Undoubtedly a German Beauty!

May 18, 2023,15:22 PM
 

It's funny to think of time-only as the black sheep of the horological herd. But I totally get it especially with expensive watches. That said, I have totally gravitated towards time only 3 handers as the root of my collection. The ability of a watchmaker or manufacture to create an mesmerizingly beautiful time only watch is IMHO far more difficult than a complicated watch. Watches like Philippe Dufour's Simplicity, Roger Smith's Series I,  are the essence of what time only is about for me. And while Patek took the more pedestrian route with reference 96, all of it's wonderful case and dial variations make time only a fun prospect to collect. And then there is something like George Daniels' Spring-Detent Chronometer Tourbillon Watch which is pure god-tier on par with Breguet's Sympathique clock that elevate the time only form beyond what us mere mortals can even dream. 


Okay, perhaps I went a bit overboard there (LOL!) , but I have recently found myself staring at myriad of chronographs in a watch box that sees little wrist time. While the dials can be sublime when properly laid out (PP 1463, Mido Centerchrono, Breguet 5247/29, Movado M90) It is frankly a complication that I NEVER use. And even though (let's be honest) watches are basically wrist ornaments I would much rather have a sub-dialed annual calendar. 

But for now and for me, time only is the simple sweet spot that I have gravitated towards.























More posts: DufourGeorge DanielsRoger Smith

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Time Only Magic

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : May 17th, 2023-12:33
Not everyone is into the higher end of time only watches, and I can’t say I used to be a big fan either. It always seemed like a waste of watch budget considering one could get a perpetual calendar or a chronograph instead, both of which are far more inte...  

Agreed. I love watches but find it hard to justify the prices

 
 By: Thomas_3 : May 17th, 2023-13:22
of some of the time only watches. I find it even harder to justify, for me personally the prices of the more complicated pieces for which I don't have a need for. I may be a outcast but I have no need for a perpetual calendar, moon phase, or chronograph. ... 

I'm with you

 
 By: blau : May 17th, 2023-13:35
One thing that I've only lately realized is that Patek, VC, and AP do not really play the 'indie' game of super-high-end time only, whereas Lange and Breguet do. Like you, I love chronographs and calendars (especially chronographs) but what I'm loving the... 

Yep fully agree

 
 By: Blourenco : May 18th, 2023-19:38
If you keep stripping it back you lose the complications, the dates and even ghee seconds and are left with what a watch of this level is really about. And yes, ALS and Breguet here stand out. Funny that they are not as collectible as the other brands you... 

Lovely example

 
 By: Aquaracer1 : May 17th, 2023-14:15
Huge fan of time-only (and no date) here ...  

So is 915 component parts.

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : May 17th, 2023-14:24

The chain???

 
 By: Darron : May 18th, 2023-05:01

Killer piece

 
 By: NautNut : May 17th, 2023-14:24
Such detail for a time only movement

Yes, but one kinda wishes it was a little more open.

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : May 17th, 2023-15:58
It could have been done, not every Lange is basically just a plate.

Agreed

 
 By: NautNut : May 17th, 2023-23:35

:)))

 
 By: amanico : May 17th, 2023-16:20

I have become more of a fan of a time only watch. I think that’s why I am gravitating more to calatravas style time pieces

 
 By: aperna : May 17th, 2023-15:14
There is no doubt that this is a work of art. If you try to explain the mechanism of this marvel to a non-watch person, they would be extremely confused.

I just tell them it’s like a bicycle!

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : May 17th, 2023-15:56
That’s enough to get the oohs and aahs !

Totally gorgeous.

 
 By: InHavenPro : May 17th, 2023-16:01
thanks for the lovely pictures! Cheers, Filip

It photos well !

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : May 18th, 2023-10:52

An amazing piece...

 
 By: patrick_y : May 17th, 2023-16:01
And I'm totally biased, I mean, come on, my avatar is a fusee. I find that over the years, my tastes have shifted, from complex looking watches, to simple looking watches. I no longer want to own mega complications like a grand complication with a perpetu... 

Yeah, but it’s a mind shift as a consumer.

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : May 18th, 2023-10:58
Because the natural thought is that I’m not getting anything here, versus a perpetual or chrono where what you’re getting is obvious and tangible. Of course this could be executed in a way where you do feel like you’re getting more, Logical One for exampl... 

Kind of like a Tourbillon that's hidden...

 
 By: patrick_y : May 18th, 2023-16:55
It's all about the fur inside the coat - the fur outside doesn't keep you any warmer. It's inside that counts. Now where's my fancy sable shawl...

Very well put Patrick

 
 By: hashluck : May 21st, 2023-16:12

I'm also into stealth complication like this, but not towards the high polishing techniques like the famous independents...that is why I'm already happy with what ALS has to offer.

 
 By: Clueless_Collector : May 17th, 2023-16:47
I know some considered the indie makers are modern day artist like Picasso, Van Gogh etc with their painstakingly beautiful polishing of parts, architecture which is true too.

I'm with you on this one...

 
 By: Ivan5 : May 18th, 2023-01:11
..happens to be my latest addition. ...  

Very much so and for the reasons you've actually brought up 😉👌

 
 By: Ivan5 : May 18th, 2023-15:47
I've actually hunted it for quite some time...

Such a fun and sophisticated piece.

 
 By: Darron : May 18th, 2023-05:06
I love the stealth aspect of it. Maybe one day 🤔

Haha; yes thanks. A PLM or a ZW

 
 By: Darron : May 18th, 2023-13:55
would make a lot sense for me. Until then I will live vicariously through your pics 😀

The PLM is an absolute beast for a time-only watch.

 
 By: Rhyzen : May 18th, 2023-15:14
Except for those in the know, the dial does a marvelous job in hiding its incredible complex movement. Definitely swoon-worthy!

Undoubtedly a German Beauty!

 
 By: Duffymcpatzer : May 18th, 2023-15:22
It's funny to think of time-only as the black sheep of the horological herd. But I totally get it especially with expensive watches. That said, I have totally gravitated towards time only 3 handers as the root of my collection. The ability of a watchmaker...  

Cheers Tony.

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : May 21st, 2023-21:29

Fantastic.

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : May 21st, 2023-21:32
That’s the kinda of decision I was getting at; for a long time it would have not been the choice I made. Preferring maybe to buy something I can see (on the dial) versus something hidden around the back. Yours is a stunner, and more special than any perpe... 

Thanks Jay, I must admit the enamel dial was also a big pull for me as well as the fusee of course

 
 By: hashluck : May 21st, 2023-22:08
To me it had many attrbutes of a pocket watch, and a long case, all wrapped up in a beautiful package. And to wind it is a wonderful experience

If I ever add another Lange to my collection

 
 By: Cozmopak : May 21st, 2023-17:37
This one would be on the short list of contenders