Michael Tay, head of The Hour Glass and long-time promoter of independent watchmakers, had this to say speaking to The Australian Financial Review Magazine recently: “Artisanal watchmaking has been bubbling under the surface for 50 years and in the last three to four years has really come to the fore with connoisseurs, collectors and enthusiasts.” He might have added “big players” to that group given the nod two of the industry’s majors have given to leading independents Max Büsser and Rexhep Rexhepi.

For 20 years, Büsser’s focus with his brand MB&F – Max Büsser and Friends – has been on building whimsical machines; wondrous watches often inspired by his childhood toys and memories. Now he’s caught the eye of the grown-ups at Chanel. The luxury powerhouse in August acquired a 25 per cent stake in MB&F that Büsser says will ensure stability and guarantee the smaller brand’s long-term future.