WatchProSite|Market|Digest
WatchProSite|Market|Digest

Independents

Precision Engineering AG has quietly become the go-to assortment supplier for independents

 


Precision Engineering AG (PEAG) has kept a low profile since its founding by dental implant magnate Thomas Straumann in the early ‘aughts. PEAG’s main customer is their sister company H. Moser & Cie, but they now supply many other independents. I only noticed this after seeing back-to-back Gronefeld, HMC, and MB&F posts on here with the same distinct stud carrier. 


The catalog includes screw-poised-screw-regulated, smooth-cam-regulated, and smooth-screw-regulated balance wheels. One of their specialties is solid gold escapements, which you can see used by Dewitt, ARTIME, and Laurent Ferrier, but they’re best known for their double hairspring assortments, seen on the MB&F, ARTIME, and Laurent Ferrier. 


Besides plug-and-play assortments, PEAG also sells raw hairsprings, which are very difficult to find a supplier for these days. This is great for maniacs like Kari, who insist on folding their own Philips terminal curves.



  login to reply
Related Content
expand_more
DewittGronefeldLaurent FerrierMB&FH. MoserKari Voutilainen
24 Comments view entire thread 

Rethinking Independence ...

 
By: Bruno.M1 : March 8th, 2025-07:51
This is exactly why I find myself increasingly disappointed with independent watchmakers. I honestly wonder why we continue to use this term. "Independent"... or shouldn't we? I mean, more and more, they seem to be dependent on third parties - sometimes f... 

I see your point and understand it completely.

 
By: quattro : March 8th, 2025-08:05
But, as far as I'm concerned, as long as the level of finishing is as high as I expect, I'm not bothered by the fact that some brands work as 'établisseurs', outsourcing some components and assembling them. Being independent as you mean it (=not relying o... 

The question could be.... What happens when the Chinese, using the same or better machining equipment, exceed the Swiss due to cheap trainable labor to hand polish parts.

 
By: enjoythemusic : March 8th, 2025-08:54
To be fair, we must admit clones have become very impressive. When the Chinese start offering FPJ / Rexhep Rexhepi parts polishing quality... then what?

To classify Ming as an Independent is a long shot

 
By: dedestexhes : March 8th, 2025-08:45
I suppose that is one of the most marketing led brands today! Nothing wrong with that though. But to some extent I agree with your statement. An independent for me is someone like Haldimann or Klings. The lonely fighters…

IMHO Ming is just a branding piece

 
By: Gelato Monster : March 8th, 2025-11:00
with sometimes good face/dial design. Just my personal feeling.

This outsourcing of parts and specialty services is

 
By: Uppersouth : March 8th, 2025-12:07
part of the history of Swiss watch manufacturing. These often heralded, small independent watchmakers couldn’t economically exist without outsourcing. Much of the allure of these small companies is their “independence” from a corporate umbrella that dicta... 

I completely agree with you.

 
By: quattro : March 8th, 2025-13:07
You say things better than I've been able to in my own comment! Best, Emmanuel

The Independence Illusion: Are Independent Watchmakers Truly Independent?

 
By: Bill : March 8th, 2025-15:00
Supporting the idea Financial Independence: Independence in the watchmaking world often refers to financial autonomy rather than complete self-sufficiency. Many independent brands are not owned by large conglomerates like LVMH or Richemont, which allows t...