You can’t help wondering if that rapidly dwindling institution known as the British High Street sowed the seeds of its own demise. Step by step over the decades it reached the point where no matter which high street in which town or city you stood, the shops were exactly the same. Small independents were driven out. Choice was limited to what the chain stores decided you wanted to buy.

Boarded up Britain

Then the internet arrived at exactly the moment total boredom with tired old bricks and mortar shopping had terminally set in.

The internet has brought to our doorsteps a range of exciting and different new brands we could never have dreamed or discovered even a decade ago. Their low production capacities, their distance and their difference meant that none of the multiples wanted to know and so you never saw them on the shelves.

When it comes to watches, you no longer have to choose based on the controlled selection of samey brands and bestselling models that the high street jeweller wants to sell you. In moments you can go ‘off road’ on the internet and suddenly you realise, you simply haven’t scratched the surface of what’s out there.

What follows is a selection of quality watches from passionate independent watchmakers, celebrating and creating their dedicated difference. And long may it last.

Emile Pequignet Moorea Royal Triomphe

The Moorea Royal Triomphe by Emile Pequignet is a deliciously sporty 44-mm watch composed of a sanded black titanium middle case and case back and a screw-in crown in red gold with the logo ‘EP’ in black rubber. Water resistant to 100 metres, the Moorea Royal Triomphe has a black opaline dial with facetted and brushed applied numerals, a power reserve indicator and small seconds in an aperture overlaid with red gold appliqué. This model is mounted on the famous Moorea grained satin-finished red gold and rubber strap with a double folding clasp. The watch is fitted with Pequignet’s own entirely original in-house movement, developed in the French haute horology Jura. The Calibre Royal movement has reduced the number of components while maximising the reliability of each one.

Kazimon Funfhundert 500m Diver

The goal of Kazimon Watch Company is simple: to provide the highest quality watches possible without compromise to durability, function, accuracy, or style. As a designer by trade, each watch carries a signature theme from the studio of Kazim Kenzo. KAZIMON watches are produced and assembled exclusively in Germany, using 100% locally sourced components made from the finest grade materials. Powering all Kazimon Watches are genuine Swiss ETA automatic movements. All Kazimon Watches are produced in limited quantities to ensure strict quality control. This model is made from high grade titanium and runs on an ETA 2824-2 mechanical automatic movement, one of the most popular and trusted of Swiss movements. As the name suggests, the watch is water resistant to 500 metres, so it’s a serious piece of kit.

Autram & Viala Plano Watch

Karl Ickler founded the family business Autram & Viala in Pforzheim in 1924 having previously worked as the Head of Production at another watch making company. During the war, production ceased, but Karl’s two sons began rebuilding the company in 1947. Today the company is managed by the third generation Thomas Ickler designing and building watches of the highest quality. The company make a range of watches including quality pilot’s and diver’s. The Plano is a classically elegant 40mm dress watch. It’s powered by a Ronda 715 Quartz movement with an elegant small seconds at 6 o’clock.

Tutima Grand Classic Chronograph UTC

The history of the Tutima brand began in Glashütte, a city of horology whose name is known all over the globe as a byword for the best and most exclusive timepieces in the world. It’s where legendary brands such as A. Lange & Sohne and Glasshutte Original are made. The name Tutima derives from the Latin word ‘tutus’, tutissima, which means “safe” or “protected.” The choice of brand name was fitting for timepieces guaranteeing precision and reliability. This watch is from the Tutima Grand Classic collection and is what’s known as Flieger – or aviation watch. It runs on a trusty Valjoux Automatic 7754, the chronograph movement of choice for hundreds of Swiss – and indeed German – watch manufacturers. Sub dials are at 12 and 6 o’clock with a date widnow at 3 o’clock. The watch also feature a bi-directional rotating bezel with a red marker and super luminova coated numerals for easy nigh time legibility.

A. Le Marquand Meteor Power Reserve

Hailing from Bulle in Switzerland, Andre Le Marquand, the founder, was born on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands. He was there when the island became occupied by the Nazis. The company is now run by his son Cedric in ultra modern production facilities. The brand has a wide range of watch collections, each offering something quite different and stylish. Every Andre Le Marquand piece has its own personal serial number. Since 2005 the company has been governed by Andre Le Marquand’s son, Cedric Le Marquand. A. Le Marquand watch is one of the few brands which managed to survive as an independent family business. The Meteor Power Reserve is one of several ranges in the collection.

Main picture watch: Horoswiss Dry Compass watch