The incredible Simon Brette

[Ichiran]

Today Simon launches his first watch - the Chronomètre Artisans. It's simply and utterly stunning! It's ridiculously finished by 15 artisans who are individually responsible for finishing a component (case, screws, wheels, pinions, bridge, etc) in the watch. The screws are concave, mirror polished (how often do you see that?) and need 1 hour to finish for each screw, which is insane. The golden dial is engraved by another artisan and it reflects light like mosaic.

This first series is limited to 12 pcs and the size is a very wearable 39mm by 10.5mm in zirconium. The second series of not more than 100 pcs in traditional metal or titanium and a different textured dial will start next year and the production is 12 per year according to Simon in the interview. There are more info about the young watchmaker in the video and how this watch is developed.



Some pics here (from Revolution Watch). You may see more pics in @Simon_Brette_Watches IG.

[Ichiran]

From his IG:

IMG_20230412_215548_(961_x_1030_pixel).jpg

Screenshot_20230412_215222_Instagram.jpg

[Ichiran]

More write-ups:

https://monochrome-watches.com/simon...-review-price/

https://quillandpad.com/2023/04/12/c...its-very-best/

https://deployant.com/new-independen...iption-edition

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/on...h-simon-brette

[vliberman]

Watches truly transcended into art form; so many positive comments on the basis of unproven and untested concepts. How accurate is this watch? Who cares…

[FrugalGreubel]

Very cool watch but I rather have an AK-06 than this. Still congrats to anyone who was able to get one. I can’t wait to see what future releases will look like.

[enjoythemusic]

Imho perhaps one of the most amazing pieces of modern handcrafted horological art (if we're excluding enamel dial or massive complications ... that's a different 'category'). Bravo to Simon and all artists / watchmakers, whose names will be within an included 'Passport' mentioning their contribution. It's great to know who handcrafted each part and assembled, tested, etc the timepiece.

Spoke with Simon months ago, a wonderful gentleman, and congrats to those who reserved an example.

PS: The curved screw heads are a nice touch

[FrugalGreubel]

I know this is a stupid question but how do you even get on a waitlist for a future release by this brand? Im sure it’s impossible but I’ve always wondered is there any chance? Last time I tried to get in touch with a new brand it felt like a waste of time.

[enjoythemusic]

He has an Instagram and LinkedIn page. Please contact Simon asap as am sure they're all booked for the first year.

[vitalsigns]

Truly amazing piece. So many interesting textures, features and other nuances. The price seems reasonable for what it is, but unfortunately sold out.

[ButtButt]

That was a good video, what a mind blowing watch. The concave mirror polished screws and that dial engraving in particular are amazing.

[FrugalGreubel]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

He has an Instagram and LinkedIn page. Please contact Simon asap as am sure they're all booked for the first year.

I’ll give it a shot thanks.

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

He has an Instagram and LinkedIn page. Please contact Simon asap as am sure they're all booked for the first year.

I heard five years wait?

[Ichiran]

I went back to the teasers and found these beautifully finished components on the dial side and movement side of the watch. That hour hand is finely crafted and has inward angle. It's simply breathtaking.

[WatchEater666]

They are very sold out, too bad. The price of $60k CHF is extremely fair for the quality of work. That is 100% a $100k+ watch.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by WatchEater666

They are very sold out, too bad. The price of $60k CHF is extremely fair for the quality of work. That is 100% a $100k+ watch.

Or it could be a move by independents to show what is possible... before three or four markups to retail brick-and-mortar. One of the best 'features' imho is that each person who helps create it gets the recognition they earned.

Will be interesting to see if others follow suit, tho to be fair we do have quite a few true independents already reaching their fanbase. Looks like there demand for more.

[FrugalGreubel]

Originally Posted by llngoc

I heard five years wait?

I submitted an inquiry via his website. I’m not expecting there to be any availability left but I thought I’d give it a shot. My fault for not reaching out sooner.

[eiesh]

Originally Posted by FrugalGreubel

I submitted an inquiry via his website. I’m not expecting there to be any availability left but I thought I’d give it a shot. My fault for not reaching out sooner.

I did as well.

We can only try.

Sent from my SM-A515F using Tapatalk

[FrugalGreubel]

Originally Posted by eiesh

I did as well.

We can only try.

Sent from my SM-A515F using Tapatalk

Lol very true.

Hope you get some good news. I love seeing people on this forum get the watches they are after.

[RW16610]

WOW! Stunning, indeed. Certainly a piece of artwork, and simply looking at the images easily conveys this to me. Hoping those on the forum after these are able to get them.

[uscmatt99]

Wow I love this piece. It's like a movement was designed from the ground up specifically to show off the design and decoration, then the dial and case to complement it. Both the front and back are very aesthetically pleasing. The price is very reasonable, and no doubt it will go for multiples on the secondary if anyone chooses to part with one.

[FrugalGreubel]

I just wanted to provide a quick update. After having contacted them on April 12th I just got an email asking I fill out a questionnaire. I just submitted it and and am waiting to hear back if it’s possible to still get an allocation. I was very late when submitting my inquiry so I’m not expecting to be able to get one.

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by FrugalGreubel

I just wanted to provide a quick update. After having contacted them on April 12th I just got an email asking I fill out a questionnaire. I just submitted it and and am waiting to hear back if it’s possible to still get an allocation. I was very late when submitting my inquiry so I’m not expecting to be able to get one.

What type of questions are in the questionnaire if you don't mind me asking please?

[FrugalGreubel]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

What type of questions are in the questionnaire if you don't mind me asking please?

I don’t mind at all.

It asked to rank your preference in case material like red gold, platinum, white gold, steel, etc.

How much of a deposit you’d be willing to put down. It was none, 25%, 50%, and one other I option forgot.

How long you think an acceptable wait is.

If you have an Instagram account.

A question why you like the brand.

I’m forgetting a few but that was the gist of it.

It was a very quick questionnaire.

[eiesh]

Originally Posted by FrugalGreubel

I don’t mind at all.

It asked to rank your preference in case material like red gold, platinum, white gold, steel, etc.

How much of a deposit you’d be willing to put down. It was none, 25%, 50%, and one other I option forgot.

How long you think an acceptable wait is.

If you have an Instagram account.

A question why you like the brand.

I’m forgetting a few but that was the gist of it.

It was a very quick questionnaire.

The last one was if you would like to pickup the watch from their Geneva workshop or shipped to your home.

@FrugalGreubel I think we are in the same boat, since we expressed interest for the brand around the same time.

I also just filled out my questionnaire will also keep everyone updated, what comes up next.

Sent from my SM-A515F using Tapatalk

[FrugalGreubel]

Originally Posted by eiesh

The last one was if you would like to pickup the watch from their Geneva workshop or shipped to your home.

@FrugalGreubel I think we are in the same boat, since we expressed interest for the brand around the same time.

I also just filled out my questionnaire will also keep everyone updated, what comes up next.

Sent from my SM-A515F using Tapatalk

Yea, I forgot about the pick up/shipping question.

Glad to hear you got the questionnaire as well. I hope we can both grab one. It’s just such a lovely watch and very fairly priced.

[eiesh]

Originally Posted by FrugalGreubel

Yea, I forgot about the pick up/shipping question.



Glad to hear you got the questionnaire as well. I hope we can both grab one. It’s just such a lovely watch and very fairly priced.

I pray so too.

I hope they keep the regular production price similar to the Souscription.

100 pieces should take 8-9 years (2031), all things being equal

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[77T]

The craftsmanship is superb. I think the dial graining/finishing has a great technique to separate the functional from the stylistic.

My sole quibble is the hour hand shape - it doesn’t seem as elegant as the other elements. It is finely finished but wish it had a Dali-esque arciform influence.


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[Gebbeth]

Such a beautiful watch. Alas, I must watch from way afar as the CHF 50k is a bridge multiple miles too far.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by 77T

...but wish it had a Dali-esque arciform influence.

Ok... ok... wow, never thought of that yet GREAT idea! EPIC!!! Am pretty sure they'd allow you to customize bits like that.

[WatchEater666]

Originally Posted by eiesh

I pray so too.

I hope they keep the regular production price similar to the Souscription.

100 pieces should take 8-9 years (2031), all things being equal

Sent from my SM-A515F using Tapatalk

If I was him, I would reject all orders past the first ~5 and triple my prices.

Given the level of finishing, I would be surprised if they can meaningfully scale production?

Kari, Gauthier, etc have been at it for decades and unable to put out more than ~50 - 100 watches a year.