PeterCDE
10167
Sounds like a plan...
Hi Ray,
i think there is an almost endless number of considerations when choosing a watch and there are many aspects one may or may not find important. That makes it so difficult and in the end, quite a bit of fun 
I?d guess one part of this is competition; to me, there?s no really comparable watch to GP?s 90210.
Sure there are genuine in-house rattrapante movements, but these may set you back 10 times the price of a Foudroyante. This would be the PP 5959, which i regard to be the most attractive and most elaborate split-second chronograph in existance (maybe most expensive either). A runner up might be the Lange Double Split, which still is roughly 3 times the Foudroyante. Patek?s 5004 is a Lemania base and so is a couple of others; you see, uniqueness in this field does have very limited space.
Every other watch, particularly those in a somewhat comparable price region, makes use of a rattrapante cadrature or movement construction that is outsourced (be it the Valjoux 7750, the Lemania CH23 manual wind or the Frederic Piguet 1186).
Of course GP could do a Foudroyante with a manufacture made base movement; but like with anything done at GP, r&d work and subsequent small scale production is expensive (probably not less than PP).
In addition, "in-house" does not necessarily say it?s higher quality or inherent values. You will see 2006 may become the "year of the manufacture"; currently a variety of brands are introducing "manufacture made" movements, even if there?s not more done than final assembly of outsourced development and parts production. Creating movements, particularly complicated ones, is an expensive thing to do and making the necessary parts in small quantities either.
Apart from that, there are exceptionally few Foudroyante watches around; these days it?s GP, Graham and EWC. Zenith recently patented a different solution, but knowing their recent introductions make me believe this might be a different price region either.
So in the grand view of what?s around, i think there are not that many really comparable pieces and the GP is a very special watch, be it the Vx construction or not (and it?s not a stock movement or even stock parts, but it needs to start with a completely different main plate).
In a perfectly purists instance, there would be a re-edition of GP?s Foudroyante of the 1880?s for the wrist and with a few modifications in terms of functionality (such as adding the rattrapante as the current 90210 does have). But knowing this is a real world, i?m sure it would be more expensive than the current models and thus within limited reach for most.
As for the 90210, if the basic construction really bothers you then i?d suggest to look for alternatives. You will see there are not that many and for each one may ask if it?s worth the different price. Both the Lange Doublesplit and the PP 5959 are very exclusive watches and very elaborate, but completely different in terms of the appearance, functionality and design either.
If you?re not focussed on the Foudroyante function but smitten by the casework and unique look, i?d suggest to consider the 90270 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, which comes with a GP base movement and the XXL size case:
The 90270 is about 1 mm thinner than the 90210, a large watch either and thus may wear comparably. And for the sapphire back, i?m sure GP will entertain customers orders.
The other chrono in the XXL case is the 25840:
picture by GP
The 25840 sports a GP manufacture base, basically the same movement as the Richeville Chronograph and the (discontinued) Sports200 ref. 46560. It measures 12.90mm in height, which is a bit thinner than the Foudroyante but still a large and massive watch either.
If asked for a candid comment, personally i find the Foudroyante to be very special even if comparing it to the other XXL models above. To me the bonus of exclusivity by the manufacture movement inside the 90270 and the 25840 is equalled by the unique function and look of the Foudroyante, particularly after having seen how much work is involved in doing them.
So i do agree it?s about pros and cons. But one may add it?s about alternatives either and in this instance, i don?t believe there?s a real alternative around (besides chances being likewise low to bump into a Foudroyante in the wild).
But then, my 2 cents only
Cheers,
Peter