donizetti
2432
I usually want them to be matched
and the point where it becomes really unappealing to me is when the beauty of the dial is compromised because then there is really no other explanation than that the comany is cutting corners. One example is the Grand Lange 1 where the very clear and clearly articulated design principles of the dial where thrown out of the window just because a much a larger watch was built around the same movement.
Best
Andreas
Thoughts on movement size v. case size?
A couple of comments recently, both here on the forum and at a watch event I attended, as well as my own evolving opinions have me wondering about what I think is a sometimes controversial topic among us. Just how important is the ratio of the size of the...
Personally.....
I prefer movements to fit the cases.... There are a few exceptions (PP 5070 for example), but otherwise cases should evolve around the movements.... Cheers
5070....
is quite unique.... The case is bigger but it is done in such way, different levels and dial design that, in a sence, is harmonious to the movement..... Besides I am quite biased to this watch... Cheers
Must match. Period.
All else being equal, a larger movement will outperform a smaller movement. Therefore it seems quite clear to me that it behooves a watch maker to use the largest movement that will fit in the case (leaving adequate space for any waterproofing, shock resi...
I agree in the absolute, I disagree strongly in the specific, which is where
most of life is lived. Hi, MKVC, I know you, so I understand your passion, and how that passion can sometimes be translated to absolutism. But in this case, I can't walk away from some of the comments - ceteris paribus, a larger movement will outperform a...
A case: Valjoux 7750 vs Valgranges
The Valgranges is not just an enlarged Valjoux 7750. ETA made the effort of improving its technical design and of course, made it to fit bigger cases to enhance the overall look on the dial. So far, with all the different timepieces I owned (including obv...
Not sure if your post was intended as a follow up to mine, but in case it was
I just wanted to clarify that I was not "belittling" the 7750 or the Unitas. The other points stand on their own. Thanks for your comments; would love to read more details - what specifically was changed from the 7750 to the Valgranges? Cheers, TM
I never believed you did...
Not at all. I simply wanted to express a lived example of the accuracy benefit from a larger caliber. SInce you had mention 7750 in your post, it was logical for me to attach to yours. Regards, Yves
Sorry I forgot to answer...
the second portion of your post. As far as I know, in terms of parts only, it is pretty much the same except for a different base plate and rotor. Technically, it has been designed with an increased power reserve (46h vs 42h I think) thus giving you more ...
Is it absolutism, or just grumpiness?
Thanks for your thoughts, Thomas. I did take rather a hard line. When I reviewed it, I realized that it was only partially on the ground of aesthetics. On that ground I think there should be room for flexibility. Furthermore, while timekeeping performance...
The trouble is ...
All these large classic watches do not make sense. Nobody, as a layman, will ever have a clue how much a ALS 1815 costs in 36 mm size or in 40 mm size ! So, to enlarge a watch to such a size in the sake of a better recognition is completely nonsense. Anot...
I don't think that's entirely true...
I have played with some pocket watches from the 1920s, as large or larger than today's watches (40-44mm or so) that were no more than 6-7mm thick, cased. Now these made do with VERY thin cases, which would not work for a wristwatch, but the movement showe...
Finally found the pic I was thinking of
Movement Dial Sorry I don't have a pic side-on to show the size A...
Thanks for your comments on this subject
I, for one, do not think that big watches are going anywhere any time soon. I hope that we are going to continue to be blessed with a surfeit of wonderful small, medium and large watches. I guess that is one reason I am wondering about the best way or way...
it all depends
The IWC jubilee movement started life as a pocket watch movement.It has a loud ticking noise or 'mechanical music'.I used to have strong opinions that the movement size must match the case, but I have soften my stance.In general, I prefer for sports watch...
I agree...
...both with your comments on teh IWC Jubilee and with your rule: "the rule now for me is too see watch in real life and let my eye and my own sense of aesthetics determine whether it works for me or not." Excellent advice. respo
For me, the bottom line is...
consistency with one's principles and convictions. And no, I don't mean the watchmakers, but rather the consumer; enthusiast; aficionado; collector; whatever we want to call ourselves. The cal. 2326 or 3126 is too small in the beefy Offshore, but the Lema...
I will pick up the glove.....
despite the fact that Pink Panther leaves the glove behind... I tend to agree with you but there are several exceptions to the rule.... Take 5070 for example... The movement does not fit the case but PP compensates with the dial and design of the case... ...
You cite some good examples, Thomas
And I think we are all likely to make exceptions for our favorite brands even while condemning others for making the same choices. And I think you hit upon exactly the key issue here: defining what we mean by "fit." And perhaps that is what I have struggl...
Define 'fit'?
Difficult....but these ain't it: This is just cynical.... And this is a case of: Should have tried harder with the case design.... A solid caseback can conceal may sins. But as many posters have already mentioned, the dial layout cannot be disguised.......
I generally prefer a match, but ...
Hi Respo, thanks for the thought provoking question. I generally prefer a reasonable consistency of case and movement size, but it depends greatly on the aesthetics and presentation. A small display back on a large watch looks unappealing to me, but some ...
Ah, lingerie and watches...
...an interesting association, Andrew. LOL. Yes, the crowded subdials is one of the less than desirable and telltale consequences of small calibers in large cases. It is at that point at least that I find myself unhappy with the design decisions of the gi...
I usually want them to be matched
and the point where it becomes really unappealing to me is when the beauty of the dial is compromised because then there is really no other explanation than that the comany is cutting corners. One example is the Grand Lange 1 where the very clear and clea...
I did not realize this about the Grande Lange 1, Andreas
but now it makes me think why I have not ever been too affected by this Lange. respo
There's a certain association when a guy wears a big watch with a small movement...
... Other than that, I have to fully agree with Respo: no use applying logic or being systematic. Just show me the watch and I'll tell you whether it's too big or not. Speaking for myself, that is. Collecting high mech watches is an inherently illogical h...
A lot depends on the proportions of the dial
It is very difficult to re-engineer the subdials in a chronograph. But what I don't like is when a case is pumped up, the dial accordingly, leaving two or three subdials drowning somewhere in the middle of a sea of dial. This can also apply to a date wind...
Of course, you are right
Those are the telltale signs of a too small movement in the case. I agree with you 100%, I hate seeing those kinds of problems on the dial. Somehow the movement and case must work together to create a unified whole. respo
And it isn't only size...
With a few rare exceptions, JLC and Chopard coming to mind with Patek joining the club in recent years, many companies seem to only make round movements these days, leaving non-round cases only able to hold a movement that fits the smallest diameter, this...
And I agree with you there, too
I am a big fan of shaped movements that fit the shape of the case. I have steered away from rectangula and tonneau shaped watches in the past because of a small round movment inside. Good point, aaronm respo
