In-depth

A look at the horological contributions of Gilbert Albert, Carolina Bucci, Andrew Grima, Serge Manzon, and Jean Schlumberger.

As a follow-up to our piece on the Five Pillars of Independent Watchmaking, we asked Watchonista Contributor Henri Lee which indie brands he thinks are bound for greatness.

Naissance d’une Montre – or “Birth of a Watch” – is one of the most demanding labels in horology: a program that produces watches entirely fabricated by hand, with each chapter assigned to a brand willing to stake its reputation on the process. Now, its fourth chapter belongs to Bonniksen – a brand rescued from watchmaking history only a few months ago.

The retail powerhouse’s new ongoing event series provides watch enthusiasts with an unparalleled opportunity to build familiarity and personal connections with the exquisite watchmakers offered in its exclusive Masterworks retail experience. We asked some participating brands for the inside scoop on how these events go – next in Zurich, but with more coming down the road.

Today, we’re looking at five living masters who define the summit of independent watchmaking.