The Case for Simplicity
Finding Joy in a Watch That Simply Tells the Time
As the prices of independent watches climb ever higher, I’ve found myself reflecting on what truly matters in collecting—and whether simplicity might be the rarest complication of all.
Lately, I’ve written about less—about the idea of a smaller, more intentional watch collection, and what that means for me as both a collector and a writer.
During a recent conversation with Dario Nucci, who directed Seeking Perfect and helped refine my vision for the Denis Flageollet documentary, we found ourselves discussing simplicity—both in filmmaking and in watchmaking.
Like many collectors focused on independents, I’ve been lamenting the rising barrier to entry in the space. It feels like every new time-only watch now debuts around CHF 80,000, and that number just feels… insane.
What if we didn’t feel the need to own every new watch from every new maker—or to place bets on who might become the next F.P. Journe?
In conversations with Dario and other collectors, I’ve been exploring the idea of simplicity—not just as a collecting philosophy, but as a mindset. For me, that’s meant taking the blinders off and being open to other corners of the market I’ve long ignored.
I’ve been around independent watchmaking long enough to remember when pieces would lose 30–40% the moment they left the boutique, and when retail prices felt more human. But this isn’t really about numbers. It’s about finding ease, balance, and clarity in what we choose to wear.
