Credits: Article and images by Martin Green @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/04/08/fleming-series-1-a-superb-new-six-eater/
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There have been some comments online from watch enthusiasts that say that Thomas Fleming had it easy, as his father is a partner in a venture capital firm so funding wasn’t a problem.
While it may or may not be his father who is putting up the capital to fund the company, the Flemings are most likely the very first to realize that going into watches, especially in this segment, won’t make you rich.
It’s similar to that old joke that can apply to various industries; if you want to be a millionaire in watchmaking, you better start as a billionaire. Some comments even went as far as to state that Fleming simply bought himself a brand, but I consider that envy rearing its ugly head.
If Fleming wanted to get that route, there are plenty of esteemed Swiss brands that would welcome a new owner. Instead, Fleming took full advantage of the opportunities that he had and brought together some of the brightest minds in watchmaking. It resulted in three versions of what is an incredible watch, and you can hardly blame somebody for doing that.
To get back to the original question: are they worth it? That depends if you buy watches as an investment or for personal enjoyment funded by disposable income?
If you are in the first category, betting on a new brand is always tricky, and even if/when they take off, it doesn’t mean that the prices of previous models go over retail in the secondary market. It also means that you can’t really wear them, as you need to protect your investment.
That is also why I hope that all the Series 1 are being sold to people who buy them because they love them. While a Fleming doesn’t come with decades of heritage and isn’t a brand name that everybody on the New York Subway recognizes (which I count as a benefit), it is a well-made and stunningly beautiful watch.
If you disregard the lack of heritage and brand recognition that any new brand lacks, it really is as good as a newly made, classic three-hander gets. For that, I applaud Mr.Fleming and look forward to what he has in store for us next.
For the naysayers, actually handle one of the Series 1 watches before being too critical, but be warned, you might agree with me afterward that the Fleming Series 1 is an excellent watch.
For more information, please visit www.fleming.watch
Quick Facts: Fleming Series 1
Case: 38.5 x 9 mm, 18-karat pink gold, platinum, or tantalum
Movement: automatic Caliber FM-01, 168-hour (7-day) power reserve, 21,000 VpH/3Hz
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, power reserve (on back)
Limitation: pink gold and platinum 7 pieces each, tantalum 25 pieces
Price: CHF 45,500 in tantalum, CHF 48,500 in pink gold, CHF 51,500 in platinum
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Credits: Article and images by Martin Green @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/04/08/fleming-series-1-a-superb-new-six-eater/