Examples of what I'm thinking about: Philipe Dufour, Laurent Ferrier, or the Credor Eichi. Doesn't necessarily have to be on that level, but I'm just curious about all the watchmakers I've never heard about. Thanks in advance!
Almost all on ebay are rare, the majority are ultra rare and, some of them, are ultra-mega-rare... Ah, and in mint condition too...
Blancpain Air Command vintage, Grana W.W.W, Universal Geneve Cairelli split chronograph, Omega Elephant and 2,4Hz full gold Stardust come to mind... Would be the happiest with one of them actually
22,618 at last count....categorized as rare. http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_sop=16&_nkw=rare+watch&rt=nc&_dmd=2Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
I don't spend much time looking for these, I've only seen 1 used one on ebay in the past year. http://www.mcgonigle.ch/
The Hamilton Barbizon. Like the abominable snowman, some are certain it exists, others are not so sure. I have seen pictures of what is called the Barbizon, but couldn't find it today.
and number one... http://www.ebay.com/itm/18k-Rose-Pa...476458?hash=item56798d14aa:g:348AAOSwMmBVw6icPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network Really those are the pictures you are using for a $309k watch? WOW...
Start here: http://www.ahci.ch/ There are a variety of independent watchmakers that are doing some great things. Once you enter this world though, not many of the current offerings from the big brands will appeal to you very much any longer, at least that's what happened to me...this is a whole new level. Two of my favourites have already been mentioned here in this thread (Philippe Dufour and Kari Voutilainen). Both not only tremendous watchmakers, but some of the nicest people you could ever meet. In addition to the 34 members of the AHCI, there are a number of others who are not members or candidates, but still embody that independent spirit. One that I found a connection to personally while visiting his atelier is Romain Gauthier. http://www.romaingauthier.com/ Some innovative ideas he had incorporated into his first movement were quite interesting to me, and both being engineering types we spoke the same language in that way. Have fun! Cheers, Al
I love Voutilainen watches and I've been following his work for a few years now. This is my personal favourite, the GMR, one of his more recent releases. Very low in numbers and, sadly, ever so slightly out of my price league.