1. George Daniels:
Considered one of the greatest watchmakers of the 20th century, George Daniels was a British watchmaker known for his groundbreaking designs, particularly the coaxial escapement. He was one of the few watchmakers to have the expertise to make a watch entirely by hand.
2. François-Paul Journe:
A contemporary Swiss watchmaker, François-Paul Journe is renowned for his intricate designs, independent spirit, and insistence on using traditional hand-crafted techniques. He is a master of complications and known for his tourbillon watches.
3. Philippe Dufour:
Philippe Dufour is a Swiss watchmaker recognized for his incredibly high standards of craftsmanship. His watches are highly sought-after and he produces only a small number of pieces each year. His attention to detail and use of traditional techniques have earned him widespread respect.
4. Roger Smith:
Roger Smith is a British watchmaker known for his meticulous craftsmanship and the creation of high-quality, artisanal watches. He is committed to the traditional methods of watchmaking and produces a limited number of watches each year.
5. Peter Speake-Marin:
Peter Speake-Marin is a British watchmaker and independent brand owner. His watches are known for their elegant designs and traditional aesthetics. He specializes in hand-crafted timepieces and has established a reputation for excellence in the watchmaking community.
6. Kari Voutilainen:
Kari Voutilainen is a Finnish watchmaker known for his exceptional finishing and attention to detail. His watches are characterized by their classic, minimalist designs and high level of craftsmanship.
These are just a few examples of notable watchmakers who are recognized for their exceptional skills and contributions to the field of watchmaking. The title of "best watchmaker in the world" is ultimately a matter of opinion and can vary depending on individual preferences and the specific criteria used to assess the quality of watchmaking.