vianney
20
let me bring my own answer.
Yes, indeed, service or repair to be done in the future is an issue to be considered when purchasing a watch (and not only from independent watchmakers ! ).
As having been restoring antique timepieces for several years, I have integrated this in my creations.
That is the reason why I do not use "innovative" materials such as silicium or carbon fiber : these are recent technologies and they could be obsolete within 15 or 20 years. To make a silicium escape wheel or balance spring one needs industrial facilities similar to those of the chip industry. If you can make one you can make thousands of it for a very cheap price.
However, if this technology becomes obsolete and its production facilities disappear, no one will be able to make one for spare.
Think just for a while about the Pulsar watch from Hamilton, launched in April 1972. It is only 41 years from now but nobody is able to repair it when the electronic circuit is dead. One can only change the latter, if available !
On the other hand, even in 100 years from now, any experienced watchmaker will be able to make a brass wheel or a steel balance spring, provided the art of watchmaking is still perpetuated !
The same as I used to do as a restorer on pieces that were up to 500 year old.
For that purpose, I design my watches so that they can be serviced, repaired or restored long after I passed away ( ;-) 
by a skilled watchmaker of the future, alone in his workshop.
by a skilled watchmaker of the future, alone in his workshop.This is also the piece of independence that you purchase when purchasing from an independent watchmaker (at least from the real ones ;-) ! .
.Because we are in the watch making, not in the watch business.
Cheers.
After sales service from independents
Hi all I have been collecting watches for the last 15 years or of them have come from the mainstream brands so far. In the last couple of years i have become more interested in the independent brands. I am a great believer in maintenance and always have ...
It is one of my most important dilemma, well, let's say question.
You raise a very important point, Surfer. I always wondered how much a service on an Independant watch will cost, and how it will turn IF the Independant in question disappears ( who will service the watch is the horological content is too technical or or...
Maintemance
Hi Amanico I work in the auto industry repairing are cars that are 20 years old that you can no longer obtain original equipment spares and in some cases no more parts at all,even though millions are produced, which i guess is why the little voice in the...
It's a very important point......
Very important, the longevity of small brands is very debatable. It all comes down to personal feelings and conclusion really. The vintage world is pleated with models or brands that do not exist anymore, but still it carries on stronger than ever, you ca...
Yes i have that safe option...
of the Patek collection but i must confess i have got a little bored. Perhaps it's the mid life crisis that normally takes the form of something like a motorbike or triathlons etc which has made me dream of something totally different ! Thank you for your...
Non issue
Philippe Dufour is still kicking. So are many others.... and the list goes on. They are there, and they have been for a decade or more now... And when they are gone... I would bet (and I have, by buying their work) that they will set up service to follow ...
let me bring my own answer.
Yes, indeed, service or repair to be done in the future is an issue to be considered when purchasing a watch (and not only from independent watchmakers ! ). As having been restoring antique timepieces for several years, I have integrated this in my creati...
What a great reply
We are in the watch making, not the watch business. I suppose some may argue that but.... Amen.
The independents will self-perpetuate...
"For that purpose, I design my watches so that they can be serviced, repaired or restored long after I passed away ( ;-) by a skilled watchmaker of the future, alone in his workshop." so the independents will self-perpetuate..... Thank you for this respon...
An issue but there are solutions: materials and talented watchmakers
Hi Surfer, It's a question many of us have/had in mind when it comes to Indies. I perfectly join Mo on this point and I'd like to add two things (that M. Halter already pointed out for a part). First, it depends on whether the material is rare/difficult t...
Buy with confidence.
I once bank with Lehman's, and they are gone. I once drove a Saab, and they are gone. I once wore a Patek, ...................... Best, Horo
Interesting debate...
I often think about the servicing of watches and what the future will hold... but then think do I love the piece enough to warrant any future problems.... normally the answer is yes so I just save up and buy the piece. With advancements in the technology ...
go for it
watches have not changed that much in the last few hundred years, lets face it the tourbillon was invented in 1795. A simple watch, whether made by eta or MOser should be able to be looked after by a good watch maker, even more complicated ones should not...
Many thanks
to you all for your brilliant responses. i just have the hard decision on what to choose. I love both the Sarpaneva Korona k0 and the Linde Werderlin Octopus. Perhaps the subject of another post in the near future! Kind regards Tim
Sarpaneva all the way!!!!!!
Unique and with lots of personality , after all the best moon in the business, but..... I am biased ...... And... You had almost a unanimous response , but, you have posted on ahci and independent forum, what did you expect? You have the blessing to go ah...
Ooooh....
Tough decision... I have had both (no longer have the Oktopus as it broke)... very difficult choice as different styles... BUT Sarpaneva rules!! Cheers Andrew
I have several Sarpanevas
Yes, surfer, you read it right - several !!! And not one of them has required any attention or servicing - not one. All keep good time and are flawlessly made. The Korona K0 belongs to a handful of my most regularly worn watches - through thick and thin, ...
Repairman's opinion
As one who has done repair for 30 years, I thought I should chime in. With mechanical components almost anything that has been made can be made again by another. It just takes finding the right watchmaker and money. What has been said about components of ...
Much appreciated - your post
with the good advice! One of my favorite indepedents Vianney Halter has warned that when certain parts have worn out (say for his Goldpfeil Jumping Hours et Phase de Lune) it could be possible to remake them - but at an astronmical price - if the spare pa...
Thanks also for the news Amerix
And I guess you wanted to mention Peter Speake -Marin :) Cheers, Mark
I very much agree the old saying here..
.. Follow your heart. I believe t he many years of happiness and satisfaction with a piece that you truly love and relate to far outweigh the potential extra that you may have to spend on servicing an Independent watch.
