Up close and personal: Philippe Dufour Duality dial desktop photo

Independent Watchmaking: A New Trend Or Just A Trendy Term?

The word “independent” is used frequently in connection with watchmakers and brands that couldn’t be more different in their scope; and we seem to be seeing more “independent watchmakers” and “independent niche brands” pop up. In this new age of “independents” how can we determine who actually is and who isn’t (but claims to be) independent?

Vallée de Joux style (and label), take two: reverse side of the Romain Gauthier Logical One

Why Romain Gauthier Is The Logical Heir Apparent To Philippe Dufour (Archive)

It’s no secret: GaryG an immense admirer of Philippe Dufour. Part of greatness, of course, is leaving a legacy; not only through one’s works, but in the skills and inspiration passed on to those who follow, which Dufour has liberally done. But who, if anyone, will history regard as the lineal heir to the Dufour tradition? I’ve reached what may seem a counterintuitive conclusion: Romain Gauthier.

Philippe Dufour from the film "Timepiece"

‘Time Piece’: If You Only Watch One Film On Independent Watchmaking, Watch This One (Archive)

The short documentary film ‘Time Piece’ features two of the world’s best living watchmakers, Philippe Dufour and Vianney Halter. It provides insight into what makes the watches by these masters so special.

Standing out: the Haldimann H1 Flying Central Tourbillon

Behind The Lens: Beat Haldimann’s H1 Flying Central Tourbillon (Archive)

In the picturesque Swiss town of Thun, Beat Haldimann and his small team distinguish themselves by focusing on technical virtuosity of the highest order as typified by the Haldimann H1 Flying Central Tourbillon.

The UR-105M Dark Knight with AlTiN treated steel bezel

Back To The Future: The Urwerk UR-105M (Archive)

Established brands with centuries of tradition tend to basically recreate the past in the, “if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-or-change-it-(much)” approach to watchmaking. But in not feeling constrained by tradition, Urwerk is one of the young brands consistently presenting us with a steady supply of exciting new models like 2014’s UR-105M. Take a look at it here!

The Superbia Humanitatis watch created by Louis-Elysée Piguet, Franck Muller, and Paul Gerber (photo courtesy Dr. Magnus Bosse)

The Ongoing Saga Of The ‘Superbia Humanitatis’, The World’s Most Complicated Wristwatch, By Louis-Elysée Piguet, Franck Muller, And Paul Gerber (With Video Of It Striking Time)

The ‘Superbia Humanitatis’ Louis-Elysée Piguet/Franck Muller/Paul Gerber super complication is one of the most legendary watches of our time. And what a story! And here it is in its entirety: from 1892 when Piguet made the movement through 1992 when Franck Muller altered it, all the way through the present day when Paul Gerber altered it three more times to make it the most complicated wristwatch in the world.

Giberg Niura Flying Tourbillon in red gold set with diamonds

Giberg Niura Flying Tourbillon: Elegant Style And Serious Substance

Both Martin and Ian named the Giberg Niura Flying Tourbillon as their “best of show” in the Quill & Pad Baselworld 2018 round table. So why did two guys who usually don’t cast as much as a second glance at women’s watches come to decide that an overtly diamond-set timepiece was the best thing they saw at Baselworld? You’ll have to see it to find out. And it’s worth seeing!

Vault V1+ in blue

Vault V1/V1+: An Intensely Personal Relationship With Time

The Vault V1 is a rather unique timepiece, and due to a curious feature it becomes even more unique after the wearer adjusts the time even once. It’s worth checking out the first watch by this new independent brand!

Vianney Halter Deep Space Tourbillon on display at the "Watchmakers: The Masters of Art Horology" exhibition at Maxxi, Rome

You Are There: ‘Watchmakers: The Masters Of Art Horology’ At The Maxxi Gallery, Rome

I had the good fortune to visit Rome on Thursday for the opening of ‘Watchmakers: The Masters of Art Horology’ at the Maxxi Gallery in Rome, and if you have a few minutes I’d like to share the evening with you and let you know where you might be able to see the exhibition in the near future.

Jean Daniel Nicolas Two-Minute Tourbillon by Mr. Daniel Roth in platinum (photo courtesy Guy Lucas de Peslouan)

The Watch That Changed My Life: The Jean Daniel Nicolas Two-Minute Tourbillon By Mr. Daniel Roth (Archive)

Many watches hold special significance for their owners. The Jean Daniel Nicolas Two-Minute Tourbillon by Daniel Roth Ian chronicles here didn’t just change someone’s life, it changed his own life. Read on to learn how.