TimeTexas

Yeah, its good to see they aren't resting on their laurels. We held a virtual boutique a couple weeks ago and they gave a presentation and a tour of the facilities. They are very innovative as far as how they work with a variety of materials, testing out different methods for distressing dials, adding colors, etc. I think they are honing their skills as the plan to continue to grow and eventually move into developing their own movements. They didn't say that, but they certainly seem to be heading in that direction. They are also working to develop their own finishing training program (maybe a finishing school) in the Netherlands.

Holthinrichs is now currently boning their finishing at the Pilippe Narbel Watchmaking Master Class. You can see updates and photos on their IG page. Follow @holthinrichswatches and @damiaen.hogervorst Some beautiful scenery as well!

I've been a big fan of Jeremy Oster's podcast Keeping Time Jeremy has been in the industry for a long time and has tons of incredible contacts and relationships in the independent industry. He's a great interviewer and has really interesting guests. Definitely worth checking out. Fifth Wrist Radio - Independent Thinking Fifth Wrist has several different podcasts, but Independent Thinking, as the name implies, focuses on independent watches and watch brands. I'm not a real big podcast guy, so are there any others out there you suggest?

Looks to be a limited release of 25 based on the IG clues. I'm sure it will be out of my price range at the moment (and likely nearly impossible to get). But I'm excited anyways.

Post your IG account for people to find. @time.texas

My name is Chris and I didn't get into watch collecting until late about 7 years ago. I've made up for it in the short time I've been collecting and have gradually moved into higher-end timepieces. In the last year or so I really became interested in independents. I've always gravitated away from the mainstream, so smaller, relatively unknown independent brands was a natural progression as my collecting has evolved. Sharing a relationship with the person responsible for designing and creating your timepiece is a completely different experience than buying off the shelf at an AD. That personal connection just can't be duplicated and its the main reason why I decided to start a community built around independent watchmaking. Hopefully this forum can be a positive, supportive community for independent watch enthusiasts and small independent watchmakers to interact.

Yesterday we held the first Holthinrichs Virtual Boutique hosted by RedBar Houston. Great event. Learned alot about the brand, Michiel talked about his architectural background and the inspiration for the Ornament 1 and Raw Ornament designs. He was even wearing the first successful prototype of the 3D signature design for which Holthinrichs is recognized. Michiel also explained the intensive, years long development process to create the 3D case. Damiaen took us on a tour of the Atelier in Delft, Netherlands showing us the variety of tools and equipment used to create and hand finish and even providing a begins the scenes look at some of the abating works in progress. A big thank you to Michiel and Damiaen and the entire Holthinrichs team for helping make the Virtual Boutique a success. A few photos from the event. Stay tuned for future events!

Welcome to BespokenLounge, a community of enthusiasts specifically created to support small independent watchmakers and brands. Independent watchmaking is steeped in history, tradition, craftsmanship, passion, and love. There is an intimate beauty and deep-seated bond created between the watchmaker and the watch during the painstaking process of creativity and creation. These feelings, this passion, goes far beyond the physical object. It is emotional experience of creation that is transferred to the person who buys and wears the watch. For many watch-wearers, a watch is simply a tool, a piece of jewelry, or all to often a status symbol used to portray success or wealth. This is antithetical to the appreciation of true craftsmanship and beauty that forms the heart of independent/bespoke watchmaking. Social Media has further reduced discussion to Likes, emojis, and platitudes. And these social media platforms and other watch forums are specifically designed to drive clicks which means they focus on large, luxury brands. This community celebrates watchmaking. It allows enthusiasts to interact with each other and engage in actual conversation . Further, we are working to add several independent watchmakers to the community in the near future with their own customized clubs and forums to directly interact with the community. This is what sets independent watchmaking apart from mass-produced watches. The personal connection and relationship between the watchmaker, the watch, and the wearer is the soul of independent watchmaking. So welcome to Bespoken Lounge. Use the Introduction Forum below to introduce yourself and tell us a about your journey to independent watchmaking. PLEASE READ the Mission Statement, Core Values, and Purpose of this forum. This community is a place to support independent watchmaking and the watchmakers who share their passion with us. Welcome, Chris (TimeTexasChris)