Maîtres du Temps is independent haute horology on steroids — not just one master watchmaker at the helm, but multiple legends collaborating on each piece like a
mechanical supergroup.
Think of it as the watch world’s version of a studio album — produced by guys whose names most brands would build entire legacies around. The result? Some of the most
ambitious complicated, and expensive indie watches of the modern era.
Founded in 2005 by entrepreneur Steven Holtzman, Maîtres du Temps was never meant to be a volume brand. The concept was simple but bold: bring together the greatest living
watchmakers to collaborate on original timepieces that blend their unique philosophies.
Each project was called a “Chapter”, and every Chapter included multiple master watchmakers working side by side — designing brand-new complications, movements and case
architecture from the ground up.
The company operated until around 2019, producing ultra-limited, ultra-high-end pieces that remain grail status for serious collectors of independent watchmaking.
Maîtres du Temps is beloved for its collaborative pedigree and no-compromise complications. These weren’t just “designed by” masters — they were engineered, tuned and
executed by them.
The three main releases were:
✔️ Tourbillon
✔️ Mono-pusher chronograph
✔️ Retrograde date and GMT
✔️ Rolling bars at 6 and 12 o’clock for day and moonphase
Made by: Christophe Claret, Roger Dubuis, and Peter Speake-Marin
Production: ~50 total pieces
✔️ Triple calendar (day, date, month)
✔️ Big date
✔️ Roller-style displays for day and month
Made by: Daniel Roth and Peter Speake-Marin
Smaller case, more wearable — but still serious.
✔️ Time, date, and moonphase on the surface
✔️ Press a button and hidden scroll bars emerge from under the dial
✔️ Home time and day/night displayed via hidden mechanisms
Made by: Kari Voutilainen and Andreas Strehler
Understated at a glance. Mind-blowing up close.
Each piece used exclusive movements, hand-finishing, and materials like titanium, gold, platinum, and sapphire, all cased in complex multi-part constructions.
Because no brand before or since has pulled off this level of collaboration — and done it with such technical integrity.
These watches weren’t built to chase design trends. They were built to explore what’s possible when you give master watchmakers creative freedom and a big enough
budget to actually innovate.
Each Chapter is a piece of modern horological history, and even if the brand is no longer producing, its watches remain among the most original mechanical timepieces ever made.
Everything is extremely limited and fully discontinued. But on the rare occasion something surfaces, here’s what you’ll see:
These are true collector’s pieces, often traded privately or through top-tier auction houses and independent dealers.
Maîtres du Temps is like the Patek of the indie world — except they let the best minds in modern watchmaking run wild.
I’ve only handled one Chapter Two in person, and the finishing was bonkers. Crisp edges, tight tolerances, dial like a grand feu painting. And when you remember that Daniel Roth
and Peter Speake-Marin made it together? Come on.
If you’re a collector who already owns Journe, Dufour, Voutilainen, etc., and you want something truly collaborative, rare, and mechanically clever
— this is the deep-cut grail.
Delray Watch is always on the lookout for rare Maîtres du Temps watches — especially Chapter One, Chapter Two, and Chapter Three Reveal pieces.
If you have a Maîtres du Temps watch you’re ready to sell or trade – reach out. We’re always buying.
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