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Old 23 January 2023, 10:32 AM   #1
btwistround
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Upcoming independents

Anyone know of any upcoming independents?

I'm looking for my next watch and leaning more towards the indie scene. Looking for someone that's under the radar at the moment. Before they get hype exposure from the mainstream/ popular watch websites and influencers.
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Old 23 January 2023, 10:34 AM   #2
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This group.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=886078
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Old 23 January 2023, 10:45 AM   #3
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thanks man
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Old 23 January 2023, 03:02 PM   #4
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Most of them are “well” known now. With the internet, it seems like even new young indies presold their first release before I even heard about it. I would love to be able to get a first run steel Remy Cools but now the ship has sailed. The second release in PM is just too much for my wallet. Happy to see independents are widely accepted now though.
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Old 24 January 2023, 12:53 AM   #5
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Most of them are “well” known now. With the internet, it seems like even new young indies presold their first release before I even heard about it. I would love to be able to get a first run steel Remy Cools but now the ship has sailed. The second release in PM is just too much for my wallet. Happy to see independents are widely accepted now though.
it's tough man. Especially for someone who is an enthusiast, but doesn't have deep pockets hoping to support and acquire a piece.
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Old 24 January 2023, 01:16 AM   #6
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I highly recommend Romain Gauthier. He is not exactly "uncoming" but his Insight Micro-Rotor are still available for purchase. These are proper work of art and I am puzzled why they are still available. His finishing is up there with Dufour and Voutilainen.
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Old 24 January 2023, 03:52 AM   #7
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nice but unfortunately all of them are unaffordable to 99% of us.

So my top 3 ( no particular order)

Pascal Coyon (France)
Florent Lecomte ( France )
Reima Koivukoski ( Finland )
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Old 24 January 2023, 04:13 AM   #8
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I highly recommend Romain Gauthier. He is not exactly "uncoming" but his Insight Micro-Rotor are still available for purchase. These are proper work of art and I am puzzled why they are still available. His finishing is up there with Dufour and Voutilainen.

His continuum is impressive as well




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Old 24 January 2023, 05:26 AM   #9
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"Upcoming" is hard to define.

Is Dan Royter "upcoming"?

Is Horage "upcoming?"

Mr. Jones.

Ochs und Junior.

Kudoke.
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Old 24 January 2023, 05:51 AM   #10
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Most of them are “well” known now. With the internet, it seems like even new young indies presold their first release before I even heard about it.
Having the same experience. Even recently spoken with someone not mentioned... his first run is sold out, but considering the craftsmanship I can see pricing will be very very high. So VERY high-end as in MB&F or Kari V territory, maybe even Akrivia in pricing. That begs the question, do you go with a known that has good service or roll the dice and take a chance on the 'new guys'? Interesting for sure.

For these new guys, and I may be wrong so feel free to correct me, it seems the sub-$15k zone is not even considered. I think Torsti Laine has a 'lock' at that price level if you want high-quality custom imho.

Let's say we stretch to $25k CHF, what is being made by the 'new guys'?
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Old 24 January 2023, 07:15 AM   #11
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Krayon, if it could be ordered.
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Old 24 January 2023, 07:35 AM   #12
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Krayon, if it could be ordered.

Krayon is nice but incredible pricey at close to 100K. The Anywhere is a great watch.
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Old 24 January 2023, 08:51 AM   #13
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RGM and Pascal Coyon are two very underrated indies.
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Old 24 January 2023, 10:03 AM   #14
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Krayon is nice but incredible pricey at close to 100K. The Anywhere is a great watch.
I thought it is reasonable given the highly impressive hand-finishing and in-house movement in a very wearable case (39mm by 9mm). I may add The Anywhere if given the opportunity.
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Old 24 January 2023, 10:11 AM   #15
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Lecomte looks pretty cool. Close to what I'm looking for.

It's tough and like you say, the internet has given so much access for new independents.

Especially for someone like me, who doesn't have mega deep pockets, not in the position to play the AD games for the mainstream brands. And the independents are largely 50k upwards.

Romain Gautheir are amazing. Out my range though
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Old 24 January 2023, 03:22 PM   #16
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I thought it is reasonable given the highly impressive hand-finishing and in-house movement in a very wearable case (39mm by 9mm). I may add The Anywhere if given the opportunity.
I ordered the new Krayon Anywhere. I suggest you should do it quick since they will raise the price soon (April 1st).
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Old 24 January 2023, 03:35 PM   #17
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I ordered the new Krayon Anywhere. I suggest you should do it quick since they will raise the price soon (April 1st).
My AD just told me the reference C030-01 is S$200k, or U$151k. I can't afford it now as I have bought a few other pieces lately.
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Old 24 January 2023, 03:38 PM   #18
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My AD just told me the reference C030-01 is S$200k, or U$151k. I can't afford it now as I have bought a few other pieces lately.
Email to Krayon. Ask them for "new" Anywhere.
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Old 25 January 2023, 04:37 AM   #19
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I am a major Romain Gauthier fan and love both the likes of the Logical One and Micro Rotor alongside the Continuum (I think all of the variations released to date are awesome!).

Continuums are well below £50k including the bracelet version.

Lecomte it’s awesome but it seems as if its very difficult to get an allocation.

The other indies to consider are:-

Theo Auffret
Christian Lass
Petermann Bédat
Xhevdet Rexhepi
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Old 25 January 2023, 04:56 AM   #20
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I bought a piece from Felipe Pikullik and was really happy with it.

Check this out
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnj-QXzpzSw/?hl=en

His customer service was AWESOME.
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Old 25 January 2023, 05:23 PM   #21
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I bought a piece from Felipe Pikullik and was really happy with it.

Check this out
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnj-QXzpzSw/?hl=en

His customer service was AWESOME.
Which one did you get ? I’ve been highly considering a ZBM1 this past month. The free hand engraved dial with diamond markers is super unique.

I also like Laine watches the triple guilloche is a beauty and great value
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Old 25 January 2023, 10:29 PM   #22
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I took a chance on Trilobe and enjoy mine
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Old 26 January 2023, 01:02 AM   #23
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Big fan of Alchemists, however very pricey
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Old 26 January 2023, 01:25 AM   #24
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The Japanese independents are coming on strong, many with pricing that seems 'reasonable' too. Kikuchi Nakagawa and others also deserve attention imho.

https://www.fratellowatches.com/japa...big-year-2022/

Some of the hand-painted dials from Asian brands look incredible.
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Old 26 January 2023, 10:49 AM   #25
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The Japanese independents are coming on strong, many with pricing that seems 'reasonable' too. Kikuchi Nakagawa and others also deserve attention imho.

https://www.fratellowatches.com/japa...big-year-2022/

Some of the hand-painted dials from Asian brands look incredible.

Until you see Kikuchi-Nakagawa waiting time. Im not sure if I want to place 50% deposit for a timepiece available in 9-10 years


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Old 26 January 2023, 02:35 PM   #26
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Until you see Kikuchi-Nakagawa waiting time. Im not sure if I want to place 50% deposit for a timepiece available in 9-10 years


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For sure haha I looked into them a few years ago when Eric Ku was spotlighting them and it was so long I just laughed and moved on. Cool product though but nothing ground breaking.
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Old 27 January 2023, 01:04 AM   #27
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Until you see Kikuchi-Nakagawa waiting time. Im not sure if I want to place 50% deposit for a timepiece available in 9-10 years
Good for them! Have not kept up with delivery times so my bad. Am glad to see more watchmakers come to the forefront in many parts of the world.

Wow, 5 to 10 years wait. That's great and shows the strength of a more global market

-----
-----

New vid just posted.

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Old 2 February 2023, 09:21 PM   #28
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Xhevdet Rexhepi's first watch - Minute Inerte.

You can read more about it in his IG.

Some headline figures - 38mm 8.5mm, platinum, jumping minute hand.

IMG_20230202_191602_(1080_x_1080_pixel).jpg

IMG_20230202_191636_(800_x_1080_pixel).jpg

IMG_20230202_191623_(1250_x_800_pixel).jpg
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Old 2 February 2023, 09:50 PM   #29
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^^^^ very cool!

----------
----------

For those truly seeking timepieces from independents, check out https://www.thelimitededition.co.uk/...ition-watches/
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Old 3 February 2023, 02:42 AM   #30
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Xhevdet Rexhepi's first watch - Minute Inerte.

You can read more about it in his IG.

Some headline figures - 38mm 8.5mm, platinum, jumping minute hand.

Attachment 1346237

Attachment 1346238

Attachment 1346239

I think it is all sold out before this IG post was even up?
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