~$100k Budget for an Independent…What Would You Recommend?

[vliberman]

Originally Posted by vitalsigns

I'd probably go with a KV (preowned) or Gronefeld (just the Principia)...time only. I'd not feel the need to meet the full $100K budget.

Of the Journes, The Chrono Optimum would be my choice.

The Journe CB is just not worth it at the after-market price IMO.

Which KV can one get at $100K? Even Vingt-8 goes for $120k the way i see it..

[vitalsigns]

Originally Posted by vliberman

Which KV can one get at $100K? Even Vingt-8 goes for $120k the way i see it..

Don't know, but I thought they are at or below $100K. If not, then obviously have to remove it from the list, and that's unfortunate.

[WatchEater666]

Originally Posted by vitalsigns

Don't know, but I thought they are at or below $100K. If not, then obviously have to remove it from the list, and that's unfortunate.

Pretty sure all are over 100k second hand and new has a huge wait.

[bioyuki]

Thanks all for the ideas, though some of you didn’t quite understand the budget part of the brief .

My top choice is a Vingt-8, but Voutilainen’s stuff is just way too much above $100k to stretch for it. I’m still considering the LM101 and LM Split Escapement Evo as MB&F checks a lot of the boxes with their reputation/stature, manufacture movements (hello KV and Stephen McDonnell respectively), and overall style.

I’ve come across Armin Strom’s work before, but I’m going to look much more in depth about the Mirrored Force Resonance now. The Grönefeld
1941 Remontoire is cool as well, but is right at the border of the price limit. Will try to see that one in the metal as well.

[WatchTimes]

The Armin Strom 1 week is really cool!
I just don't know if Id love the blue over the long haul.

[WatchEater666]

Originally Posted by WatchTimes

The Armin Strom 1 week is really cool!
I just don't know if Id love the blue over the long haul.

You can probably customize the color. Just email them.

[FrugalGreubel]

Originally Posted by bioyuki

Thanks all for the ideas, though some of you didn’t quite understand the budget part of the brief .

My top choice is a Vingt-8, but Voutilainen’s stuff is just way too much above $100k to stretch for it. I’m still considering the LM101 and LM Split Escapement Evo as MB&F checks a lot of the boxes with their reputation/stature, manufacture movements (hello KV and Stephen McDonnell respectively), and overall style.

I’ve come across Armin Strom’s work before, but I’m going to look much more in depth about the Mirrored Force Resonance now. The Grönefeld
1941 Remontoire is cool as well, but is right at the border of the price limit. Will try to see that one in the metal as well.

As a recent Principia owner if you can get a pre-owned Remontoire at the right price point and condition you should go for it. I’m very happy with my Principia but man do I wish I was able to get the Remontoire.

Still, a ton of great options out there. I think you have a fun but difficult choice to make. Whatever you choose please keep us updated.

[WatchEater666]

Originally Posted by FrugalGreubel

As a recent Principia owner if you can get a pre-owned Remontoire at the right price point and condition you should go for it. I’m very happy with my Principia but man do I wish I was able to get the Remontoire.

Still, a ton of great options out there. I think you have a fun but difficult choice to make. Whatever you choose please keep us updated.

I think the remontoire trades for more than 100

[bioyuki]

To give some closure to this thread, I found a Romain Gauthier Insight Micro Rotor in fantastic condition on the secondary market and pulled the trigger.

This journey has been eyeopening; I can't wait to add Grönefeld, Voutilainen, and more in the future. Thanks all for your thoughts and suggestions!

[FrugalGreubel]

Originally Posted by bioyuki

To give some closure to this thread, I found a Romain Gauthier Insight Micro Rotor in fantastic condition on the secondary market and pulled the trigger.

This journey has been eyeopening; I can't wait to add Grönefeld, Voutilainen, and more in the future. Thanks all for your thoughts and suggestions!

Excellent choice. Anyone would be ecstatic to have that in their collection. Please post some photos if you can.

[bioyuki]

Originally Posted by FrugalGreubel

Excellent choice. Anyone would be ecstatic to have that in their collection. Please post some photos if you can.

Yeah I’ll do a proper incoming post soon. It just got delivered today so I’m still too busy starting at this enamel dial…

[FrugalGreubel]

Originally Posted by bioyuki

Yeah I’ll do a proper incoming post soon. It just got delivered today so I’m still too busy starting at this enamel dial…

I get it :)

No rush and congrats!

[SakeWatch]

I have the LM SE Evo, and I LOVE it. Really easy to wear, fascinating dial and movement. And amazing company.

To your original question, it kind of depends on your style. If you’re more into MB&F aesthetic, then maybe also Urwerk or Romain Gauthier. If you want more traditional, Moritz Grossmann (one of the more complicated ones). Krayon could also be interesting. I am also on the Berneron, Brette, and Rexhep bandwagons, but probably impossible to get them.

[WatchEater666]

Originally Posted by bioyuki

To give some closure to this thread, I found a Romain Gauthier Insight Micro Rotor in fantastic condition on the secondary market and pulled the trigger.

This journey has been eyeopening; I can't wait to add Grönefeld, Voutilainen, and more in the future. Thanks all for your thoughts and suggestions!

A very good choice. IMO watch making doesn’t really get better lol. I’m not sure I’d bother getting anything else except a logical 1 haha

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by bioyuki

to give some closure to this thread, i found a romain gauthier insight micro rotor in fantastic condition...

image.jpg

[SakeWatch]

Originally Posted by bioyuki

To give some closure to this thread, I found a Romain Gauthier Insight Micro Rotor in fantastic condition on the secondary market and pulled the trigger.

This journey has been eyeopening; I can't wait to add Grönefeld, Voutilainen, and more in the future. Thanks all for your thoughts and suggestions!

Totally missed this when I posted yesterday. Congrats, and great choice. I love that Gauthier, and it is in my own maybe list for the future.

[bioyuki]

Originally Posted by SakeWatch

Totally missed this when I posted yesterday. Congrats, and great choice. I love that Gauthier, and it is in my own maybe list for the future.

No worries, the MB&F LM SE Evo was actually my second choice, and I had a super hard time deciding between the two of them. Can't wait to own a MB&F and join the tribe at some point in the future, but the LM SE Evo appealed to me much more than the 101, especially with the style and Stephen McDonnell movement.

[bioyuki]

Quick 10:10 shot sitting at my desk on a Monday morning. Apologies for the crappy iPhone shot and the dust. Can't stop staring at the escapement, and that deep ultramarine grand feu enamel dial.

[FrugalGreubel]

Originally Posted by bioyuki

Quick 10:10 shot sitting at my desk on a Monday morning. Apologies for the crappy iPhone shot and the dust. Can't stop staring at the escapement, and that deep ultramarine grand feu enamel dial.

God that’s a beautiful watch. I’m extremely jealous of you.