Independents

What do YOU think of Greubel Forsey watches? WatchTime NY was last weekend and I got to try on a number of nice things. One of the nicest is the 95% handmade Hand Made 1 by Greubel Forsey. I found out there are two sequels planned! The Hand Made 2 will ha...  

A brand whose watches I really like but even had I the budget I don't have the wrists to wear the watches. Still, I like looking at them. Thank you.

But the watch doesn't work aesthetically for me at all. It somehow lacks that "weird" Greubel X-factor. Almost too restrained, trying too hard to look like a conventional watch. When I see a Greubel, I want it to be crazy.

but the other GF tourbillon pieces are incomparable.

It will be interesting to see GF shift gears!

...my only nitpicks other than price, is that every one I've seen (and I've seen some in person) are very large and thick.

The price is challenging all the time! But I do like their more classic options versus their sporty models. ...  

Haven't seen one in-person, but it's a beautiful design and all the video + high res shot I've seen look immaculate. I think GF deserves a ton of credit for these too, they are very perfect compared to other "handmade" guys like Roger Smith whose work is ... 

But the older ones were, right? Either way, its not ok for a watch that costs $$$ when GF can make something perfect 100% handmade.

The Hand Made 1 is 6x (or so) the price. So, it's not quite anything like an equal comparison, of course.

Retail for a series 2 RWS is hovering around 500k USD now

That's a little shocking. They have a full book of orders and I wish them well.

It's also very risky for them. If the auction hype wanes, they will be in major trouble.

I guess they only need 10 people a year to think that 500k is a good price for their watch.

I don’t think obvious mistakes that are very fixable are ok I’m that range personally. Just shows a lack of pride in one’s work.

Minor oops as a sign of hand made can be nice, like you can see that a person made this thing that you now have. Big oops not so much. GF seems to really strive for a higher level and that's very nice. I recommend trying on a few pieces, the Hand Made 1 i... 

I'd say yes, but I'd be happy to hear what you think!

What I don't appreciate, just like with most other independent uber-complicated and perfectly finished watches, is the design. It often lacks grace and proportion. Call me crazy, but if you made me choose between a simple Rolex or Cartier and a GF (that I... 

It's been a while I'm overthinking that they represent definitely the pinnacle of finishing...but are there any real advancements in watchmaking? All these independents, basically the same Kari Francois Gf style.... i don't know, it's what the market ( an... 

I would also say that innovation must remain comprehensible to collectors. For example, the Zenith Defy Inventor with the 18hz superfast jiggly silicon web which takes the place of escapement is an innovation. But, it leaves me cold as I can't easily and ... 

Very cool! Did you get any news about the new watch neant to showcase hand finishing?

It pushes all the right buttons. Normally Im not drawn in by GF but respect what they do. PS. I heard they stopped using natural leather for their straps. Did they mention what these where?

They use a plant-based material, but I don't think they've said what it is specifically.