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Thread: SOTC - independents

  1. #1
    Journeyman
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    SOTC - independents

    I’ve just received a new watch today and since this could be the last watch I purchase for a long time, I thought I’d do a SOTC. But with a focus on my independent brand watches, rather than the mainstream ones.

    Over the past few years, I’ve found my preferences moving more towards independent which have quite unusual or distinctive dials. These come from all over the world including Japan, Germany, Malaysia and even a couple of Swiss ones.

    I’m posting this on Tapatalk which limits the number of images in each post, so I’ve decided to do a separate post for each watch, going upwards in my order of preference.

    So the first one is a Sinn 556 aquamarine. I wanted a Sinn for a while but wasn’t convinced by their diver watches so when this came out with its cool light blue dial I went for it.


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  2. #2
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    Ming is a bit of a marmite brand, but I have always liked the different and modern styling of them. I originally ordered a blue 17.09 but cancelled my order due to concerns raised about the movement. However, last year the 37.07 monolith was launched. I liked the updated style and the mosaic dial and delivery was much quicker as we.


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  3. #3
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    Next up is the first Japanese watch (warning: there are quite a few). A brand that focuses on its dials (the movement are very pedestrian). This was actually my second Kurono, the handmade urushi dial giving it real distinctiveness especially in sunlight.


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  4. #4
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    Around 15 years ago when I started getting into watches, one independent really stood out to me, Vianney Halter with his unique steam punk Antiqua watch. At around £250k these are clearly out of my budget but a few months ago Louis Erard did an interesting collaboration with Vianney that in my view captured a lot of the essence of the Antiqua


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  5. #5
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    Next up, another Swiss brand, but this time with a clear vintage vibe with plexiglass crystal etc. This watch has a great Chronode movement and is really well made. A more standard choice for me in this list.


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  6. #6
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    Next up, another Kurono. This salmon dial Tori was the first Kurono that was quite easy to get, quite a few were ordered in the ten minute or so window, when there was quite a bit of hype about Kurono. Still I think this classic Kurono style dial with great dial colour still stands up well and I enjoy wearing it.


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  7. #7
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    At number 4, another Japanese watch but a different brand and with pretty unique styling. A 2024 GPHG award winner with this number 6 retrograde watch has given Otsuka Lotec some significant exposure after flying below the radar for quite some time. Now made by Kurono which increases production numbers so I think these will become more common. Apparently there are some new designs coming out in 2025…


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  8. #8
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    Into my top 3 now, and first up another 2024 GPHG winner and my second Ming, the Bluefin diver. I tried to get the first Ming diver 18.01 but it was virtually impossible to get at launch (I tried and failed!). So I was very pleased when Ming announced a new diver (I like a second hand!) and I’ve been very impressed with this watch since I got it a couple of months ago


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  9. #9
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    After getting 2 kuronos, I thought I was done with this brand (2 of a brand is normally plenty for me), but when the blue dial Sensu NOS with Kanji numerals was released late last year, I couldn’t resist. I got it just before Christmas. Definitely the last Kurono watch for me!!


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  10. #10
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    Finally at number 1, a watch I just received today. It has a Vianney Halter “steampunk” vibe but with obvious Japanese influences. The Otsuka Lotec 7.5. Completely different from anything else in my collection with its jumping numeric hour. And fits really nicely at 40mm (compared the 42.5mm if the Otsuka Lotec number 6).


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  11. #11
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    Finally here’s a watch box pic of them all




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  12. #12
    Master Rocket Man's Avatar
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    What an interesting collection, thanks for sharing! Great to see something different from all the usual Divers and Chronographs.

    Which ones do you wear the most?

  13. #13

    SOTC - independents

    Thanks for sharing an interesting collection of “off the beaten track” watches.

    Just goes to show you don’t need the usual suspects to have a good collection

  14. #14
    Master
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    Wow...quite the collection.

    Love the colour variations and, as mentioned, certainly a departure from the chrono diver selection that a lot of us seem to gravitate to.

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rocket Man View Post
    What an interesting collection, thanks for sharing! Great to see something different from all the usual Divers and Chronographs.

    Which ones do you wear the most?
    Currently the Kurono Sensu and the Ming Bluefin. Although I think the Otsuka 7.5 will be getting worn a lot in the future!

  16. #16
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    What a great selection!

  17. #17
    Craftsman
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    Awesome collection there. I'm a big fan of the colour & type variation you've managed to get. Colour in particular is something I am keen to diversify in mine - I've always liked coloured dials but as I mainly buy second hand, historically they've been harder to source & much more expensive as a result!

  18. #18
    Master Dr Wolff's Avatar
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    Very different and interesting selection. I'm drawn to Laventure - those sandwich dials are great, especially with the blue flume dial. All sold out sadly and nothing on the website to indicate when there might be more on the way

  19. #19
    Craftsman
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    What a wonderful collection, or sub-collection…

  20. #20
    Journeyman
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    Quote Originally Posted by timor54 View Post
    What a wonderful collection, or sub-collection…
    Yes, there is another 😀

  21. #21
    Grand Master Sinnlover's Avatar
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    That is a great collection, nice to see something different from the norm. I am not much of a Ming fan but the diver is a good looking watch.

  22. #22
    Master helidoc's Avatar
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    SOTC - independents

    That is a great collection, thanks so much for sharing.

    Independents are were most of the horological interest is these days, much more interesting than brands that trade on their history, or marketing gifts from decades ago such as Moon Watch or McQueen Monaco.

    It’s only my like for simplistic sports watches that stops me going any further than my own Dornbluth down that rabbit hole.

    The Louis Erard x Vianney Halter looks fantastic, and I do love the idea of a regulateur.

    Dave


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  23. #23
    Master
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    Its not often we get a collection devoid of the usual Rolex Omega Iwc etc. I see your logic and clearly you buy what you like , excellent and thanks for taking the time to show and explain the story of each.

    Ps I love the Otsuka , its straight out of Jules Verne

  24. #24
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    Thanks for all the comments.
    I enjoyed reading people picking out specific watches for comment, such as the Laventure Sous-Marine II, Ming Bluefin, Louis Erard x Vianney Halter and my current favourite the Otsuka Lotec 7.5.


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    Last edited by Gavster; 14th January 2025 at 12:47.

  25. #25
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gavster View Post
    Into my top 3 now, and first up another 2024 GPHG winner and my second Ming, the Bluefin diver. I tried to get the first Ming diver 18.01 but it was virtually impossible to get at launch (I tried and failed!). So I was very pleased when Ming announced a new diver (I like a second hand!) and I’ve been very impressed with this watch since I got it a couple of months ago


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    Lovely! Really like that.

  26. #26
    Craftsman wits's Avatar
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    Mad as a box of frogs.
    Love it.

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  27. #27
    Master
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    Thanks for sharing, really enjoyed it. The Sinn is a cracker.


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  28. #28
    Grand Master MartynJC (UK)'s Avatar
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    Cool

    Refreshing collection. I like the Ming the most. Thank you for sharing.
    “ Ford... you're turning into a penguin. Stop it.” HHGTTG

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