Hentschel H1 Chronometer Zenith CP2 Community

amanico · 2024-05-06T15:55:06Z

Explore the WatchProSite community's custom Hentschel H1 Chronometer and Zenith CP2 P15. Discover ideas for the 25th-anniversary watch.

amanico

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

227 replies60884 views4 photos

As WatchProSite approaches its 25th anniversary, amanico reflects on the success of past community-designed watches: the Hentschel H1 Chronometer P20 and the Zenith CP2 P15. This retrospective not only celebrates these unique timepieces but also ignites a vibrant discussion among collectors about potential designs for the upcoming milestone anniversary edition. amanico's insights into the collaborative process highlight the community's passion for horological excellence and personalized aesthetics.

As you well know, these are two of our creations, made and issued to celebrate the 15th and 20th Anniversary of our website.

We started from an existing watch and tried to " spice it " a bit, in order to make it according to our taste and the taste of our Community. Yes, these were watches made by us, for us, but mainly for our Community, for you all.

For the Zenith CP2 P15, we worked on a detail on the dial, and a personalized decoration on the movement. The detail on the dial? Changing the " automatic " mention for a more appropriate " Cronometro ", reminding that the original version of this chronograph was issued for the Italian Army Pilots.

On the Hentschel, we decided to go for multi layers of lacquer to give the dial a pleasant depth, reminiscent of an enamel dial, but at a much more affordable price. We also opted for navy blue numerals and a red 12 to give some life and to increase the overall appeal of this watch.

On the backside, we decided to mention the name of our virtual home.

While only one of these two is a Chronograph, both are Chronometers which is something important for our team.

And both of these movements are stunning. The Zenith is the famous El Primero, while the Hentschel is manual winding and white gold plated!

These two are giving us some more ideas for new Watchprosite Watches. Most probably for our 25th Anniversary, in 2026.

Indeed, the difference with other media lies in the fact that we don't want to play the card of special watches for us, we are not a " merchant site ". We want to keep them exceptional and meaningful.

A small note or reminder about the few other watches we had four our website: The St Gallen, a selection of watches four our 10th anniversary ( Bulgari, Montblanc Villeret, Royal Oak Tantalum and a few others ).

One which is really special is the Chopard LUC Chronograph 1963 PuristS' Edition, in steel, 50 pieces, which was issued in 2014:

One thing is sure: These watches of ours have a special taste and are dear to our heart!

That's why we should start to work on a WPS 25! Some names come to my mind, such as Habring, Chopard, Omega, Ulysse Nardin, Montblanc... In fact, I was thinking of two: One below 10 K euros and one around 30 K Euros...

Best,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

Several brands are amenable to special editions, with suggestions including Cartier, Montblanc, Blancpain, Ulysse Nardin, and Parmigiani Fleurier. Specific models like a Parmigiani Tonda or a Cartier Santos-Dumont with unique color combinations are highly desired.
For a potential Omega collaboration, references with black dials, such as the 'Dirty Dozen,' or the rare grey dial Omega Ref. 2410, the only Omega chronometer with a screwback case, would be fitting homages.
New releases like the H. Moser Streamliner Small Seconds with a blue enamel dial (38mm case) or the Czapek Promenade with its guilloché dial and distinctive hands could serve as excellent starting points for a collaborative project.
The idea of offering watches at different price points, specifically $10k and $30k, is well-received, as it broadens accessibility and allows for engagement with independent brands such as Habring2, M.A.D., Ming, and Kurono.
A unique Omega Speedmaster around the $10k mark or a higher-end piece from Jaeger-LeCoultre (specifically a Reverso) or Vacheron Constantin would be highly appealing to collectors, balancing classic appeal with horological significance.
For an affordable anniversary watch, IWC is a strong candidate, with models from their Pilot, Portugieser, Fino, or Aquatimer ranges. Other brands like Louis Erard and Eberhard & Co. are also suggested for their value proposition.

The Discussion

jlux

May 1, 2024

My suggestion : UN with a +- 10k price range. Here I would take a slightly personalized version of the Marine Torpilleur ....of course without the date !!! Best, Gerard

iceheller 1945 ✌️

May 1, 2024

that is under 10k. If there is serial number. I like #13.😆

May 1, 2024

I like the understated approach, without excessive words on the dial. And "Cronometro" on the Zenith was pure genius. I missed out on the Hentschel (too bad for me) but hope to participate in the 25th anniversary. I'd love to see if Parmigiani would partner with the community. Thanks Nicolas. M4

May 1, 2024

Also consider this very cool Classico watch. Photo credit: SJX It would make a very classy watch for a very classy community. M4

May 1, 2024

What about Breguet 5177 or Type XX that are more to our taste?

penfriend

May 1, 2024

And still very special and attractive

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