Today is Independence Day in the USA, but independence and self-determination aren't just American ideas. To celebrate the universal spirit of independence, we invite you to check out five HODINKEE articles which celebrate the independent spirit found in the watchmaking industry – the determination it takes, yes, but also the originality it fosters.
A Private Tour Of The Laurent Ferrier Workshop, From Laurent Ferrier Himself
Located in the village of Vernier, Switzerland, the Laurent Ferrier workshop resides in a converted single-family home. There is absolutely zero signage from the road, and it is surrounded by normal, everyday facilities like banks and laundromats. One would have absolutely no idea that some of the finest watches in the world are being made right next door. It is only as you approach the door that you see you are about to enter the workshop of Laurent Ferrier, home to the world’s most beautiful automatic movement, the Best Men’s Watch of 2010 - the Galet Square - and what some have called the most practical travel time ever built. Amongst other things...
To see Laurent Ferrier’s workshop, along with HODINKEE founder and story author Ben Clymer, click here.
That Time We Sat Down With Philippe Dufour
Philippe Dufour began his career in watches not by choice or because of a love of mechanics. His school teachers told him that while he had skilled hands, he didn't have the level of understanding of math to be anything but a watchmaker. Lucky us. Today, Dufour is considered by many to be the greatest living watchmaker, wholly unconcerned with building a brand. He builds watches the way he believes they should be made, by hand and each on direct commission.
For our full meeting with the legendary Philippe Dufour (part of our ever-popular series, The Road To Basel) click here.
Hands-on With The George Daniels 35th Anniversary Co-Axial, Potentially The Most Collectible Watch Of The Century
Roger W. Smith is considered one of the finest watchmakers in the world, making fewer than 20 pieces each year, completely by hand on the Isle of Man. He’s also just one hell of a nice guy. We've known him for many years, during which he's contributed a must-read editorial on the state of British watchmaking, shared his affinity for vintage Omega chronographs, and given us exclusive access to some of the most anticipated watches of the 21st century, including the George Daniels 35th Anniversary Co-Axial wristwatch.
We went hands-on story with this exceptional timepiece here.
A Behind The Scenes Look At How François-Paul Journe's Most Complicated Watch Is Made
Visiting Journe's headquarters is really something very special – especially when seeing the manufacture's most complicated wristwatch is on the to-do list of the day. To be able to see the Grande Sonnerie gongs being cut from the very beginning is quite a sight – especially when you consider that less than a handful of these watches are made each year. The day we were there to film, they cut enough gongs to last them for more than a few years' worth of Sonnerie Souveraines. '
For the original story, click here.
Hands-On Kari Voutilainen's Unique Platinum GMT-6 And Burgundy Dial Vingt-8
For Voutilainen collectors, a great deal of the value and interest of his watches is in the movements. They're finished to a far higher standard than is generally available in series-produced, commercial watches. His most recent work, a unique platinum GMT-6 and a Burgundy dial Vingt-8 unveiled during SIHH 2016, are no different. But the striking decorative motifs on their dials highlight the multiplicity of Voutilainen’s talent.
For the original story, click here.
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