5 Independent Watchmakers To Know Now

Our pick of the most promising new — and relatively unknown — watchmakers behind some of the most mechanically intriguing timepieces in recent years.

- Cheryl Chia

Over the past decade, interest in watch collecting has hit new highs, centered primarily around Rolex and Patek Philippe. But in the last couple of years, both wide-eyed newcomers and seasoned collectors have been increasingly drawn to the work of a discreet community of watchmakers, driven by an unyielding commitment to mechanical innovation, craftsmanship, and freedom from corporate rule.

From the traditional to the experimental, these watchmakers have brought a certain depth and range to the table, making modern watch collecting much more meaningful. Tucked away from the spotlight, they are driven by an inner passion and offer a perspective on watchmaking that is unhindered by marketing guidelines. While they may not have the market presence of their big-name competitors, their influence on watchmaking is often directly inverse to their production numbers and advertising budgets. Today, “independent” is just about the most emotive adjective to describe a watchmaker.

Here are five independent watchmakers who have made remarkable strides in their fields.

Bernhard Lederer