What does independent watchmaking mean?

Independent watchmaking is a term that comes up often, but its meaning is not always clear. It does not simply describe the size of a brand, its location, or how many watches are made each year. Independence is less about scale and more about how decisions are made.

At its core, independence is about control. An independent watchmaker is not part of a large group and does not work toward volume targets, quarterly growth, or predefined market categories. Decisions are made one watch at a time, based on what serves the object itself rather than what scales most efficiently.

This way of working affects everything from design to construction. When production numbers are small, there is more room to think through details and fewer reasons to compromise for speed or cost. Components are chosen because they make sense for the watch, not because they support a label, a trend, or a simplified story.

Independence also does not mean working in isolation. It does not reject tradition or collaboration. Instead, it allows the freedom to choose which traditions to respect, which tools to use, and which partners to work with. The goal is not to do everything alone, but to remain responsible for the final result.

How independence shows in the finished watch

For the person wearing the watch, independence usually appears in subtle ways. The watch feels deliberate. It does not try to follow current trends or appeal to the widest possible audience. It exists for a clear reason and accepts that this reason will not resonate with everyone.

There is often a sense of restraint in independent watches. Fewer unnecessary elements. Clear priorities. A focus on long-term use rather than immediate impact. These qualities are not always obvious at first glance, but they tend to become clearer over time.

Reigi works as an independent watchmaker because this approach allows us to stay focused. Small production runs, direct involvement in the work, and clear priorities are not side effects of how we operate. They are the starting point.

‍

‍