Manfriedi vs Cellini for independent watchmaker

[ILoveFerrari]

Sigh, I have jumped in the rabbit hole of independent watchmakers! I am deciding my first piece between Grönefeld, Voutilainen, and FP Journe (assuming I have my ways to get them). I am less excited with the design with H. Moser Cie, MB&F.

What are your experiences with independent watchmakers and what brand did you choose? if there is any regret, please feel free to share.

Also, what is your personal experience with Manfredi vs Cellini? I have talked to managers of both stores and have different feels. Not sure how to proceed from here regarding ordering the Voultilanen. Please feel free to DM if preferred.

Thanks!!

[Nav01L]

Presented with that choice, I’d go for a Voutilainen.

Grönefeld make fantastic watches, but no longer take orders and FPJ has reached a point where they don’t really feel like an independent anymore, with their boutiques and their mature brand story, they are on the cusp of becoming a big brand in terms of look and feel. So if you really want the experience of dealing with the manufacture itself, if not the people themselves, Kari is your man. In term’s of watchmaking, he also stands head and shoulders over the other two.

[sgrossma]

Neither Manfredi nor Cellini are taking Gronefeld orders at this time.

[JR16]

Of the three, Kari is your only realistic option. I’ve been to the Cellini store a few times and found the people there to be very welcoming and knowledgeable.


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[kohuti02]

I'm a regular at both stores and they are both fantastic.

I got Ludovic Ballouard Half Time from Cellini's a year ago and I can't get enough of the piece. It's just marvelous in every way, but most importantly, it's fun, which what our hobby should be all about.
In my book, he's among the top 3 best watchmakers in the world today and makes about 12 watches a year.
Or you could consider Laurent Ferrier or Czapek...

Anyway, best of luck with dabbling into independents.🤞

[_speedmaster_]

I’m a regular at both as well and can also attest both are very well run and have very knowledgeable, passionate employees. Roberto and Leon (owners of Manfredi and Cellini respectively) are also very approachable.

As others have said, neither are taking orders for Gronefeld. Neither carry Journe anymore. Your only option from your list is a Voutilainen. You can order a custom from either Cellini or Manfredi. Manfredi does have one or two off-the-shelf Karis you can buy right now btw.

I would also strongly suggest looking at Laurent Ferrier, Urban Jurgensen or Moritz Grossmann. Ferrier and Urban are carried by both retailers, Moritz Grossmann is only at Cellini.

[Big Tex Rolex]

For those of you that have posted above … pictures Please … if you would not mind sharing your watches with the rest of us.

[_speedmaster_]

Originally Posted by Big Tex Rolex

For those of you that have posted above … pictures Please … if you would not mind sharing your watches with the rest of us.

Still waiting to take delivery of my Ferrier and Gronefeld. But below are my Urban Jurgensen and Moritz Grossmann watches. Both are limited editions that have since sold out, but they show the great level of detail and finishing both companies offer. They both are extremely underrated in the independent space.

[kohuti02]

Originally Posted by big tex rolex

for those of you that have posted above … pictures please … if you would not mind sharing your watches with the rest of us.

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[Nav01L]

Originally Posted by kohuti02

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Man that LB half time watch is really amazing, all special pieces but that one’s a work of art

[kohuti02]

Originally Posted by _speedmaster_

Still waiting to take delivery of my Ferrier and Gronefeld. But below are my Urban Jurgensen and Moritz Grossmann watches. Both are limited editions that have since sold out, but they show the great level of detail and finishing both companies offer. They both are extremely underrated in the independent space.

Gorgeous UJ. I saw it in metal and considered pulling the trigger. Well...

Thanks for sharing

[thekman]

I got my Gronefeld from Cellini. Amazing place. It's always my first stop when I go to NYC.

[enjoythemusic]

A Kari piece is an excellent choice! In this crazy market, act fast! Seems more true enthusiasts are moving towards supporting the many incredible independents.

As mentioned, Czapek is a very strong brand too imho. You mentioned great choices and hope over time you enjoy one or two from each.

[Big Tex Rolex]

Originally Posted by _speedmaster_

Still waiting to take delivery of my Ferrier and Gronefeld. But below are my Urban Jurgensen and Moritz Grossmann watches. Both are limited editions that have since sold out, but they show the great level of detail and finishing both companies offer. They both are extremely underrated in the independent space.

Stunning … absolutely stunning pieces. Thank you for sharing those photos with us.

[Big Tex Rolex]

Originally Posted by kohuti02

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How’s the collection coming !!!???? Wow … beautiful pieces of art.
Thank you.

[_speedmaster_]

Originally Posted by kohuti02

Gorgeous UJ. I saw it in metal and considered pulling the trigger. Well...

Thanks for sharing

Funny story, I was one of the first people to see one in the metal at Cellini in 2019. Passed on it and thought nothing of it. For some reason, the thought of it crept into my mind out of nowhere. Reached out to Cellini, they sold out. Reached out to Manfredi, sold out there as well. However, Roberto was kind enough to pull strings with Urban Jurgensen and I got possibly the last available one in early 2021. Without question, it has become my favorite watch.

I definitely agree with you on Ballaurd, the guy is a watchmaking genius. I love his watches and your piece is no exception.

Originally Posted by Big Tex Rolex

Stunning … absolutely stunning pieces. Thank you for sharing those photos with us.

Many thanks!

[kohuti02]

Originally Posted by Big Tex Rolex

How’s the collection coming !!!???? Wow … beautiful pieces of art.
Thank you.

Thanks 🙏🙏🙏

[kohuti02]

[QUOTE=_speedmaster_;11931040]Funny story, I was one of the first people to see one in the metal at Cellini in 2019. Passed on it and thought nothing of it. For some reason, the thought of it crept into my mind out of nowhere. Reached out to Cellini, they sold out. Reached out to Manfredi, sold out there as well. However, Roberto was kind enough to pull strings with Urban Jurgensen and I got possibly the last available one in early 2021. Without question, it has become my favorite watch.

I definitely agree with you on Ballaurd, the guy is a watchmaking genius. I love his watches and your piece is no exception.

Believe me I know the feeling...😉

You've done well with that LE 1140. It's a great piece.
Can't wait to see what Kari will do next year with the UJ rehaul and its new releases.

[mockingboy]

I’ve only bought from Manfredi (Gronefeld Principia which was delivered today and an UJ) but Rob at Manfredi is awesome.

At the end of the day, both are great retailers and will be about what they can get you access to more than anything!

Enjoy the journey!

[991C4S]

Ciao! What a great issue to have. I purchased my H. Moser & Cie from Cellini and ordered my Czapek from them as well. The boutique is always a pleasure to look at indy's. Hopefully a Jurgensen soon! Fingers crossed. Good luck.

[ILoveFerrari]

thank you for everyone's inputs. Much appreciated. I also wonder where I can find the list of Voutilainen dealers in US...

By the way, the watches above are so beautiful!

[Pdg]

I will echo what others have said. I have shopped at both and they are both great stores. Also, having a Voutilainen I will say you can’t go wrong if you choose that route. The whole process is just fun (if you love watches) and they are amazing watches.

[Big Tex Rolex]

MORE Photos … Please !!!
These watches are beautiful, and nice to see in “wildlife” pictures.

[Allanmodel]

WOW....This looks great~~

I love it............Can't get this anymore........right?

[kohuti02]

Originally Posted by Allanmodel

WOW....This looks great~~

I love it............Can't get this anymore........right?

I was told it was 1 of 3 made for Cellini NYC.

[Allanmodel]

Originally Posted by kohuti02

I was told it was 1 of 3 made for Cellini NYC.

Ha....Thanks for info~~

[Stranger]

Yeah, that LF Boreal, in the square case moreover, is one of my favorite watches ever.

They made a few (?) with a dual time complication if I'm not mistaken. Very cool too.

[Fort Rolex]

The folks in Cellini are so great and welcoming, a great crew