BL-24 - Flipbook - Page 157
TRIVIAL PERSUITS
time itself: Urwerk, founded by Felix
Baumgartner and Martin Frei; and
MB&F, the brainchild of Max Büsser.
Heading north, we 昀椀nd the German
masters. While A. Lange & Söhne
is the most recognised, it’s arguably
become a touch too mainstream
(dare I say, industrial). I am far more
excited by Lang & Heyne, Moritz
Grossmann, Jochen Benzinger, and
D. Dornblüth & Sohn, who continue
to push the boundaries of traditional
craftsmanship.
These independent watchmakers are
akin to independent winemakers.
Each is distinct, each utterly
unique. They are consumed by a
pursuit of perfection, never content
with compromise. Their quest
for excellence is unrelenting. It’s
not driven by monetary gain: it’s
a vocation. They know no other
path, and more importantly, they
have no desire to. Creativity resides
deep within them, and it demands
expression.
So why are these handmade watches
so sought after? Why do waiting lists
stretch for years—sometimes even a
decade? Why do they fetch double or
triple their original price at auction?
Because, like a 昀椀ne vintage, they are
rare. They are crafted with blood,
sweat and tears. And as we all know,
a small increment in quality often
means a giant leap in price. These
watchmakers are the best in the world.
They push the envelope in both design
and mechanical innovation. It’s not
just watchmaking: it’s art.
As a proud Dutchman, I must
give an honourable mention to the
disciples of the legendary Christiaan
Huygens: Christiaan van der Klaauw;
the Grönefeld brothers; Michiel
Holthinrichs; and Stefan Ketelaars,
all of whom design and produce their
own calibres.
And what of the United States? For
years, no watch brand could legally
bear the title “Made in the USA”,
one of the strictest manufacturing
standards in the world. That changed
when Californian watchmaker Josh
N. Shapiro rose to the challenge. His
creation, the Resurgence, is the 昀椀rst
modern American timepiece to earn
that distinction.
In my enthusiasm, I barely left room
for Ranald to get a word in edgeways.
He eventually cut in and asked, “But
what makes them so unique? Most
people have never heard of them”.
Now, my mother always taught me
never to answer a question with a
question, but I couldn’t help myself:
“My dear Ranald, why do you
stock such an extraordinary list of
niche wines, whiskies and cigars at
Boisdale? Wouldn’t it have been easier
to stick to the big brands everyone
knows?”
And that’s where we found common
ground. I’d struck a chord. But he
had me there: I needed a moment to
collect my thoughts. He’d pressed a
button. I paused, picked up my glass,
inhaled the glorious bouquet of the
Mission Haut-Brion, and 昀椀nally took
a sip. That’s when it hit me.
J.N. Shapiro - Resurgence - Hero Variant 1
THE BOISDALE WATCH CLUB
to launch in 2026
In a world driven by constant technological change, one industry
has stood the test of time, literally. For over 300 years, mechanical
watchmaking has remained true to the pioneering inventions of legends
like John Arnold, Abraham-Louis Breguet, Abraham-Louis Perrelet,
George Graham, and Thomas Tompion.
Now, Stephen Lee of Remontoire and Alon Ben Joseph of Ace Jewellers,
two experts with decades of experience in haute horlogerie between
them, invite you to experience the art of time. Through exclusive, tutored
demonstrations, they’ll showcase the craftsmanship and innovation of
independent luxury watchmakers, the smaller, distinctive brands that
de昀椀ne true aspiration in 昀椀ne watchmaking. The events will take place
early evening at either Boisdale premises and will include an interesting
wine tasting and matching canapes. If you would like to be invited to
the inaugural event please email: stephen.lee@remontoire68.com
157
BOISDALELIFE.COM
ISSUE 24
