Independents
Gary G's 2012 post offers a rare dual wrist shot featuring two titans of independent watchmaking: a Kari Voutilainen Observatoire and a Philippe Dufour Simplicity. This article not only showcases these exceptional timepieces but also initiates a compelling discussion on their comparative merits and the nuances of high-horology finishing.
What to say about these two and their relative merits? To quote pplater's classic 1000th post comparo of the Simplicity against the Observatoire:
"...KV would be to PD what Picasso is to Rembrandt; what Usain Bolt is to Jesse Owens; what Koeniggggssssseeegggggg is to Ferrari; what Stag's Leap is to Ch. Latour; what Gehry is to Lloyd Wright."
Well put! At a more prosaic level we have the eternal dilemmas such as Coke vs. Pepsi (of course we all know the answer to this one: Pepsi is for losers and always will be 
), fries vs. onion rings, and so on.
Tough to decide! Unless, of course, in keeping with the "Mad Friday" theme of this week's Wrist Scan (but one day late), you look down at your wrist and see that you have avoided the choice:
This photo also shows that it is possible to violate the old rule that he who owns two watches is never sure exactly what time it is. A happy coincidence in this instance -- when things are going well, I guess it's best just to go with it.
Life could be worse!
Best,
Gary G
You're a lucky man! If only you would pull that shirt sleeve up a little more and fit the Antiqua into the shot! I'm actually very interested to know from an owner's point of view, and not many have the priviledge to answer this, if you have the choice of one and only one of these, which will it be? (Probably one of the most commonly asked questions in general here). And I know it's a difficult question! Again congrats on the dynamic duo (or trio including the VH). Just these 3 are already a dre
...about which of these is at the top of my list! I'll probably post some wearing impressions on the Simplicity in a week or so, and when the time is right I'll make a bit of a comparo. I agree with you that the Antiqua is right up there with these two, although as a QP it occupies a bit of a different position in the watchmaking realm. Just sitting here thinking about it, I'd have to say that those three watches along with the Lange Mighty Double Split are my "top 4" -- but I'm not sure what to
it is time Gary to tell us your thoughts about the finishing .Remember Kari had to deal with pure brass much harder to work and finish than the german silver regards poseidon
...here are a few immediate impressions: 1. The PD is finished in a classical style (wide, shallow striping, for instance) vs. the KV which seems to me to have a much more modern style (pronounced striping, double swirl on the barrel, etc.). 2. The KV has some (small) visual flaws under very high magnification, whereas every bit ot the PD finishing appears to be just about perfect 3. Kari was dealing not only with the difference in materials but also with the fact that his starting ebauche was a
That pair is what I want! You too are in the Bay Area?
I'm just a lucky guy who has gotten some good guidance on watches from friends here and elsewhere over the years -- I can be your idol when I pull a litter of kittens out of a flaming building or something That said, it has taken time and hard work to get to this point! I am indeed in the SFO area -- there are pretty regular WIS get-togethers in this area, so please be on the lookout. Best, Gary
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