Independents

I'm planning to add another piece to my collection, specifically a manual wind, and have narrowed it down to the following two choices: - Laurent Ferrier Classic Origin (white/opaline dial) - Moritz Grossmann TEFNUT (in steel) I'd appreciate your thoughts...  

LF is more modern, MG more classic, but very similar vibe from both. MG might be more durable choice, but close!

In what sense? Do you mean the movement construction? Thx.

Sorry, I meant it might hold your interest longer. Though of course that is personal. The LF feels perhaps a little too minimalist.

I generally like minimalism when executed well, and I think that LF have done a good job. One thing that definitely differentiates them, as you pointed out, is that LF has a more "sporty" look to it, while MG more traditional

and the rest are aesthetics. Good luck with your choice 👍🏻

Please elaborate if you don't mind? This is certainly something that I always wonder about when it comes to independents...Many thanks in advance

I owned an LF origin. Had issues with it, sent it in, waited a long time, finally got it back, and then after a couple of months, the whole crown and stem came apart. Sent it back in and at that point I had it. I’m really leery about independence these da... 

This sounds like a very bad QC to begin with, followed up a tardy resolution of the issue. I tried finding your original post about it, but without luck. Can you please share the link? Cheers.

...  

This kind of stuff is enough to put me off from the brand. The crown construction is just bizarre with a hollowed out piece and a cap on top!? Why! What was the resolution in the end. What did LF say to you?

You can find similar stories about pretty much every brand. Don't you think?

...but I expect more from independents like LF when it comes to QC & customer service because A) they only make a small amount watches per year so there is really no excuse for bad QC, and B) their customer service needs to be a level above established br... 

But after a while I realized I preferred a darker dial and an automatic natural escapement movement so had to move it. On the MG: I never tried one on the wrist but it looks fabulous, except for one thing: why oh why did they feel the need to use a moveme... 

I didn't even notice it at first, but clearly the movement isn't properly sized for the case

Did you consider the Hamatic too?

because I am specifically looking for a manual wind piece

I love the hamatic, but it’s way larger than the Tefnut (thicker too). This Tefnut is gorgeous and slim. I have tried it several times…and bought a hamatic 😄, but that’s because I already had an MG manual wind.

Good luck!

I do own the LF (in fact I have serial number 18 which was the movement used in press photos like you show!) I have had it five years now. I still think it might be the most beautiful watch I own in terms of the purity of the dial. The red accents and cro...  

My AD has one in stock, albeit the blue colour variant, but at least it'll give me a sense of how it fits on the wrist. Btw, I assume that you've never experienced any QC issues that some members like Tony have reported?

Mine has been solid in terms of not needing service, but as with anything, your mileage may vary. Unfortunately I feel you can turn up service horror stories for all brands if you look

Perhaps my expectation for independents is (unreasonably?) much higher because I feel like in order to survive they really need to strive for perfection and amazing customer service in order to differentiate themselves from existing big brands...

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That's the reason why I chose the LF with Micro Rotor

I am watching Tim Mosso right now and that’s what I heard him say? That LF movements are made by La Fabrique du Temps (LVMH)? I always thought they were in house. That would be another check in the column for MG for me if that’s true!

The movement was developed entirely by LF and manufactured in cooperation with Fabrique du Temps. The finishing is done by hand at LF. It's not desirable to do everything in-house. Even though the major manufacturers can now do it. They have acquired spec... 

Thanks for the additional info! My understanding is that MG does a large majority in house, possibly everything but the case and hairspring. There are probably a few other outsourced components too that I’m missing, but they definitely do more than just f... 

Production is largely in-house. However, the movement is based on a Unitas gear train

But LFdT is incredible. These movements are not inferior to MG in any way. Choose based on style and features that appeal to you most. Best, Tim