Independents

We all have our favourite independents and our own views on who are the best among them but this is my top five which I am sure will not necessarily be agreed upon by everyone. I have decided to attach some photos to highlight why I think these independents are the best of the best!

And in no particular order, the affable and humble Kari Voutilainen, the king of finishing Philip Dufour, the visionary Romain Gauthier, the traditional Roger Smith and the master watchmaker and designer, FP Journe! I was tempted to add Laurent Ferrier to the list too instead of FP Journe but FP has been an iconic figure for over a decade and his collection is arguably more varied.

Let me know what you think

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

Best wishes,

Sham

PS Needless to say none of the lovely photos below were taken by me!

You mentioned Laurent Ferrier and I'm fully agree with you. From my side, the Galet micro-rotor in white gold grey or blue dial is a dream.

I would add the MB&F Legacy Machine 101 and the Robin's Moser with its funky blue dial.

Thank you Santa for this lovely reminder before Christmas.

Best wishes

Alkiro

I was actually referring to the top 5 independents rather than the top 5 watches by independents and I randomly chose 5 watches from their respective collections. Coincidentally two of them are on your wish list

But, I would be really curious to know the distribution of the capital of these "independent" firms.

For instance, Laurent Ferrier is not the main shareholder of the company which has his name (several private investors behind). I think it is the same situation for FP Journe.

But, finally, the main goal is these brands make us dream ;-)

Best wishes

Alkiro

They have beautiful finishing and movements and are amazingly creative.

Best wishes

Alkiro

Patek Philippe is an independent too although a large one

I would be curious to know the list (we could be surprised). Few attempts: Ludovic Ballouard, KV, Romain Gauthier?

Best wishes

Alkiro

Roger Smith, Philip Dufour and Kari Voutilainen as well as being in my top 5 (and probably my Top 3 too ) are truly independent. Roger and Philip practically make their own watches with minimal assistance.

NT

The first three seem to be in a league of their own in terms of movement, finishing, hand made content and exclusitivity. This might also explain why they also tend to be better investments than the other independents! I always believe that watch collectors as passionate as they are, are also a prudent lot. So if they tend to pay higher prices for certain brands, there are reasons to justify it.

I personally salute all independents for having the courage to venture out on their own in the competitive watch industry. For thinking outside the box a lot of the time and for executing a level of finishing that many big firms do not see the need to but is well appreciated by many, especially us purists!

Best wishes

Alkiro

I thought it was just them behind his eponymous brands (money wise)

It's deja vue day for me today.

sorry that I borrowed it without asking you first!

I was referring to a conversation I had with Alkiro... I am sorry if I gave off that impression.

I thought I had offended you I half expected your reply to be 'let our lawyers speak!'

Never. There is honor among us, I truly believe.

So what would your top 5 be?!

KV, Dufour, van der Klaauw, Gauthier, and the fifth would be a rotating position. That's off the top of my head.

We agree on 3 out of 5!

I do believe gd is now a "consultant" in his eponymous brand.
They still make great watches though.

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Sorry. I guess alcohol and watch forums don't mix well

Best wishes

Alkiro

Greubel Forsey, master of contemporary finishing!

Laurent Ferrier would also be in my dreamlist. Even on their basic micro rotor, it exhibits finishing youd find on say a tourbillon piece. Also, unique escapement mechanisms.

Then not to forget, Gronefeld brothers for their very unique bridge decoration and rementoirs...

Regards,
skyeriding

I have been informed in a separate post that Gruebel Forsey does not qualify as an independent as 20% of the company is now owned by the Richemont group!!

Vianney Halter and De Bethune
Nice choices anyway
Cheers
D

Vianney and De Bethune are definitely among the best around

but I love all art, so difficult....impossible!
In no particular order
Jean Baptiste Viot
Vianney Halter
Ressence
Paul Gerber
Eva Leube
Pita
Ludovic Ballouard
C.Klings
Hajime Asaoka
Mcgonigle
Svend Andersen
Christiaan Van Der Klaauw
FP Journe
Kari Voutilainen
Philippe Dufour
and many more