Independents

The Don Corson Dresdener Regulator is more than a watch. It's evidence, of a fairly compelling nature, that a man armed with a dream, some ingenuity, commitment, and a large amount of elbow grease can attain just about anything. *Author's note: I'm please...  

There's nothing else out there right now that reminds me of this watch. It really must be seen in person to fully appreciate the work that Don put into it. The pictures don't do the watch justice. Cheers, Daos

There's nothing that excites me more about the world of watchmaking than when an outside independent talented person arrives to show his own mastery and skills from a clean slate. It is a challenge to the established houses and independent colleagues alik... 

I completely agree that as watch enthusiasts we are living in an exciting time for the industry. The rise of the independents, the continuing consolidation by the big brands, and the increasing developments in material science all indicate an evolving, dy... 

Thank you Daos for the wonderful review! I have been fortunate enough to have the chance to view the Donald Corson timepiece (many thanks to this Gentleman PuristS who so eagerly showed me his D. Corson timepiece on three separate occasions, I remember ea... 

First, I must confess that the pictures were largely supplied by Don, and I had some help from others who wished to remain anonymous (probably hoping to help me look like a better photog than I am)! You know my own eye and equipment is not so keen! I, too... 

Do you see improvement in the Dresdener as compared to one of Don's earlier designs, or in comparison to earlier versions of this same model? Thanks for reading! Cheers, Daos

I enjoyed your commentary very much! Your review is very thorough and your eloquence did a great justice for the watch. Having seen the watch in person I believe maybe 3 times?, from when the movement and dial were caseless in Don's pocket at SIHH 2008 to... 

It's pretty inspiring to see what Don's accomplished in such a short period of time. I can't wait to see what's next for him. Thanks for your kind words, and for reading the article! Cheers, Daos

Love all the details like the special hands and buckle . The dial with the three circles looks very good, really beautiful piece from what I can see here. GEO

...I know you appreciate details and craftsmanship, so I do hope you have the opportunity to see this watch in the metal. It has that strange, unknowable essence that all great timepieces exhibit. Have a great week! Cheers, Daos

I admire the craft and thought put into this and Don's previous watches, even if the styling is not to my taste. I very much look forward to what else Don has in the pipeline. - SJX

...is unique, and therefore not for everyone, but there's a lot of warmth and excitement that shines through in this watch. I also look forward to seeing Don's next creation. Cheers, Daos

Having briefly seen (and been much impressed by) the watch, I very much enjoyed your in-depth commentary. As always, you are very insightful, allowing me to notice things I certainly would not have noticed on my own. Did you do any performance testing of ... 

I did not do any real performance testing on it, as the watch is a prototype, but I didn't notice any real issues with time-telling while I was wearing it. I definitely enjoyed the experience of wearing Don's watch, and if I had the funds I'd definitely b... 

There is not much to say after all the comments made on this post, but, like Thomas, I love a lot these flaws on the finish of the dial. The watch should have been pretentious, it is not at all, these flaws making it looking...Human. When I saw the pictur... 

...I felt very inspired wearing Don's watch. While I know I'll never craft a watch myself, just being close to a watch created by a fellow Purist reminded me that we can achieve our dreams through hard work. I'm very impressed with what Don has achieved i... 

When it comes from a friend, it is even better! Best, Nicolas

...I always get to see it on her wrist. I must say that Don's watch is impressive. From a design perspective, the dial is not to my taste, but it is really beautifully executed. Don proves with this watch that he is a capable and creative watchmaker. That... 

...about Don. I haven't met him in person, but feel I know him more after having experienced his watch. If a watch from an independent maker contains a bit of its creator's soul, then Don's is one I like. Lots of people talk the talk about wanting to buil... 

Great review and nicely written as always Daos. And very impressive work by Don! It's been great reading the past posts about the developments of this project. I've seen and handled the watch a few times and enjoyed the level of detail and craftsmanship t... 

...Don has just begun his watchmaking journey. In the future, I expect we'll see more unique, beautiful, and increasingly complex watches from him. I love seeing one of our own achieving his dreams, and putting forth something new and interesting into the... 

All before me have expressed insightful commentary on the watch and Don. In an effort not to be redundant, I will only send my heartfelt congratulations to Don and my many thanks to Daos for her eloquent, insightful and thorough reviews. Not only does she... 

I appreciate your kind words, and I'm glad you enjoyed the article. Don deserves the big kudos here for imagining a cool timepiece and having the gumption to bring it to fruition. Not many can say the same. Thanks for reading! Cheers, Daos

I agree with everybody's opinion here that Don's watch with a little bit of imperfection only shows that it is hand made by a human being. And I'm sure we all admire immensely Don's move from an enthusiast/purist to becoming a watch maker with his own cre... 

Thanks for your thoughts! I, too, love how Don has turned his passion from simply collecting to creating watches. It's inspiring! Cheers, Daos

... he retrieved from his pocket some years ago. For me, the hands are a decisive design element of a watch. If I am not absolutely convinced by the design and execution of its hands, I would not buy it. Additionally, I consider No. 4 to be Don's finest w... 

Thanks for your insight about the name of the watch. I wonder if Don will change the model name, or if perhaps the name is Americanized, if you will. I find the movement so compelling. Plus the color scheme of the piece is very much to my taste. Thanks fo... 

I absolutely love the layout of the dial. The case looks really nice as well, it has a very "masculine/blocky" feel if that makes any sense. The movement layout with the gear train was a great way to re-engineer the ETA components. The color tones of the ... 

...as they are unique in shape, and have an artisanal look about them. They are not the sharply industrial hands we see on so many watches. I personally like the hour hand best of the three. It's the serpentine shape that disagrees with me aesthetically f... 

Thanks for your marvelous report, dear Daos! As to the hands, with their attenuated tails, they remind me too much of what has been done to animal and even human anatomy for a dubious purpose. A Dobermann with clipped ears is cosmetic surgery. Serpents an... 

Thanks for your thoughts. Don's design has a unique viewpoint, and certainly the hands are not for everyone, but I do love their handcrafted look. As a fan of independent watchmaking, I'm sure you are excited to see another player emerge onto the scene (a... 

and i DO admire Don's work and the sheer effort he puts into it. What a multi-talent ... Amery

Eagerly waiting cen@jkt

...half-flying tourbillon? I don't know if this is what's next for Don, but he's most definitely already created the prototype! There are pictures on his website! Cheers, Daos

I had been interested in learning more about this watch, so the review is an excellent resource for us. Thank you both, Daos and Thomas for the excellent summary and analysis. I am a sucker for regulators. But they are usually very serious affairs, and wh... 

Don's choice of hands is not common, and definitely gives the timepiece an air of originality. The watch makes me smile, as well. I hope to see more models from Don in the future. I'd love for him to make a simple three-hand time only piece. Cheers, Daos

for a very thorough report..... A very interesting timepiece.... I wonder, how long does it take him to manufacture the movement? Cheers

...if he can give us an approximation of how long it takes for him to construct and finish his movement. Thanks for reading the article! Cheers, Daos

Don has never really tried to account for the time used in making a watch or a movement, but once the design is finished he thinks the production comes down to something like this. To make one movement: 40hrs Preparation: Production drawings, CNC programm... 

So sorry it took me a while to get around to reading your excellent review. I've seen the Dresdener in person and have overheard bits and pieces of its background but thank you for providing the whole picture. It is definitely a treat that we have close a... 

You've hit the nail on the head with the use of the word "craftsman." Don deserves the moniker. His watch is the culmination of a dream, and seeing that come to pass is indeed priceless. We should all be so fortunate to achieve our own individual goals. C...