A watch from an independent watchmaker, how are they?

[vegard_dino]

Hello all.

A watch made by a independent watchmaker, interesting idea. But, how are they? When it comes to quality from a well know high end maker, like Piaget, Patek, Rolex, VC and so one?

Also, what can one expect a price for a gold dress watch from a independent to be? Mor or less as the high end makers prices or higher?

[rationaltime]

Hello all.

A watch made by a independent watchmaker, interesting idea. But, how are they? When it comes to quality from a well know high end maker, like Piaget, Patek, Rolex, VC and so one?

Also, what can one expect a price for a gold dress watch from a independent to be? Mor or less as the high end makers prices or higher?

"Independent watchmaker" is not well enough defined to state a general
rule about prices.

"Independent watchmaker" in the broadest interpretation could be one
guy who orders cases and movements and dials and assembles watches.
At the low end of the price range is Roland Kemmner, who assembles
watches and gets good reports on the forum. Kemmner watches are a
lower price than comparable medium price to inexpensive watches.
In this forum this type of watch is not usually considered.

We also do not include small brands with watches assembled outside the
company. For example, we do not include most of the micro brand dive
watches.

In the most restricted definition (commonly used in this forum) are
watchmakers who also make their own movements and sometimes their
own cases. Those independent watchmakers that get good reports often
have both high prices and a waiting list of customers. "Quality" is difficult
to define, but most customers of the independents seem as pleased with
their watches and enthusiastic about the brands as those you list.

Unless you are well funded and patient the watches from many independent
watchmakers are best suited for window shopping. If you are seriously
considering the purchase of a new Patek you fit the target market for
most independent watchmakers. I guess the independents on average
might be lower price than similar watches from name brands. However,
in this price range I think the customers are not price sensitive. Really
most of the customers are looking for perfection and art rather than
"value".

Independent watchmakers often make innovations that advance the
art of mechanical watches. Though I have seen only photos of his
watch, Volker Vyskocil is one of my favorite watchmakers. There is
nothing equivalent. I think if you can get on the list the price is near
20 k€. If you really like watches it is worth studying the Vyskocil web
site.

Dornblüth is an independent watchmaker who starts with ETA base plates.
The movements are highly modified and beautiful, but still recognizable as
ETA heritage. Dornblüth has quite a following and also a waiting list.
Dornblüth prices are achievable by people of ordinary means.

Thanks,
rationaltime

[vegard_dino]

Thanks for a good reply.
Well, what I have in mind is one made with its own movement.
But, guess they are not all doing that, costs and so.

A Patek or a Breguet or a VC are great watches, but one made from a independent maker, that is very interesting.
Kari Voutilaine makes some great watches. Pure and simple. Does he make the movements to?

Yes, I know it costes, and as you say when looking at a watch like these, price may not be what the buyers are thinking of. But, I have to........
But, the idea, the dream lives...To one day strap it on my wrist.

Also, the Danish maker Andersen, how is his work? Not a independent maker maybe, in the forums term.

[rationaltime]

I have not seen watches by those makers.

Watches from Kari Voutilainen (in Switzerland) are respected by watch
collectors. I think his watches are priced around 80k CHF (about $100k).
The waiting list is likely well more than a year. So, you would have time
to plan for it. I think you would get an excellent and finely finished watch.

I guess you mean Svend Andersen. As you may know he came from Denmark,
but he is in Geneve. The Andersen watches are pretty artistic, but it seems
they have original movements. We would count this as independent watchmaking.
I don't know the bottom price for a gold case watch, but it seems you could
buy a new platinum model 1884 world time for 42k CHF ($51k). I suppose
you could scale that to make a reasonable guess for an 1884 in a gold case.

I hope some of our members face difficult choices about which of those watches
to purchase. If, like it would be for me, it is pretty much a dream then dream big.
Choose one of each.

Thanks,
rationaltime

[vegard_dino]

Thanks for the reply.

Well, they are a bit, , out of my range now. BUt, the idea of having a watch from a independent maker is getting bigger.

Just have to learn more about them and here I sure can do that

So, yes, the seek is one, one day....One day.