Vintage
ArthurSG initiates a discussion on the controversial practice of re-casing vintage movements into bespoke watches, inspired by a Thomas Prescher piece. He explores whether this constitutes 'sacrilege' among vintage collectors, particularly considering his own project to create three watches for his children using esteemed vintage movements like the Longines 13ZN, Omega 30T2RG, and Zenith Caliber 135. This post invites community perspectives on preserving horological heritage versus creative reinterpretation.
Not sure if anyone saw Darren’s beautiful bespoke piece he had Thomas Prescher create with a vintage Zenith movement in the AHCI section ( http://ahci.watchprosite.com/show-forumpost/fi-16/pi-5270788/ti-787468/s-0/ 
but I kinda like it and thought it’s a nice way to revive some great movements.
Or is it?
What do vintage collectors or collectors in general think of this?
I was kinda thinking of doing the same in a series of 3 for my 3 kids with what are considered (I read that is) to be 3 great vintage movements in the likes of:
Longines 13ZN
Omega 30T2RG
Zenith Cal 135
I did think of the Peseux 260 and the Valjoux (I think) VZSS movements but they seem to be really tough to find.
So is this considered a sacriledge in the vintage collecting world?
The Zenith Caliber 135 is a manually wound chronometer-grade movement produced by Zenith, notably from 1949 to 1962. It is recognized for its large balance wheel and oversized barrel, designed to optimize chronometric performance. This caliber was primarily housed in wristwatches, often achieving high distinctions in observatory trials. Its robust construction and precision engineering made it a significant movement in mid-20th century horology. The Caliber 135 is a testament to Zenith's commitment to accuracy and technical excellence during a period of intense competition in chronometer development. It remains a sought-after movement among collectors for its historical importance and mechanical integrity.
But it would be much more affordable to find these 3 Real Mac Coys, IMO. A Zenith Cal 135 can be found, as well as a 13 ZN and an Omega 30 T 2. Peseux 260 can be found in some watches such as the Be Ba, not common, but some are spotting from time to time. There are some very nice Vintage JLC movements to consider, too, as well as Longines, and not only in the Chronographs. Best, Nicolas
Personally, I wouldn't remove a movement from an existing vintage watch to do this, unless it were an unrestorable basket case. On the other hand, the price of gold means that there are lots of movements on ePrey at the moment that have been removed from cases melted down for the gold. As a case in point, there's currently a very nice ultra-thin (3mm x 39mm) Leroy pocketwatch movement that would make a good basis for such a project, and there was recently a Lemania 15TL. nick
I've found my Cal 135 and am looking for the other 2. If you have suggestions for worthy movements, pls do so.
I'm in 2 minds about getting movement only or full watch but for this project, yes, the former seems to make sense. I just thought it'd be nice to hand down the original case as well so it gives them an option to switch back... maybe I shouldn;t give them the option....
... It depends I would myself anytime prefer the original. But as mentioned, there are calibers without housing for whatever reason. Or with a completely destroyed housing. In those cases do I strongly agree on giving the caliber, the heart and brain of a watch a second chance - a new home do to say. Best Hans
I guess for me, I'm more into movements and hence the emphasis on movements. I see the work that Prescher did on Darren's piece, what Voultilainen has done with the Peseux 260 and the Longines chrnonometre movement for his Cal 27 and I'm thinking price aside, its great work. If the cost to do my series of 3 is too prohibitive (sure I want to do this project but I ain't gonna be taken for a sucker to do it) , then I am very open to keeping them as is.
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