TimeTexas

As this board grows, I want to keep improving it, fixing problems, and adding features. If you notice any issues or if there are features you'd like to see, please post them in this thread. I can't promise everything will be implemented but I'll do what I can and that will help me focus on the things important to the most people.

Thanks, I appreciate that very much. Very happy to have you here. Feel free to invite anyone you know who might be interested. I launched the site, but won't formally announce it for a while. Kind of a soft opening to make sure the site is working and tweak a few things here and there. The more the merrier. And definitely feel free to offer suggestions anytime. Merry Christmas!

Yeah, at WatchTime RGM brought one of their smaller (or maybe smallest) machines and you could actually watch them work it. Fascinating and takes amazing skill.

https://holthinrichswatches.com/collection/ornament-1-malachite/?fbclid=PAAaYVjeOQ7JYMNmyNGFVTzktwIEWP8jaO27FPqrjm07DXW_l3v7mGXBb0lww Holthinrichs announced a new, limited edition 10 year Anniversary with Malachite dial and skeletonized design. The Anniversary Edition centenary 10 years since Michiel Holthinrichs followed his dream of designing and creating his own timepieces. The Anniversary Edition comes in gold or stainless steel and is limited to 5 pieces each.

https://holthinrichswatches.com/collection/ornament-1-malachite/?fbclid=PAAaYVjeOQ7JYMNmyNGFVTzktwIEWP8jaO27FPqrjm07DXW_l3v7mGXBb0lww Holthinrichs announced a new, limited edition 10 year Anniversary with Malachite dial and skeletonized design. The Anniversary Edition centenary 10 years since Michiel Holthinrichs followed his dream of designing and creating his own timepieces. The Anniversary Edition comes in gold or stainless steel and is limited to 5 pieces each.

I haven't seen one of Dan's watches in the flesh. And I don't own an RGM or JNS. But I did get to see them in New York. The Shapiro is from @th4tk1d(Natecho) at the Global RedBar event. It was extremely cool to see both and also to see the RGM guilloche machine in action. Truly amazing!

About to run out and do some pre-Christmas errands, but this is a great question. I think there will be a lot of success. Watchmaking will always find its roots in Switzerland. No doubt. And with the entire infrastructure that has been built to support the industry there it will always be first. But it seems that "Swiss Made" no longer holds the dominating aura of the past due to incredible watchmaking that is happening around the world. And with many of these independents, the entire process is very open and transparent. So you don't need the assurance that "Swiss made" means quality. I think in the US, brands like you list above are so highly regarded for their quality and craftsmanship that there will continue to be more watchmakers from the US and it will be incredibly successful. And it will drive innovation and improvement. So I think it will be even more successful than in the past and that independent brands in general will continue to be a growing segment of the watch community. One thing about the US is that capitalism and the freedom to pursue your stands creates a very competitive and entrepreneurial spirit. That will drive the success.

I think that's a good point. I'd say that I would draw a distinction between microbrands that create truly unique watches that are not derivative of more popular brands' watches and/or homage pieces. I see those as purely profit driven enterprise. But there are many microbrands owners who are true watch lovers and want to share their passion and vision and take a chance on sharing that with others in the hope others like it. These are the microbrands I buy and support. But I wholeheartedly agree that on the whole, independent watchmakers are definitely more interested in furthering the art and mechanics of watchmaking instead of simply providing a design to be made and assembled elsewhere. The personal interaction, for me, had become one of the overwhelming factors in moving to Independent brands and microbrands almost exclusively this year. Even sold my Omega to help fund my Fears. The passion that Nicholas has is unparalleled and that spirit just doesn't come through in of the shelf brands. I will say that I've met some incredible ADs and representatives for the independents, including Martin Pulli, and Jeremy Oster, and Rob Caplan (and Jay) at Topper. As well at Mike Margolis who was kind enough to join this site after I met him recently. They all share that passion for the brands they represent. Happy to have you in the community! Great points. Cheers and Merry Christmas!

https://monochrome-watches.com/introducing-colourful-seasonal-dials-of-the-new-ochs-und-junior-settimana-seasons-capsule-collection-specs-price/ Cool colorful new series for the Settimana. Having just received my first Ochs und Junior this week, the collaboration with Fifth Wrist, I can say the Settimana are phenomenal watches. I do love the scratched face dial on mine, these are an incredibly fun option.

https://www.ablogtowatch.com/watch-review-vortic-military-edition-2022/ As more enthusiast attention begins to slowly turn toward pocket watches, Vortic’s core concept of pocket watch conversions is potentially due for a breakout moment. I love what Vortic is doing with their custom case system for pocket watch movements. They are absolutely stunning watches and the large movements are beautiful. Photo from ABlogtoWatch

https://escapementmagazine.com/articles/laurent-ferrier-classic-micro-rotor-magnetic-green.html/ Photo from the article. Limited to 20 pieces. Just a gorgeous watch!

Thanks man! Its an incredibly cool watch. I'm honored to have been a part of it. Quite a few firsts for the brands which is exciting. I'll clean up the email they sent and pay the highlights.

Yeah, I admire the skill and willingness to do something different, but agree with you on NFT. I really have no understanding of what it is and quite honestly it seems gimmicky. Antonio Russo, head of innovation for the executive team at Deloitte Switzerland, one of Moser’s partners on the Genesis project, explained that value by citing the three certificates accompanying the watch: a digital certificate of authenticity, an H. Moser warranty and e-insurance. -- Robb Report Its a fancy way to store information I don't really care about having quick, easy access to. I can see some use for watches that are stolen I guess. Other than that...meh. But I'm open minded so I'd love to see one in person. Definitely not traditional, and I like that Moser combines modern elements with more traditional watchmaking.

https://www.ablogtowatch.com/h-moser-cie-unveils-limited-edition-endeavour-centre-seconds-genesis-watch/ At the center of this new initiative is the new H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis, a playful and visually striking take on its core design that incorporates a QR code link to the authentication page for that particular watch. In true Moser fashion, the limited edition H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis blends the brand’s signature luxe minimalist form with a lighthearted, design-forward statement style for the Web 3.0 generation. I gotta say that I love Moser and I love that they are willing to push boundaries and innovate. That said, not sure I'm on board with this one. That said, I like that they are exploring 3D printing. As a huge fan of Holthinrichs, I think 3D printing has an important place in watchmaking going forward. With recent advances, 3D printing can provide some distinct advantages such as unique design elements and incredibly tight tolerances. Photo credit to A Blog to Watch

Good article from Joshua Munchow with Quill and Pad about manual watches. https://quillandpad.com/2022/12/18/heres-why-manual-winding-watches-are-for-horological-connoisseurs-reprise-3/ The emotional tie can be crucial to a collector’s desire to possess a piece: playing to that emotional connection are the discussions of technique and design, not necessarily ease of use and practicality. If anything, the methodical and deliberate method of manually winding the watch is emphasized for its basis in tradition. This can be why the physical act of winding a watch every day becomes an important ritual to the horological connoisseur: it represents a link to the past and a physical connection to your story. I have to say that I didn't "get" it at first but at I have continued to explore independent brands and experience high quality manual wound watches, I'm a believer. I think there is definitely a feeling of closeness to the timepiece when you interact with it. Especially when it has a wonderful winding feel. It's an absolute pleasure to feel the smoothness of the crown, the tactile sensation and sound of the soft clicking as you bring the watch to life. Most of my watches are still automatic, but I now prefer manual winding on my nicer watches.

https://fr.worldtempus.com/article/montres/style-et-tendance/artya-chronograph-collection-32113.html Four years separate us from the release of the first Son of Gears Chronographs collection by ArtyA. With the uncompromising success of the first series of unique pieces, it is with pride that the independent brand from Geneva now presents a collection shaped and meticulous down to the smallest detail. Many developments are on the agenda to offer exclusive timepieces and know-how in harmony with the growth of the Swiss brand. ArtyA was not a brand I was familiar with until their name showed up in the 2022 GPHG with their extremely unique Depth Gauge. Visiting their website, they have a wide variety within their collection. Always interesting to learn about these brands. Definitely worth checking them out. https://www.artya.com/home

https://revolutionwatch.com/ceo-of-the-year-2022-guido-terreni-parmigiani-fleurier/ I can't disagree with this. He's done an amazing job revitalizing the brand.

https://revolutionwatch.com/talking-with-gautier-massonneau-about-grail-watch-3-une-folle-soiree-wild-night/

The PF Tonda, LF Sport Auto and am interesting inclusion is the Atelier Wen Perception. Obviously the first 2 fit in any list. I was surprised to see the Perception payed with other great options like the Czapek Antarctique Passage de Drake and Gronefeld with a couple releases. Not to take anything away from Atelier Wen, I've heard nothing but glowing reviews. But definitely an outside the box inclusion. Regardless it's good to see sums independents start to make some noise.

I really enjoy this podcast. Some really nice insight but also completely off the wall too. No set format, they just sit and talk about whatever. James has a hilarious banter and the two play will of each other. Definitely informal, which I like.

That's a really sharp looking watch! Very few brands are 100% Swiss made. That's impressive and still in the relatively affordable range. First time hearing about this brand, thanks!

I'll have some more about this very soon along with many more photos. But this was an amazing and unique opportunity and I couldn't be happier.

Yeah, agreed. I'm still working on liking the three lugs. The rest is .

Me either. I keep seeing photos of the dial, but not cased up and on its way to me. That's ok, just got in two this week so probably better to have some time to enjoy those first.