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WatchProSite|Market|Digest

Blancpain

L-Evolution Dilema

 

Today I saw the new L-Evolution in person at the New York boutique.  I went in to have a screw replaced on the strap of my Leman 40mm Flyback Chrono.  First let me say that it has been my experience that the New York boutique is extremely helpful and professional.  Okay, so I went in for this minor problem, which was fixed in less than 5 minutes, but I was totally blown away by the L-Evolution.  I am currently looking for a new dress watch, and my narrowed down choices are Moser Monard, and the new VC Patrimony Traditionnelle 38mm.  I saw the Moser yesterday, and really I was not so impressed.  Also, since Moser is only sold through one AD in the US, and since the company is new, and given their supposed production problems I have now decided that I am afraid to take a chance.  I have not yet seen the VC in person, but it lacks a date, which I find to be the most useful complication that exists.  Plus, I know my wife is going to take one look at the VC and say "boring".  My wife definately does not make my watch purchase decisions; however, when she does give me advice (on any subject) she is usually correct.  My married friends surely can back me up on this.

So here is my dilema.  I really disliked the L-Evolution when I first saw the Basel press release photos.  I thought the size 43.5 is way to big for me - like 5mm to big.  I also thought the dial to "gimicky" (someone else phrase"), and it just was not what I was looking for.  With no disrespect to Zenith owners, the watch remined me of the worst Zenith designs IMHO. Well, in person my opinion has dramatically changed, and really I could see myself with the L-Evolution.  However, I am still worried about the size.  Also, I will end up paying significanlty more for a stainless steel watch then I will for a beautiful rose gold VC, albeit the Blancpain has both a date and a power reserve complication.

I am really curious to hear from people who do not like the L-Evolution.  Thanks.

PS.  Even though I rarely post I am an avid follower reader of the site. 

 

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17 Comments view entire thread 

Hello mcuono!

 
By: DRMW : July 28th, 2009-19:15
Hello and Welcome! Congrats on your first post on the forums! " Also, since Moser is only sold through one AD in the US... " Actually there are more than one AD in the US. It used to be only found in NY, but then here in Los Angeles (Glendale), and now La... 

Additional thoughts

 
By: madoco : July 28th, 2009-20:34
MW thank you for your quick response. Thanks also for your information. I was unaware that Moser had other US ADs outside of the one in New York. To be clear I do like the Moser watches, I just did not have that little feeling which says you have to own a... 

Sometimes...

 
By: DRMW : July 28th, 2009-22:52
Sometimes certain watches just speak to you and it seems the Evo might be in your near future! Did you find the large numbers to your liking? -MW

reply to Sometimes

 
By: madoco : July 29th, 2009-07:33
MW yes strangely I did find them to my liking, whereas in the pictures they distracted. What I am still grappling with is the 43.5 mm size. I know a lot of people profess to have small wrists, but trust me I do really have small wrists, and the 43.5 is tr... 

Welcome here, first!

 
By: amanico : July 28th, 2009-22:59
Well, my friend what you ask is very tough, because you're playing against the very first golden rule: " Buy what YOU love, don't listen to other's opinion, because at the end the Other won't be the one to wear YOUR watch, nor pay it. " On the L Evo, I re... 

Hey, what did I say? Strap them on and them make your judgement...

 
By: Ornatus-Mundi : July 29th, 2009-00:08
and I have to confess that I felt the same when I saw the press pics first time: What are they thinking in Paudex/Le Brassus? But having inspected them intensively in Basel, I have to admit that I changed my mind entirely. The watches are very fresh, spor... 

Reply to:

 
By: madoco : July 29th, 2009-19:56
Magnus thank you for that insight. I think the way you described this new series is perfect. You captured my feelings about the watch i.e. fresh and sporty, and perfect for my lifestyle. I also think this watch is a great piece or horology thank to the ne... 

Why....

 
By: MiniCooper : July 30th, 2009-06:59
would you say that is is superior to VC Quai de L'Ile? Cheers

Some design had to grow on you

 
By: Starman : July 29th, 2009-07:47
It is like with cars. I don't know about you people but everytime a new model car enters the market I tend to like the old model better. And then you start seeing it around more and more and from a certain moment you cannot imagine that you ever disliked ... 

Difference between "in the metal" and a photo

 
By: jkingston : July 29th, 2009-10:16
I have experienced your dilemma many times. For many years, every Lange watch I saw in a photo was "hate at first sight". I just didn't get it. I could tick down the list--the Lange 1, the 1815 Moon Phase, the Anniversary, and on and on. Then I would get ... 

Very true....

 
By: MiniCooper : July 29th, 2009-18:15
there are times where the watch looks blunt in photos and great in person/on wrist Well said Cheers

... and sometimes it works the other way round ...

 
By: small-luxury-world : July 30th, 2009-01:43
I went 600km by train to get a FPJ (40mm) and when I put it on my wrist all the "butterflies in my stomach" disappeared. Cheers Oliver

Quite right

 
By: jkingston : July 31st, 2009-09:08
There have been quite a number of watches whose photos excited me, then in the shop, holding the piece, the dream died. So I guess it boils down to one thing--what really counts is the way the watch speaks to you when you hold the actual piece in hand. Ph... 

At first....

 
By: MiniCooper : July 29th, 2009-18:12
I did not like it due to the large numbers. However I will wait to judge it when I see it in metal- one has to be fair to a great brand as Blancpain Cheers

Smaller numbers

 
By: madoco : July 29th, 2009-20:00
Just to be clear I was told by the salespeople that the production model will have slightly smaller numbers. Delivery is scheduled for November.

Thanks

 
By: madoco : July 29th, 2009-19:59
I really appreciate all the comments. I think I am going to try and swing by the shop again before I return hope to try on the watch one more time just to be sure about the feel.