Independent Watchmakers

In contrast to the mass production used for, errr, "many" brands out there... I have recently become more interested in some of the independent watchmakers out there. In many cases these are very small companies lead by someone with a specific vision, creating very high quality watches. I am referring to members of the AHCI http://www.ahci.ch/default.asp?sprac...default&seite=

I admit I have looked at some of the watches produced by these houses as being somewhat, shall we say, ugly. I saw for the first time an Urwerk 103.03 in the metal this past weekend, and although it is certainly not my taste, it was well executed and interesting to look at. I have yet to see a Vianney Halter watch that I like, but can still appreciate the workmanship. One house that I do like very much is De Bethune. They seem to be geared more towards my taste with relatively simply styled watches.

However, if I had the means and opportunity, what I would really love is a Phillipe Dufour Simplicity. Dufour works in a shop with his daughter and one assistant, so the number of watches produced each year is very small. As the name suggests the Simplicity has a very simple layout, but the build quality and execution of detail is of the highest order. In addition, you can choose the options you like, so things like dial design, hands, material, etc. are all things you can choose.

Respecting the people who took the photos, I will post links to their work rather than just put the photos up. This link shows one owners Simplicity in great detail. The workmanship is simply stunning, as are the photos!

http://ninanet.net/watches/others08/...s/mdufour.html

This link shows a thread on The PuristS where levels of finishing came up, and again this same individual provides some photos that show the level of quality in Dufour's work, as compared to some other very well known brands.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/12531...k+very+closely...

Unfortunately only 200 of the Simplicity watches will be made, and they are all spoken for. Of course I could not afford one anyway, but it is nice to dream.....

I hope you enjoy the photos and information.

[C.J.]

Wow! Simply beautiful

[padi56]

Great post Al and like you say, a lot not to my taste as well.But they all have their part to play in the horological world.And I respect a lot of Phillipe Dufour work, but afraid just out of my price range, unless my lottery numbers come up.And like you say finish and quality on movements would put quite a few high end brands to shame.Believe he just out sources cases dials and crystals

Wow, this is twice in one day I mention BruceS, but he has an RGM, and WatchTime did a feature on good old Roland (in Pennsylvania) a couple of issues back. His finish is outstanding and I never really 'got' the RGM, despite Bruce explaining it to me until I read the WT article.

Most independent WM stuff don't do anything for me, but some are quite nice and desirable!