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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →MONOCHROME’s 2021 selection highlights six high-end watches chosen by its editorial team for their inventive mechanics, hand-worked details and distinctive displays. It is a subjective, non-exhaustive list—not a ranked comparison or a survey of every independent watchmaker. The specifications, edition sizes and prices below are those reported in 2021, not current offers; check with the maker or an authorized seller for present-day details.
What this selection covers
Brice Goulard described the list as a selection of “creative, high-end, hand-made watches by proper watchmakers.” That is MONOCHROME’s editorial framing, not a universally agreed definition of independent watchmaking. The publication said its list reflected an internal vote and was “non-exhaustive” and subjective. It also distinguished this high-end focus from separate coverage planned for microbrands and more accessible watches.
The six watches below illustrate different approaches: elaborate escapements, a split-seconds chronograph, a reversible case, hand-finished dials and an unconventional satellite display. MONOCHROME published the selection on 5 December 2021. The model details and prices are historical reports from that article; they do not establish current production, inventory, warranty terms or service arrangements. Read MONOCHROME’s original 2021 selection.
The six watches
Bernhard Lederer Central Impulse Chronometer
MONOCHROME reported a 44 mm 18-karat white-gold case, guilloché dial and figure-eight layout. The hand-wound in-house calibre 9012 was specified with a 42-hour power reserve. Its architecture uses two barrels and independent gear trains, two remontoirs d’égalité and two escape wheels, arranged around a central impulse escapement. The reported edition was 25 pieces per dial colour—silver or blue—and the 2021 price was CHF 128,000.
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- Stainless steel case 40mm diameter x 14.1mm thick; Exhibition case back; Black dial; Luminous hands.Band Length: 205mm
- NH35A Japanese Automatic movement, 24 jewel; Assembled in Malaysia; Watch weight 155 grams
- Includes gift box, instructions and 3 year limited manufacturer warranty; Invicta Customer Service can be reached at 1-800-327-7682 for questions (re: Additional links, band replacement, band adjustment, warranty questions, etc.)
This is the mechanically ambitious choice in the group: its appeal rests on the separate energy paths and central-impulse concept rather than a conventional time-only movement. Its 44 mm case is also the largest stated diameter among the six, worth considering if case size is a fit concern.
Czapek Antarctique Rattrapante
The 2021 article described a 42.5 mm steel case with a glass-box sapphire crystal, 120 m water resistance and an integrated steel bracelet. The openworked dial reveals the chronograph components of automatic calibre SXH6, developed with Chronode. The split-seconds chronograph was reported with a 60-hour power reserve. MONOCHROME listed a 77-piece edition and a price of CHF 46,000.
Of the six, this is the one whose stated water resistance and chronograph function most clearly suggest a more versatile everyday design. Those specifications do not, by themselves, establish suitability for any particular activity; confirm the current maker guidance and configuration before purchase.
Rank #2
- Seiko 5 Automatic Black Arabic Dial Men's Watch SNKP21J1
De Bethune DB Kind of Two Tourbillon
MONOCHROME presented the DB Kind of Two as a reversible, two-face watch: one side has a classic appearance, while the other displays the movement and technical indications. Its reported case is 42.8 mm grade 5 titanium with floating lugs. The hand-wound in-house DB2579 has a five-day power reserve and a 30-second tourbillon. The 2021 article stated a price of CHF 215,000 excluding tax.
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Its defining feature is not simply the tourbillon but the ability to turn the watch over and choose between two presentations. Buyers should clarify how the reversible design wears and operates in person, and account for the stated price being before tax.
Garrick S4 Model
The S4 was described as a 42 mm steel watch with a frosted, multi-level dial, applied chapter ring, hand-turned guilloché small seconds and heat-blued hands. Its hand-wound BF03 calibre is a heavily modified ETA 6498 with a reported 50-hour power reserve. MONOCHROME noted a three-quarter plate and hand-crafted or hand-engraved components. Unlike the limited editions in this selection, the S4 was described as non-limited and customizable. The article gave a 2021 starting price of GBP 4,995 for a steel version with a frosted dial.
Rank #3
- [Luxurious Mechanical Watch] High quality hollow mechanical watch appearance retro gorgeous, exquisite carving and design of the golden appearance of the European nobility more highlight your noble identity extraordinary taste, to bring you a pleasant luxury experience
- [Mechanical Movement] This watch has manual self-winding. Please consider that mechanical watches that require manual winding can only keep time for a short time after winding. To prevent running or inaccurate time, it is advised that you verify the time periodically and wind up the chain 15–20 times.
- [Waterproof] Water resistant to 50m (165ft) -suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling
- [Ideal as a Gift] This beautiful retro-style watch can be worn on any occasion or given as a gift to your father, brother, partner, or boyfriend. At weddings and any holiday gatherings, it can be a really appreciated and elegant gift.
- [Professional After-Sale Service] Please contact us if you need any additional details about our watches. We will be happy to answer and help you anytime.
This is the clearest starting point for someone drawn to visible hand-finishing and configuration choices rather than a numbered edition. “Non-limited” and customizable describe the model as presented in 2021; they should not be taken as confirmation that a particular configuration can be ordered today.
Moritz Grossmann Tremblage
The 2021 selection described a 41 mm steel case and a German-silver dial finished by hand using tremblage: tiny indentations create its textured surface. The hand-wound in-house calibre 100.1 is decorated and was reported with a 42-hour power reserve. MONOCHROME stated a price of EUR 31,000 excluding taxes and said the watch was available through the brand’s online boutique when the article appeared. That publication-time availability is not evidence of current stock.
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The dial process is the distinguishing detail here. Buyers comparing versions should verify the dial and case configuration being offered, since the article’s price and availability refer to its 2021 report rather than a live listing.
Rank #4
- [Luxurious Mechanical Watch] High quality hollow mechanical watch appearance retro gorgeous, exquisite carving and design of the golden appearance of the European nobility more highlight your noble identity extraordinary taste, to bring you a pleasant luxury experience
- [Mechanical Movement] There's no need to worry if the battery is dead because this watch has manual self-winding. Please consider that mechanical watches that require manual winding can only keep time for a short time after winding. To prevent running or inaccurate time, it is advised that you verify the time periodically and wind up the chain 15–20 times.
- [Waterproof] Water resistant to 30m (98FT) -suitable for daily water resistance, withstands splashes and light rain. Not for swimming, showering or diving
- [Ideal as a Gift] This beautiful retro-style watch can be worn on any occasion or given as a gift to your father, brother, partner, or boyfriend. At weddings and any holiday gatherings, it can be a really appreciated and elegant gift.
- [Professional After-Sale Service] Please contact us if you need any additional details about our watches. We will be happy to answer and help you anytime.
Urwerk UR-100 Full Titanium Jacket
MONOCHROME reported a sandblasted titanium case measuring 41 mm wide by 49.7 mm long. Automatic calibre UR 12.02 uses Urwerk’s Windfänger winding system. Its display combines rotating satellite hours and retrograde minutes with indications showing distances travelled by Earth over 20-minute intervals. The reported edition was 25 pieces, with a 2021 price of CHF 55,000.
This is the most unconventional display in the group: it makes the passage of time part of a broader astronomical presentation. The 49.7 mm length is a useful fit measure alongside the 41 mm width, particularly for readers comparing watches by how they span the wrist.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to compare them before buying
The 2021 list does not score the watches against common criteria, so treat the figures as a starting point for comparison rather than a verdict. A practical shortlist should account for:
Best Value
- Sleek & Functional Design: This sophisticated titanium men's watch showcases a distinctive dial layout with dedicated markers for minutes, 12-hour, and 24-hour time displays. Arabic numerals ensure optimal legibility, while the bold red-tipped second hand injects a subtle yet striking accent. The inclusion of a practical date window further elevates its everyday versatility.
- Lightweight & Durable Titanium Construction: Crafted from premium titanium, the case combines brushed and polished finishes for a refined yet rugged aesthetic. Renowned for its featherlight weight and exceptional resilience, titanium offers superior corrosion resistance. The screw-down case back enhances durability.
- Clear AR Coated Sapphire Lens & Super Luminous: Fitted with an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, this automatic watch delivers unmatched clarity and scratch resistance. The watch hands coated with super-luminous material for easy readability even in low-light conditions.
- Precision Japanese Movement & 10ATM Water-Resistant: Powered by a precise Miyota 8215 automatic movement, this timepiece ensures accurate timekeeping and long-term reliability. With a 10ATM water resistance rating, it’s built to accompany you on outdoor adventures without compromise.
- Quick-Release Nylon Strap for Comfort: The lightweight nylon strap prioritizes comfort for all-day wear, while the quick-release mechanism allows for effortless strap changes to suit any occasion. Low-maintenance and durable, it’s designed for convenience.
- Fit: Compare diameter and, where available, case length; try the watch on if possible. The figures in the article do not tell you how every case shape or lug design will wear.
- Mechanics and display: Decide whether you value a specialized complication, such as a split-seconds chronograph or tourbillon, a distinctive escapement, hand-finishing, or an unusual time display.
- Daily-use requirements: Check current water-resistance guidance, winding routine and any operational instructions with the maker. The article reports 120 m for the Czapek, but does not give water-resistance figures for the other models.
- Edition and configuration: Confirm whether the specific watch is limited, made to order, customizable or available in the version you want. The edition counts and the Garrick’s non-limited description are historical statements from 2021.
- Total cost and purchase terms: Verify current price, currency, taxes, delivery region and seller authorization. The historical figures below use different currencies and tax qualifications, so they are not directly comparable as current prices.
- Ownership support: Ask the maker or authorized retailer about warranty coverage, service intervals, servicing location and costs. MONOCHROME’s article does not establish those terms.
2021 reported prices and edition details
| Watch | Reported edition or production status | Price reported in 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Bernhard Lederer Central Impulse Chronometer | 25 pieces per colour: silver and blue | CHF 128,000 |
| Czapek Antarctique Rattrapante | 77 pieces | CHF 46,000 |
| De Bethune DB Kind of Two Tourbillon | Not stated in MONOCHROME’s 2021 article | CHF 215,000 excluding tax |
| Garrick S4 Model | Non-limited; customizable, as described in 2021 | Starting at GBP 4,995 for steel with a frosted dial |
| Moritz Grossmann Tremblage | Not stated in MONOCHROME’s 2021 article | EUR 31,000 excluding taxes |
| Urwerk UR-100 Full Titanium Jacket | 25 pieces | CHF 55,000 |
All prices and edition descriptions in this table are MONOCHROME’s 2021 reporting, not current quotations or confirmation that a watch can still be bought. “Not stated” means the original article did not give an edition figure.
Are these the best independent watches to buy now?
They are best understood as MONOCHROME’s favorite independent-watchmaker releases of 2021, not as a present-day buying ranking. The article establishes what the editors selected and the details they reported at the time. It does not establish what remains in production, what a watch costs now, which configurations are available, or where to buy one. Confirm those points directly with the maker or an authorized retailer before making a purchase.
If by “independent” you mean accessible watches or microbrands, this selection has a different scope: its stated focus was high-end, creative, hand-made watchmaking. The category itself is not universally defined, so it is useful to decide whether you mean brand ownership, production scale, watchmaker involvement or price level when comparing broader alternatives.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
