Independents Day

by Mike Disher

October 18, 2006

You may click most images to view larger versions

On a beautiful fall afternoon this weekend past, about 40 WIS gathered in a perfect setting to meet 6 extraordinary independent watchmakers. Thanks to Tim Jackson and organizers Larry Seiden and Marvin Arnold, we were able to spend quality time (pun intended) with Peter Speake-Marin, Vianney Halter, Marco Lang, Johannes Janke, and brothers John and Stephen McGonigle.

To my knowledge, this is the first time such an array of watchmaking luminaries has assembled in one place in the States. We met in a private room at the scenic Testarossa Winery in the hills of Los Gatos, California. It was fitting that we met at a location where passionate and creative individuals work together to produce fine products for discriminating buyers. For me at least, the fine watches and fine wine made a delicious blend.

Our honored guests brought an assortment of their latest and finest wares. Laid out on a table like a feast, we saw a collection of handcrafted timepieces that could not be viewed anywhere else. As pleasing as it was to see and hold the watches, it was also a joy to spend time with the watchmakers. One rarely has an opportunity to meet the royalty of watchdom in such casual surroundings. On this day our guests were relaxed and more than happy to discuss their creations, the industry, watchmaking, and any other subject under the sun.

The event got under way at 11:30 a.m. and we devoted the first hour to meeting old friends and making new ones, appreciating the watches brought by the masters and by attendees, several of whom had cases of beautiful pieces to share. All the while the attentive Testarossa staff poured delicious wines. The Pinot Noir was especially delightful.

After lunch, we heard from Tim, Larry and Marvin, and of course from the watchmakers, each of whom expressed in humble terms their gratitude and appreciation for our attendance and for our interest (bordering on mania) in their creations. The biggest thanks certainly go to our guests for making such long journeys so that we might spend a few hours with them, gaining further appreciation for what it takes to create handcrafted timepieces of the highest quality.

And now, some images of the day. Below, our honored guests...

Setting the scene at Testarossa Winery...

The path leading up to the winery

The dramatic entrance

The main tasting room

The gang is all here...

Meeting old friends, making new ones, and appreciating the wristware...

Attendees meet the watchmakers:

Vianney Halter...

Peter Speake-Marin...

John McGonigle...

Stephen McGonigle...

Marco Lang and Johannes Janke...

The watches:

Lang & Heyne, including the movement in Johannes' amazing chronograph...

Vianney Halter...

Click here to read Ron DeCorte's article on Vianney

John and Stephen McGonigle...

Two images above courtesy Ron DeCorte

Click here to read Ron's article on John and Stephen

Peter Speake-Marin...

Please read Ron DeCorte's article on and interview with Peter Speake-Marin

Luncheon is served, providing another opportunity to visit with our guests...

Following lunch, Larry Seiden introduced Julie Simonen of Testarossa Winery who told us about the winery's history and production...

Marvin and Larry distribute prizes...

Next up, the man who made it all happen, Tim Jackson of Jackson Square Fine Jewels. Those of us who love watches owe Tim a debt of gratitude for supporting these watchmakers, and for bringing them to us and making the day possible. If you are interested in obtaining more information about the watchmakers featured here, Tim represents them all, and I'm sure he will be happy to assist you.

Tim then invited each of the watchmakers to make a few comments...

At this point the official festivities concluded, but in the true WIS spirit, no one wanted to leave. Many lingered for at least another hour talking and dreaming about, and appreciating, some of the finest handcrafted timepieces available today.

Thanks again to Tim Jackson and to Marvin Arnold, Larry Seiden and Testarossa Winery. Special thanks to Peter Speake-Marin, Vianney Halter, Stephen and John McGonigle, Marco Lang, and Johannes Janke. Please visit the official websites by clicking the links below.

Peter Speake-Marin

Lang & Heyne

Vianney Halter

Stephen and John McGonigle

Jackson Square Fine Jewels

Testarossa Winery

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Photo credits: All images by Mike Disher, except:

Peter Speake-Marin, Marco Lang and John and Stephen McGonigle provided
the photos of themselves used at the beginning of this article.

Ron DeCorte provided the first image of Vianney Halter,
and two images of the McGonigle watch