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Thread: Watch commissioning

  1. #1
    Master
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    Watch commissioning

    Despite only having been in my new role for just over a month a well-meant but clumsy comment that exposed my inner WIS has seen me reluctantly put forward to enquire about the possibility of having a watch commissioned.

    I understand that this can be done either by approaching a brand directly or by going through a jeweller who specialises in such commissions, like a broker.

    I believe there are members here with experience of the watch commissioning process and with that in mind I'd be very grateful for any advice or recommendations that you're willing to give - thank you in advance

  2. #2
    Master
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    It entirely depends on what you want to do in terms of customisation.

  3. #3
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by MrBanks View Post
    It entirely depends on what you want to do in terms of customisation.
    I have a fairly simple design in mind that in theory doesn't alter the material design of the watch; that is to say with the exception of some text elements on the dial and the caseback, the watch will retain its overall design.

    We've been looking at a Tudor Black Bay 36/41 with a view to replacing the text above the 6 o'clock marker with text of our own and/or a small logo. The caseback would depict a larger version of the same logo in the centre with a designation across the top outer and an individual identifier along with the edition number on the bottom outer.

    The proposed design is in keeping with previous Tudor commissions, but I understand that if we were to want to significantly alter the material design we'd be needing to think about a manufacturer like Breitling, Bremont or Christopher Ward.

  4. #4
    Master
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    I don't really know much about Tudor commissions but you'd have more luck with a smaller brand for customisation.

    Bremont has a special projects division that can do everything you have listed.

  5. #5
    Craftsman Top-Time's Avatar
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    I did speak with Breitling once about a Squadron watch but they needed a minimum run of 50 watches.

  6. #6
    Master Christian's Avatar
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    We recently had a Tudor commissioned for our Squadron. I believe Tudor take a different approach to Bremont and will not allow gimmicky dials, keeping changes understated (which suited us). We had a relatively limited run but I was told future commissions are limited to them doing one or two per year total and would need to be ordered in higher numbers.




    Last edited by Christian; 12th November 2019 at 00:00.

  7. #7
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Christian View Post
    We recently had a Tudor commissioned for our Squadron. I believe Tudor take a different approach to Bremont and will not allow gimmicky dials, keeping changes understated (which suited us). We had a relatively limited run but I was told future commissions are limited to them doing one or two per year total and would need to be ordered in higher numbers.




    That's not too dissimilar from what we have in mind, I take it you went to Tudor direct as opposed to through a jeweller?

    I'd be interested to pick your brains around the commissioning process.

  8. #8
    Master Christian's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MST View Post
    That's not too dissimilar from what we have in mind, I take it you went to Tudor direct as opposed to through a jeweller?

    I'd be interested to pick your brains around the commissioning process.
    I didn’t organise the actual commission unfortunately. I believe they had an initial meeting with a Tudor representative but most of it was handled by Andrew Michaels jewellers in Newark. I’d give Andrew a call and he can discuss possibilities. I think they also offer interest free credit which helps encourage people to order!

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