Many of us have a watch. Most of us don’t have an indie watch. But what exactly is an indie watchmaker? And why should you care? In the era of mass production, where everything from cars to clothes are made on assembly lines, it's easy to forget that watches are still handmade objects—and some of the most interesting ones in existence come out of small shops around the world.

What is an independent watchmaker?

In the world of horology, a watchmaker is an individual or small business that designs, assembles, and finishes their own watches. Independent watchmakers are often known for their unique designs, high quality craftsmanship and limited production runs.

Independent watchmakers are not part of a conglomerate; they're usually small companies run by passionate individuals who want to make beautiful timepieces on their own terms.

How did the independent watch-making movement start?

The independent watch-making movement started in the 1970s, when a small group of watchmakers decided to break away from mainstream companies and create their own line of watches. This was a reaction to the quartz crisis that had hit the industry at this time, which caused many people to lose interest in traditional mechanical watches.

For these independent watchmakers, creating something new wasn't just about making money or providing customers with something they wanted; it was also about creating something that was not just another commodity item produced by mass production methods.

What makes independent watches unique?

1. They're hand-crafted. Independent watchmakers take pride in their work, and you can tell. Each piece has its own character, from the design to the movement to the case material.
2. They're unique. You won't find two exactly alike--each one is special and made by a passionate watchmaker who knows exactly what he or she is doing (and why).
3. They weren't mass-produced on an assembly line by machines, which means that each one has its own story behind it--a story that only gets richer as time passes.

Why are indie watches so special?

Indie watches are special because they are unique and have a story behind them. They're handmade, made with care and often inspired by nature. The watchmakers behind them are passionate individuals who want to create something special for you--and they often do so at an affordable price point!

Indie watches are also special because they can be very different from one another in terms of design, materials used or even movement type. If you want something truly unique and personalised then this is the way forward!

The best independent watchmakers for your money (and where to find them)

• Alpina
• Arnold & Son 
• Baume & Mercier 
• Breguet (and its sister brands Jaeger LeCoultre and Vacheron Constantin) 
• Glashutte Original 
• Girard-Perregaux 
• Hermle - A Watchmaker's Journey Through Time by Nick Harris

How to buy an indie watch, and tips for collectors.

• Buy from a trusted source. 
• Ask questions before you buy. 
• Get the watch serviced regularly. 
• If you're not sure about the watch, don't buy it!

Independent watchmakers are creating something entirely new.

Independent watchmakers are creating something entirely new. They're not just making timepieces; they're creating works of art that reflect the maker's personality and vision.

Independent watchmakers are often inspired by vintage designs, but their creations are much more than simple re-creations or imitations of past models. Each piece has been carefully designed from scratch by an artist who obsesses over every detail - from the case design down to the smallest engraving on the dial - in order to create something original and beautiful.

Indie watchmakers are creating something entirely new. They're not just making watches, they're making timepieces that have never existed before. And while many of them come from a background in traditional watchmaking, they've used their skills to create something new and innovative--and it shows in their work.