , the Steel Gronefeld with a original Salmon dail 🤤 🙏🏻🤗....
Your vote I had placed automatically my friend
even before writing this post!! And you should not blame you patriotism because I am pretty sure even if you were Swiss, being a great supporter of the independents, you would probably have chosen the Gronefeld. All these watchmakers are pleasant humble f...
You cant go wrong with any of them imo my friend
There all great watches , just a matter of which one gives you the most goosebumps at that time i think. If one day i could i would own them all 🙏🏻( dream collection)
I have little doubt
that if you wanted to in the next ten years, they could all be yours! For me, I have placed a 'fancy watch' embargo on myself so only one at most.
You are very tough to yourself my friend .
I never could give myself a embargo like that 😬 . The only obstacle i have to deal with is my bank account 😁
Not easy.
I'd search for more options. I love the stunning Gronefeld movement, but to me the window for the speed regulator at 9 spoils the whole dial. The Credor could be a probable winner among those in the pics. I'd probably go for a Voutilainen anyway. Good luc...
Thanks Vte!
Unfortunately the KV is at a different price bracket but if it wasn't, I would choose that too. But your choice of the Credor is great because that dial is too die for. One really needs to look at it under a loop to appreciate the dial and hand painted ha...
Arie,irrespective of your patriotism
the Gronefeld is one heck of a watch and would take some beating even if it was not Dutch!! I love the Remontoire and Tim and Bart did say that would get in touch with me when the 25 pieces of steel come close to the end of their production. Thanks for yo...
Hard choice...
.. I would go Akrivia. I saw one (not this one), I met the watchmaker, and I had a very good impression. Just my personal opinion and preference.... Good luck hunting! Ken
Thanks Ken!
Rexhap is a terribly enthusiastic and passionate individual. I had seen all his other watches but perhaps my mindset is too conservative as none of them really appealed to me apart from the excellent movement finishing. This more conservative offering how...
Oh man what a coincidence!!
After coming back from Basel and tried a few of them, I'm struggling amongst EXACTLY the same list...
Seriously??!!!
I am glad in a way that I did not make it to Basel this year because if any of those watches were tried on, I would be having sleepless nights for at least a week! The fact that you are deliberating on EXACTLY the same list makes me feel I am in good comp...
The Gronefeld I think.
I'm very partial to the aesthetics and architecture of the movement. And I think the choice of dial, while on your part maybe was to take the watch into the price zone for the comparison, is actually one of the few dials which blend well with the aperture...
Jay, I thank you for your logical reply
I too like the VH Classic but like you, I feel it does not deliver enough compared to the others. I personally prefer this dial for the Remontoire although my friend watchonthewrist would suggest the salmon dial. Something about the silver dial makes the ...
Not sure if you are referring
to the rose gold Remontoire or the bracelet but I have tried the rose gold remontoire and although is is nice, I believe the stainless steel version is more understated not to mention it is only being produced in 25 pieces. ...
I thought so
But in reality, a Gronefeld with any dial will look great!! I just prefer the sober silver dial in a stainless steel case.
Rexhep or Credor, please!
I was just looking at these when my bad idea (has its own thread) came up. Personally, I really like the idea of having each watch I have be able to be a daily wearer (with the exception of a gold bracelet watch I would like to have even though it's not s...
Thank you for your comprehensive feedback!
The Credor is almost the safe reliable choice! It is quite interesting that you feel that the RR will have superior finishing to the Credor because I always thought that only Dufour's Simplicity could upstage the finishing on the Eichi indeed is a compli...
#1 Rexhep Rexhepi in platinum
Love the art deco dial style, reminds me of great vintage dress watches from Vacheron & Patek. Love grand feu email. Love how clean the movement looks without much text. It’s all about the movement - architecture & finishing. I know it is only a prototype...
Thank you for your thorough reply!
Just a note the that Chronometre Contemporain dial is not in grand feu enamel but in vitreous enamel which is like a porcelain enamel. Please excuse my ignorance but I am not sure if both types of enamel differ a lot. I too am taken by the platinum versio...
Ah, thanks for the clarification. IIRC all the blogs mentioned grand feu email
I actually would love to see the black enamel dial with silver-colored markings/numerals/text on the Pt case. I wonder if the Rexhepi brand will offer more customization if you pre-order. Like a deep blue color enamel dial. Or changing style of the hands....
You are most fortunate being among good watchmakers!
I am in Malaysia so finding a good watchmaker will be quite challenging! Rexhap has confirmed that for now a stainless steel case will not be possible but he will not rule out the possibility in the future. When it comes to customisation, I salute Kari Vo...
Kari is a great businessman or has a smart business partner
He vertically integrated what he needed to ensure a strong business
With Kari
with his focus and expertise on dials, it was inevitable that he would acquire a dial factory. More control, more versatility and probably a higher margin too!
Hi Sham...
If you are choosing between the GR or the RG Credor, I will choose the GR. The RG Credor Eichi 2 just doesn't feel right for me. It is still nice but feels 'lesser' than the platinum version. But between the GR or the Eichi 2 Platinum, I will choose the l...
Thank you CL for your reasoning
Apparently the rose gold Eichi has a rounder bezel and slightly curved glass to give it a softer look in line with the rose gold case. I really need to try it on. At these prices, one really has to try on an intended purchase and I look forward to try on ...
For real soul and character...
Imagine the team behind Eichi 2 and what they are striving to achieve. That's real soul and character. In term of aesthetic soul and character, I will go with a old Journe Resonance with shiny dial, which still fit your budget. But if you are just choosin...
Thank you CL for your thoughts!
I agree with you on all counts even with the FPJ Resonance but that is a new Resonance is actually above my budget and besides they only make it in 40mm now. I am partial to the 38mm FPJ watches. Although the watchmakers of the Eichi had undoubtedly the s...
While I am liking the photos of the Akrivia Chronometre it is my second choice.
The Grönefeld Remontoire has me mesmerized, the precision of the dial and the amazing finishing of the movement wins my vote. The strap is also very comfortable and well made. I have been a fan of the Remontoire since it was introduced, may even like it m...
Jerry, I am in total agreement with you
and have been a fan of the Remontoire since day one. Meeting the Gronefeld brothers has made me want the watch even more! Saying that second place to the Remontoire is nothing to be ashamed of for the RR! Thank you for your choices!