Independents

Greetings to all! Just received my VH Antiqua back from service, which marked the first time that I have had the opportunity to unite these three watches for a quick photo session: I wasn't surprised, but some others may be, at how well the Antiqua stands...  

Congratulations on uniting these three kings. Really amazing to see them all side-by-side. You have curated quite an amazing collection just with these three. Do you have a favorite? And, um, a wrist shot or three wouldn't hurt. ;-) Best, respo

Thanks, respo -- wrist shots are not really my strength, but I will make some more attempts! As far as having a favorite goes, I'll refer you to my recent Simplicity review in which I said I was married to the Observatoire, would build a shrine to the Sim... 

nt

could be "collectors heaven/glory". Lucky me I saw them all in the metal, but never together :-) Congrats! Oliver

...in key moments in the history of two of these three pieces! And two Singapore PuristS (who shall go unnamed here) were involved with the third. All in the family! Best, Gary

All wonderful in their own way. Wearing the VH back-to-back with either of the other 2 classics must be fun. Love them all. Darren

...is just lovely on the wrist. And, as my friends are tired of hearing me say, Vianney's RG color looks great with my skin color! Makes it a treat to look down and see what's there... Best, Gary G

NT

I think that all three are of very high stature, but no one else is under any obligation to concur! The Antiqua really is a marvel once you get to know it -- an instantaneous perpetual calendar with an entirely novel display. Seeing both the date and day ... 

Gary, A superlative collection from 3 of the current masters. Well done putting them together and as always, lovely pictures! Enjoy in the best of health. Cheers, Tim

Just a quick photo shoot, but lots of fun to do and it is great to have these three to compare. Of the shots, I've chosen the triangle of movements as my current desktop -- hard to criticize much about that side of these babies! Best, Gary G

What a trio... Thanks for the gorgeous pics. Fx

By the way, I have not forgotten that I owe you a PM... Best, Gary

...from additional vantage points... Best, Gary G ...  

prefer Jessica and Megan :-) Just joking! MAssive threesome and congrats!

...prefers that I hang out with this threesome, I am sure! As for me, watch porn does have its merits... Best, Gary G

You have heard me say before that the Antiqua and Simplicity may be the 2 most important independent watches yet made. And certainly the Observatoire is also in the stratosphere. Only the best in your collection, and a pleasure that you share them here!

I do agree with you on the fundamental importance of the Simplicity and Antiqua -- there are other pieces (e.g., the Dufour Sonneries) that may occupy higher rungs horologically, but in terms of creating a market for independents' works and defining a new... 

So pure, so radiant! You are a blessed man to have them all! Enjoy please, Stephen

Thanks, Stephen -- as always I appreciate your comments! It is lovely to look into the box in the morning (or crack the safe deposit vault) and have these three staring back out... Best, Gary

Welcome back with the photomania!! These 3 kings together would make any seasoned watch collector speechless! Stunning photos as always! is it a special lens you're using (some kind of PC-E?) as some angles look rather difficult to achieve!

Thanks, Sidney -- always a treat to share here! As far as photo setup goes, I am using an 85mm 2.8D PC-E lens on the Nikon D700 (I have a D800E on order, which I'm hoping will enable another level of clarity!). The first two shots in the post were taken a... 

... not just in terms of photo output but your set up is a little professional studio! Thanks for sharing information about your set up and process. It's great to see how you've evolved as a photographer too (and just like your watch collection, in such a... 

Fortunately for us, you are also an excellent photographer. A fine achievement Gary. :) cheers fernando

I have a lot of fun taking and sharing these, so I am very pleased that you enjoy them! Best, Gary

Or you could call them the holy trinity. Either way, incredible trio!

Not too many other pieces I would put higher on my wish list -- and most of those are owned by friends, so I get to see them once in a while :-). Life could be worse! Best, Gary G

These three are really touchstone pieces of horology for the new Millenium. Really WONDERFUL, encompassing all that word means. Andrew

It's such an honor for me to be the steward of these pieces! And while it would just look silly to try to wear all three at once, group photos are a great way to enjoy the wonders created by these great craftsmen. All the best, Gary

Gary - This trio is breathtaking. And I think it's fair to say your photographic skills are now complete! What can be said about the VH? Unbelievable watch - simply amazing! Thanks so much for sharing these incredible photographs of equally incredible tim... 

Before long, a Habring or two will lead to a Journe, then maybe something like a pre-owned VH Classic or a PSM beauty, and then you'll wake up one morning with a set like these or maybe even a G-F or two! Beware -- it is addictive... Happy hunting and enj... 

... I'm in real trouble now. I think I'll be holding off for a little bit before my next purchase. - Scott

We all tell ourselves THAT lie from time to time! :-) Cheers, pplater.

I was considering my snappy response at my leisure, but am pleased that you have taken the lead in setting our new friend Scott straight :-) Best, Gary

nt

This was during their recent trip in Shanghai. They were invited (with 5 other watchmakers) by Le Club Horloger - Shanghai. Enjoy ! Philippe M This message has been edited by Philippe M on 2012-06-28 00:03:45 ...  

All three are great fun, but I think that the one of Vianney really captures his personality! Best, Gary

They are fabulous and seeing them together is even more appealing. The more I see of some Voutilainens the more I like them. I won't ask you which one you like most :p Thanks for the share :) Best, Mark

Watches may be feminine in a linguistic sense, but if the Lange DS came to life as a female, I'm not sure I'd want to meet her! :-) Thanks for your note -- I appreciate it. Best, Gary

Love them all. :)

A big part of the fun for me is sharing with others, so I'm pleased that you liked these shots. Best, Gary

I was always intrigued by it, eve if definitely not for me, I must admit that it has a lot of character and charm. But among these 3, the most dangerous for m heart is definitely the K.V. A dream. Bravo for this trio. Best, Nicolas

I never think or dream about Jules Verne or Captain Nemo when wearing the Antiqua. Rather it is so classical in form and design that it would have received great attention - and certainly a royal buyer - in 18th century France, the Age of Reason. Apart fr... 

...the world of costs is all too real in small-volume watchmaking! Thanks for adding your (as always) insightful comments here. Best, Gary

That KV is indeed a dangerous man! Hope that one of his beauties finds its way to you soon... Best, Gary G

Very glad these beauties ended up with you so not only are they with someone who truly appreciates them but who lets us share so generously with your great pictures. I am surprised on how much I like the Antiqua in RG -by now I think this is the best meta... 

Thanks, Andreas. It is funny how certain watches look best with certain metal combinations, no? Even my white-metal loving friends are pretty much agreed that the Antiqua in RG is "the one." I'm mostly a colored-metal guy, but for me the Double Split has ... 

Leave your back door door unlocked and PM me your address...I'll take care of the rest for you. *grin* Aside from that, impressive set of independents you have here. The antiqua is certainly a watch that stirs lots of emotions for me. I'm guessing you are... 

Guys like you are why I have a safety deposit box at the bank :-). That said, if you still decide to come to the house and can get past the gate, the alarm, and the Doberman who will greet you at the door, feel free at least to make yourself a sandwich! I... 

Hmmpphhh !!! :-) Cheers, pplater.

Still on my wish list, for sure...perhaps WG with a black face would be nice? Best, Gary

but I think you get more responses per topic than anyone else on this site. No doubt folks respond to fascinating topics, passionate reporting, world-class photos, and second-to-none watches. Keep up the great work, for all of us!

Thanks for the wonderful pictures, WHICH WHICH WHICH are commanded by the great taste in watches! Hope you´re having a good weekend, S

I am deeply flattered by your remarks. Good weekend, but now on the way back to Asia on business! All the best, Gary

Many thanks for the kind words -- it really does make me happy when I strike a chord here with folks, and I will certainly do my best (with some help from my good friends) to continue bringing photos of and commentary on some of the greatest timepieces to... 

Thanks for the superb photography. The best advertisement these watches could have. I hope Vianney sent the watch back in a complimentary "winding box". You deserve it. Regards, Richard.

...and the kind words, Richard. No complimentary winder, but one can always hope! Best, Gary

Fabulous independant trio The Antiqua is such a special watch, the dial finish is amazing, and one of the rare independant which has a futuristic design and being wearable. Love it, and the two "classics" are the best of their kind. cheers Francois

There is something quite special about the Antiqua -- unlike some, I was drawn to it pretty much the first time I saw it, but never dared to think that I might own one. For whatever reasons, the market has spoken (at least so far) about this piece, and I ... 

Great photos... thanks for sharing. I hope you enjoy them for many, many years to come. --Chris

A Smith would be a perfect addition to this set -- I've been drooling over the open dial Series 2 for quite a while here. For technical virtuosity (although a very different philosophy in some ways) a Greubel-Forsey IP 2 or Double Tourb Technique? And I d... 

congratulations ! They are all the grails of the independent watches!

It's been a journey for me to get to this point, but I started meeting the independents a number of years ago through the kind offices of an enthusiastic local dealer and it's been a path I've pursued with some vigor since then! Best, Gary G

Hi, Gary, Each a distilled representative of the DNA of each master, the very essence of iconic. bravo, and congratulations. TM

When you characterize something as representing the true nature of its maker, I take notice! Hope you are doing well -- and I will hope to see you at the January shows if not sooner. Best, Gary

... and thanks for these great shots that give us cool viewing pleasure for this summer time. stefan

You are right about the summer time -- with those leather straps, these pieces will be getting more limited outdoor wear until the fall! Best, Gary

Sorry to be late to the party...better late then never. A word of shared joy that your three babies are now home. Best, Horo

Thanks for joining in, and for the kind wishes -- don't know why anyone would give up that RG Antiqua, but I am delighted to have it! :-) Best, Gary

Best, Horo

...but I do know that there are some serial numbers that I would like better than others, and know that the same is true for other collectors... Hope you are doing well -- sorry I had to miss the festivites last weekend in Singapore! Best, Gary

With self deprecation and humour...my kinda of people!! Best, Horo