Having been in this sphere for a few years, my compelling reason for supporting/buying an independent watchmakers work, has usually been twofold.
One, the product had to appeal to me from a design standpoint, both technically and aesthetically.
Two, the watchmaker had to know what he was doing, and ideally had spent some time in restoration to see what really works over the long haul.
There have in recent years, been a plethora of new “watch companies” jumping into what always was a highly rarified and difficult field to play in. Why was it tricky, well for one the ability to make good reliable watches required years of training and experience to gain the required knowledge.
That time required is long and arduous, with a dedication to others initially being the order of the day.
I don’t think many today are willing to do this. Yes, there are a few and I’m glad to see them “doing the work” I don’t see Fleming watches in this light.
But, and it’s a big “but” for me, the ability to use highly skilled and technically able subcontractors, is not difficult, especially when one has a shed load of cash.
The design of a watch is always subjective, but how it is made can today be broken down quite objectively and therefore for me, the great question of value is easier to ascertain. Maybe, I’m jaded and have access to more data than others, but a Fleming watch is of little
interest to me, due to the fact that I’m interested in real watchmaking and not some branding exercise within the luxury watch world.
Good luck to them, it’s a free world and everyone is welcome to “have a go”
It’s just not for me, but worth the discussion as too many folks are not looking critically at some of these newer companies popping up. I think rational discussion is important and helpful.
Cheers,
Tim