Independent Roll Call

[christianj]

It seems that lately there have been numerous posts with members posting their independent timepieces. A lot of these brands don’t get talked about a lot so I think it might be helpful if we start a roll call with members posting their watches. IMHO could be helpful as people research these not so common manufacturers and models.

I’ll start with my three independents:

Laurent Ferrier Galet Square
Urban Jürgensen Big 8
H. Moser & Cie Perpetual Moon




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[SROB]

Have a Lang and Heyne Friedrich III. Had a Journe CB... sold it, was a bit thin. Have considered Gronefeld principia salmon dial, LF Galet Square.

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[liu_watch]

Three charming watches!

[WatchEater666]

Good idea! Post casebacks too, let's see those movements!

[christianj]

Originally Posted by SROB

Have a Lang and Heyne Friedrich III.

That's a rare one! Please post pics when you get a chance.

I looked at one that a dealer near me had in their pre-owned section a while back but at that time I was more focused on the well known brands. Could kick myself now that I didn't buy it. I guess we get smarter with age.

[JayHantz]

That Laurent Ferrier is a stunner! Excellent collection. Looking forward to seeing some more pics in this thread.

[_speedmaster_]

Funny coincidence. I was thinking of starting an independents thread this morning. This should be a fun/ interesting thread.

My funky blue:

[christianj]

Originally Posted by _speedmaster_

Funny coincidence. I was thinking of starting an independents thread this morning. This should be a fun/ interesting thread.

Definitely a funny coincidence! Your pic is amazing! I really wish I could take some good pics but crappy iPhone pics is all I have to offer.

[HogwldFLTR]

I'm a bit curious about how an independent is defined? Any watch company not part of a conglomerate?

[christianj]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

I'm a bit curious about how an independent is defined? Any watch company not part of a conglomerate?

I think everyone has a slight different definition. Everyone does typically agree that these companies do not belong to one of the larger groups, such as the SWATCH Group, the LVMH Group, Richemont Group, etc. etc. Most of the time they make their own watches and movements and market and distribute their own products. In addition, production numbers are usually low and hand finishing is usually used on various parts.

[_speedmaster_]

Originally Posted by christianj

I think everyone has a slight different definition. Everyone does typically agree that these companies do not belong to one of the larger groups, such as the SWATCH Group, the LVMH Group, Richemont Group, etc. etc. Most of the time they make their own watches and movements and market and distribute their own products. In addition, production numbers are usually low and hand finishing is usually used on various parts.

Spot on.

Btw, love your collection of independents. LF and UJ are underappreciated and have world class finishing throughout.

[SROB]

My L&H

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[MCMartiny]

Meet Alfred - another member of the Urban Jürgensen family:









This is the original 42mm version, which despite the size wears perfectly on my 7.5 inch wrist. For me this watch combines the best of elegant and traditional design / craftsmanship with the best of casual and modern size / look / metal choice (steel).

[DamageInc.77]

Urban Jürgensen Big 8 RG. Wonderful watch.

[_speedmaster_]

Couple more from today:

[benlee]

I owned two Indies, the german Lang & Heyne and my latest acquisition, the Gronefeld Remontaire. Indies deserved more recognition, as they are good quality for the buck. Although there is always the risk they may no longer be around decades down the road.

This is my Lang & Heyne Frederick III in RG / Black Dial





and the caseback

[benlee]

And this is my Gronefeld Remontaire ( 8-sec Constant Force ) in WG/Salmon Dial





and the caseback movement is quite literally the best in my current collection

[SROB]

I've been considering the principia version... do you consider this a dress piece?

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[benlee]

Originally Posted by SROB

I've been considering the principia version... do you consider this a dress piece?

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Definitely dressy. But can be dress down as well, esp the more funky color dials like turquoise.

[Jay (Eire)]

I’ll take this down a notch or two in terms of $$$ and show a more affordable indie, Laine.




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[BT1985]

Originally Posted by Jay (Eire)

I’ll take this down a notch or two in terms of $$$ and show a more affordable indie, Laine.




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I’ll take it down a few more notches. Halios. Best $600 ever spent.




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[Josh1000]

All I know is that be prepared to haemorrhage on.preowned market with an independent. Good article on sjx on voutilainen

[Pongster]

a belgian



a chinese



& a swiss


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[Pongster]

a filipino



a french



& an american

[997GT3]

Originally Posted by christianj

It seems that lately there have been numerous posts with members posting their independent timepieces. A lot of these brands don’t get talked about a lot so I think it might be helpful if we start a roll call with members posting their watches. IMHO could be helpful as people research these not so common manufacturers and models.

I’ll start with my three independents:

Laurent Ferrier Galet Square
Urban Jürgensen Big 8
H. Moser & Cie Perpetual Moon


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Amazing. How do you like the Big 8? I am thinking about getting one for my 30th. Jurgensen is amazing and one of the more underrated indy's here.

[Pongster]

Journe (still independent even if partly owned by Chanel?)


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[christianj]

So far some really nice indies posted...keep them coming because we know there are definitely more on members wrists.

Originally Posted by 997GT3

Amazing. How do you like the Big 8? I am thinking about getting one for my 30th. Jurgensen is amazing and one of the more underrated indy's here.

I just got it last month but so far so good. It's a very light and comfortable watch with a beautiful dial.