TheWindingStem
628
Some introspection.
I posted this on my Instagram and I’m posting it here for added discussions.
There has been lots of chatter regarding the underside of watch hands: specifically Lange.
Lange has an impeccable reputation for finishing every part of their watches, even those we cannot see, to the highest standards - I like to think of this as a promise they give to those aspiring to join the Lange family.
I believe this promise is what defines Lange and tells collectors what the brand stands for and the vvalue they add - while mechanical prowess is important and they certainly excel in that regards but there is something human about finishing. A beautifully finished watch is a piece of art that represents the finest aspects of our humanity.
Upon learning that the underside of the hands are not finished, i have to admit that I felt somewhat “betrayed” - not that finishing them matters that much, but it does make a person wonder whether everything we can see is, in fact, finished.
Lange of today is a relatively young brand, they don’t have the brand equity that Patek and Rolex offer or the continuous uninterrupted history that Vacheron boasts- not even the massive repertoire of movements and technical innovations that makes JLC the legends they are today. So when other brands don’t finish the underside of their hands, no one cares because their strengths are elsewhere.
Uncompromising commitment to quality is what people think of when they think of Lange and any thing that may tarnish that - no matter how small- will leave a stain that will be hard to wash away. Even the very notion of doubt can spread like a nasty decay and compromise their image.
Some introspection.
I posted this on my Instagram and I’m posting it here for added discussions. There has been lots of chatter regarding the underside of watch hands: specifically Lange. Lange has an impeccable reputation for finishing every part of their watches, even thos...
I am checking something..
Based in the various posts about this subject. Initial feedback was sandblasted on the under side of hands, yet pics posted yesterday seemed not to be finished (incl yours). Awaiting confirmation. Kind regards, Sc16
I asked and was just told its not finished and that's that!
I was also told that "no one does it either" which doesn't mean much to me anyways lol
So it’s a [disappointing] draw between the 2 manufacturers. I guess one has to look to Independents for that level of attention to detail.
I remember reading somewhere that grand seiko finishes both sides of their hands.
Nope GS doesn't either.
in terms of Indies I know Romain Gauthier, Rexhep and Kari do finish both side- same with Moser surprisingly.
Great post!
I could not agree more. I love everything about Lange and was disappointed to read the other day about the underside of the hands. Not because I’ll ever know the difference but because of what it stands for and what Lange says they pride themselves on. I ...
I do think we should call Lange out on it...
But at the same time, I think it's is a relatively minor issue. Ultimately, what matters is if the total finishing is acceptable for the price given the competition. Lange still offers better finishing than the large majority of brands, and there are only...
I agree with this sentiment completely
While I have read from another member that their promise is only with regards to the movement, I falsely assumed that if the movement was decorated without compromise, so too would every other component. In the grand scheme of things, finishing the unders...
Here is a very interesting, 10-part video from Roger Smith showing how he finishes his watch hands...
Click here to see the first part.
