Independent Watchmakers: Then vs. Now (Plus Our Favorite Summer Watches)

Independent watchmakers like F.P. Journe, Urwerk, De Bethune, and many others all have a "then vs. now" feeling about their watches. Even if a brand is relatively new, they might have a breaking point in their design or watchmaking that makes the older era feel almost vintage. Tim and Armand explore this idea by taking a look at these brands and discuss the differences. Then, they break down what they think makes a good summer watch (outside of being just a diver) and what some of their favorites are for this season.

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00:00 Introduction

00:45 De Bethune’s Evolution

06:15 F.P. Journe Then vs. Now

11:49 Roger Dubuis and Franck Muller’s Changes

17:37 Greubel Forsey Over the Years

24:50 Urwerk’s Sudden Transformation

28:00 What Sets the Gronefelds Apart

31:10 Ulysse Nardin’s Changing Philosophy

37:05 Watches for Summer (That Aren’t Divers)