sham1
9681
It varies from independent to independent
Yes arguably a larger brand has a better possibility of a surviving in the long term than a small independent but quite a few independents make high quality watches that are easily serviced by good watch repairer. The example of FP Journe's watches I agree is more challenging due to the layout of his movement and its construction. But other high end independents like Voutilainen and RW Smith have produced watches that are easily serviceable. One might actually argue that these independents are unlikely to close shop as the demand for their watches exceeds the supply. I personally try to stay away from complex movements by independents but saying that I am drawn addictively to Gronefeld's Remontoire and Rexhep Rexhepi's Chronometre Contemporain. It does concern me that a good watch repairer would find it challenging to service either watch and I am hopeful that the Gronefeld Brothers and Rexhepi brothers stay in business during my life span at least! 
A lovely MB&F Legacy Split Escapement may also appear daunting to many a watch repairer but again, it is probably best to put one's faith in the independent you buy from. I would be quite nervous to buy a quality watch from an independent who I felt was too small with possible going concern issues not to mention one without a network of ADs that will allow me to return the watch for servicing easily instead of having to take it to Switzerland. I have had bad experiences with couriers so I prefer personally not to use that avenue.
For your peace of mind, I would suggest you buy from independents with a good after sales service network and buy watches with movements that are not so complex. The watch may not give you any issues for years but one day when you do need it looked at, at least you know it will cause you minimal inconvenience.
Newbie - The What if Question...
Hello, I have been collecting watches for the past 5 years but is still a newbie when come to independents. I have to admire them for their distinctive style, personality and in most case, superior hand finishing that compare well to or even surpass estab...
I have a ,,few ,,independents in my collection .
And i am not worried about your questions . First of all enjoy your watch , imo the most importend thing to do . About your concern , most of these brands have skilled watchmakers working for them so when the brand no longer exist there knowledge wouldnt ...
That's absolutely correct
First and foremost, we buy what we like and buy it to enjoy. Although for some independents watches where the price reaches into the other side of 50K, I am a bit more concern with long term viability. Also, I am from the Far East and it is less accessibl...
It varies from independent to independent
Yes arguably a larger brand has a better possibility of a surviving in the long term than a small independent but quite a few independents make high quality watches that are easily serviced by good watch repairer. The example of FP Journe's watches I agre...
Thanks for the feedback
Do you think Lang & Heyne and Akrivia falls into this category of independents with good after sales service? Both are very new companies, the latter being very new actually. FPJ watches are interesting but never like them enough to buy one. Also, all my ...
Hello!
Lang & Heyne offer good after sales service but I am not so sure about AkriviA as they are pretty new and are in the process of establishing a good retail network. Saying that for example, there is an AkriviA AD in the UK whereas Lang & Heyne do n...
This is a question I have been thinking about for a while and there will be no real definitive answer
I think when i comes to independent watches, first question is how much do you love it to buy it, then the next very important question is whether or not they already have a service network setup. To me, the after sales service is possibly one of the most...
Good question!
FP Journe has a multi-layered plan in place and is kind of like the gold standard for how an independant should prepare to continue after the passing of the founder (which is when the real danger is, I think). So, in terms of FPJ, I understand the company...
Journe is likely the independent with the largest and defined structure
He's close to manufacture a thousand watches per year, thus each intern department is carefully monitored. Complicated watches are returned to the same watchmaker who previously has worked on it. This legitimate question is fully debated, I understand tho...
I have about a dozen independents
and have had trouble with a couple. One has even gone "home" twice for engineering improvements to the winding system because it couldn't run for 40 hours after wearing. The problem has been mostly solved, however I must say that a number of friends have ...
Longevity of the independents is definitely a consideration
Good question to ask. I'm inclined to believe that watchmaking is essentially about finding mechanical solutions, as explained to me by a few indie brands and watchmakers- Parts can be made, and watches can be serviced as long as the skills are still ther...