Why I Purchased It And My Horological Journey To Shopping for A Vincent Deprez Tourbillon Classique Souscription Version

I’ve been a passionate watch fanatic for greater than 25 years.

At first, I had the monetary constraints of a pupil, so I spent my first ten years sporadically shopping for just some watches and was serious about established mainstream manufacturers like Rolex and Panerai.

After I began working and my watch price range elevated, I began accumulating watches from a number of mainstream manufacturers and developed relationship with a number of licensed sellers.

Nonetheless, because of visits to Baselworld, I turned conscious of, and began admiring, the work of impartial watchmakers and boutique manufacturers, together with Laurent Ferrier, Kari Voutilainen, City Jurgensen, Akrivia, and Grönefeld.

Vincent Deprez Tourbillon Classique Souscription Editionon the wrist (photograph courtesy Alex)

Nonetheless, whereas appreciating what these smaller impartial manufacturers have been doing, I didn’t purchase any as I used to be not sure how financially viable they have been over the long run. Considered one of my considerations was how would I’ve a watch serviced or repaired if the small model went bankrupt.

And I used to be effectively conscious of how tough it was for the Indy watchmakers again then, as I knew a bit about how tough it was for Laurent Ferrier, who I met at an impartial watch honest in Geneva. Ferrier practically misplaced his model and enterprise when his then-investor (an ex- motor racing buddy of Laurent’s), pulled out.

Then my watch accumulating pivoted

Then a few years later my feeling in direction of impartial watchmakers advanced.

Whereas nonetheless having a broad basic view of the watch market from huge to area of interest manufacturers, I obtained ever extra fed up with the way in which the massive manufacturers’ retailers handled their clients. The degrees of service I used to be experiencing and listening to about from pals was one thing I couldn’t think about ever doing or my shoppers placing up with in my very own enterprise.

The primary watches from impartial manufacturers that I added to my assortment have been from the extra reasonably priced finish of the market like Habring2 and Pascal Coyon.

By 2018, I turned conscious of simply how good speaking with impartial watchmakers was, particularly when in comparison with the massive manufacturers, so I made a decision to focus increasingly on this area of interest market. I dove proper in and began accumulating watches from all ends of the impartial sector, together with commissioning bespoke items.

I turned snug ordering watches from Kari Voutilainen, Aaron Bexei, Roger Smith, Lecomte, Czapek, Svend Andersen, Julien Tixier, and Vincent Deprez.

I like the whole lot concerning the watches from the independents, from watches wherein the choices are restricted to case materials or dial coloration all the way in which to bespoke distinctive timepieces.

Vincent Deprez Tourbillon Classique Souscription Version winding mechanism (photograph courtesy Alex)

Whereas they’re many various impartial watchmakers on the market, and lots of references to select from, an article I learn in March 1921 concerning the Vincent Deprez Tourbillon Classique the Souscription Version instantly caught my eye. The watch appeared to have the whole lot I used to be in search of: a particular case, open dial highlighting the mechanics, enameled dial, massive tourbillon, and all properly organized.

Vincent Deprez Tourbillon Classique Souscription Version tourbillon shut up (photograph courtesy Alex)

After studying the article, I instantly contacted Vincent and once more, as with nearly all impartial watchmakers I’ve handled, the whole lot went easily. I felt fairly assured in what I discovered, and quickly determined so as to add a Vincent Deprez Tourbillon Classique to my assortment. So quickly in truth that I very luckily managed to safe watch No. 1!

Previously, I might not have determined so shortly to buy an unknown younger newcomer; nonetheless, a number of visits to Indy watchmakers in 2021/2022 opened my eyes. Though communication with independents was already an eye-opener in comparison with the battle I’ve had with licensed sellers, visiting their ateliers and having dinner/drinks and laughs with them confirmed that this was the watchmaking world for me.

I like how all impartial watchmakers know and admire one another, even working collectively to create a greater piece and having no issues in serving to one another. And their openness about what they do themselves and what they outsource. Seeing all of the work they do in making their much-beloved watches, I’ve completely no downside ready a few years earlier than receiving a watch – the anticipation makes the long-awaited supply all the higher.

The writer’s first take a look at his new Vincent Deprez Tourbillon Classique Souscription Version

Supply Day

This all goes to elucidate how I got here to order a Vincent Deprez Tourbillon Classique Souscription Version fairly shortly in March 2022, however I by no means anticipated that it will be prepared to gather just some months later in July. Communication with Vincent was glorious, however I do communicate French which helped.

The writer with Vincent Deprez

The 5^th of July 2022 was D (for Deprez)-Day, after I went to Geneva to select up my Tourbillon Classique Souscription Version No.1.

The writer (left) visiting Vincent Deprez at his atelier in Geneva

We had a pleasant discuss and Vincent handed me my watch. I instantly fell in love with it. The case, the ending, the size, the whole lot match completely. My finest images don’t seize the gorgeous expertise of really seeing and dealing with it.

The writer’s Vincent Deprez Tourbillon Classique Souscription Version (left) beside the prototype watch

6-months of sporting

Now right here I’m round 6 months later, and the magic nonetheless hasn’t worn off. That is my watch of 2022! I’m a watch collector who likes to put on my watches typically, altering as soon as and typically twice a day. If I don’t put on one among my watches not less than 5 occasions a 12 months, then I believe that alerts it’s time to let it go. I really feel {that a} watch ought to have a life and be worn often to focus on and respect the artisanal work of the watchmaker and share with different horological aficionados.

Vincent Deprez Tourbillon Classique Souscription Editionon the wrist (photograph courtesy Alex)

I put on my Tourbillon Classique commonly in the course of the week, at each work and on extra formal events within the night. And I’m assured that I’ll put on it often over the approaching years.

I can’t let you know how correct it’s as a result of I don’t normally put on my watches for greater than 12 hours a day, in order that they normally want winding and resetting after I subsequent put them on. However I’ve had no points with its reliability or accuracy to this point.

In case you are beginning out in your accumulating journey and are serious about independents, however are not sure about taking the leap (as I used to be), I can’t suggest impartial watchmakers sufficient. However do put on your watches and present them to the world, I don’t perceive collectors who lock up their watches in a secure and don’t put on them.

Vincent Deprez Tourbillon Classique Souscription Editionon the wrist (photograph courtesy Alex)

I’ve a number of extra fascinating watches by independents on order, and I’m positive they won’t be the final. No matter your price range and assortment, I want you the entire enjoyment watch accumulating has introduced me.

For extra data, please go to https://vincentdeprez.watch/

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