Horological Meandering

I'm curious what watches do you think possess 'intellectual' appeal? I have my list, feel free to add on or share with us your list so we can all think about it Why am I interested about this topic? I think such watch appeal to me due to its 'intellectual... 

what you mean by "intellectual appeal? nyway, here are some watches that I have "thought about a lot". Maybe those lists will overlap. 1 - Journe Resonance. Tops the list for me 2 - Breguet La Tradition 3 - Many of the works of Oechslin: Trilogyy of time ... 

it appeals to you more on an intellectual level, less so of the visual appeal. For example, the resonance movement on the Journe Resonance, the groundbreaking movement on the Dato, the conceptualization and execution of the Simplicity, the fusee chain on ... 

more than with the OP's list. I suppose I equate "intellectual content" with advances in horological engineering. If that is the case then: - Seiko Spring Drive - JLC Master Compressor Extreme LAB I think that the OP has something else in mind...

Especially your Lange Journe Dufour Voutilainen and 5101 I have a few to add: GO Senator Chronometer De Bethune DB15 (ok I'm biased!) Laurent Ferrier Gallet Classic Haldimann H2

Very good one *CL

Not sure I understand the guideline actually as some of the watches on your list seem more like well made rather than 'intellectual'. But these appeal to me - Jean Daniel Nicholas tourbillon(seems to be very very well made, more than intellectual. Maybe y... 

quite loosely..... In this case I'm more of seeking watches that make us think, watch that create a significant value / influence in the horological world, other than another tourbillon or MR or another rare limited edition. Some very complicated watches ... 

I am going to just say one watch, something not in the stratosphere in terms of price, but not cheap either. Something that is a achievable Grail, something not purely ACHI, and not something fm the big conglomerates. Something visually arresting, and not... 

belongs to the 'intellectually appealing' category But I disagree slightly that it is not an 'into your face' piece. I personally think its styling is very much 'loud' in a very crass manner.....screaming for attention. Nevertheless, it is DEFINITELY a wa... 

The urwerks and mbfs of "modern" days. But I take your point on it being "crass"...I used to think of the Paul newsman dial YG bracelet dayton a is crass, but now, it is very very appealing to me.

now you find it appealing, then I think we are totally at the same page There's something really appealing about such 'crass' pieces, so anti everything that it becomes cool. I have a good friend who is a very famous fashion stylist. He only wears very ve... 

Increasinly it is becoming difficult to find a good balance between something horologically intelligent and stylishly fashionable. So sometimes the contra-default kicks in, like sneakers n jeans n crappy t-shirt with datograph OR smart casual Thomas Pinks... 

Seriously, regardless whether I own or not, my picks are, in addition to your list: 1. Credor GCLH999 2. Moser Mayu and Perpetual 1 3. Laurent Ferrieer 4. Patek 3939, 5078 5. AP 15300 or 15202 RO 6. GO Senator Chronometer 7. Lange 1815 MP (the original on... 

Thanks for the list, I will go study them *CL

Not a wristwatch, but what about the Atmos clock? I find it fascinating that irregular changes in pressure can be translated into the steady ticking of a clock.

.... and everything on your list EXCEPT the Dato. Sure, it's a sensational watch and a beautiful, beautiful movement but you'll have to explain what distinguishes the Dato from other well made chronos to elevate it into the ranks of the intellectually wor... 

comes into the scene, a chronograph is just another chronograph. Once DATO comes into the scene , it creates that possibility of what one can do with a chronograph. The impeccable movement that make everyone drool and that BIG DATE plus the jumping minute... 

Impeccable movement? Yes. Icon of our time? Yes. Inspirational piece? Yes. But you could perhaps say the same of a Calatrava, for example, without those indicia necessarily identifying an 'intellectual' watch. Is it pushing the envelope a bit to be saying... 

are probably the "nicest" pieces in my lineup and while I love them both dearly I find they are totally different with regard to the "intellectual" aspect as far as I get it. While the Resonance just keeps drawing me in thinking about the concept behind i... 

The Dato is a beautiful movement and fantastic pusher feel, but I'm not sure it's up there with the 13ZN, the Piguet or several Lemanias as a chronograph. On the list, my vote goes to particularly the Gyro (Reverso with the cylindrical hairspring) and the... 

Make sure you check out foversta's detailed pictorial and video post of the HW OPUS 1 to 10 in our Harry Winston forum: harrywinston.watchprosite.com -MW

Designed with total "theatricality" in mind from the get go.

Here's a couple you might consider describing as 'theatrical from the get go', Brava - First, another Lange (although this one is from 1902!) - This one ( original completed in 1827) needs no introduction - One more for good measure - Sure, they're all ol...  

I beg to differ. I think they are more along the lines of form follows function and if it looks good it is good. I doubt that theatricality was one of the fundamental design parameters when these movements were developed. I strongly suspect, but can't pro... 

The one from soldier to his misstress is No 1 Intellectual watch for me Cheers Damian

. . . Reverso tourbillon, Vyskocil and Glashütte chronometers, Patek 5105, RM002. Visceral appeal is another story . . .

..intellectual or emotional, Art? Viceral? (!) My take on the question: I don't really perceive watches on much of an intellectual level....it's completely on a financial rewards level. (joke) I'm not sure how to really respond to the OP's question. My en... 

. . . a case of instant visceral appeal. I've rationalized it since then, so at this distant stage, it's more along the lines of what I believe to be CL's intent.

Two pieces from the stable of RM. The 002 and the 009. Why these two? Well the 002 was the first watch from RM that appealed AND made me think as to how the perception of luxury as being simple watches was overturned by RM through the addition/implementat... 

I will add a RM001 instead of the RM002 RM009 YES!!! How I can forget that. It create a very strong emotional response when I first handle it. So simple and so GRAIL I can't say enough that I LOVE this watch VVVVVVMUCH *CL

Especially if one can find the original dial plate in aluminium insted of the "carbon" type. This is so because I feel that the added complication in the 002, makes the pedigree "tighter".

of the 002 over the 001. Though I like the idea of having 001 because it's their first, I must admit that it is the 002 that kinda make them known. If with my money , I will choose the 002 original version than the V2. But If I only want one RM, it will b... 

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I would add: 1. Anything by Vianney Halter 2. The MIH watch 3. G&F #1 4. Haldimann H1 and H8 5. Ochs und Junior Anno 50 6. Richard Mille RM 0012 Ah, I now recognize that I could go on and on; I need to refine my 'mental criterion.' Good post, John. Dougla... 

I would say that is an aesthetical or mechanical virtue which requires an effort to be fully appreciated. In this case, I would exclude a lot of watches in your list. A Dato is easy to appreciate: A quick look on the dial and mostly on the movement will l... 

the Patek 5196P. That itself is a redial , resize / enlarge version of something meant to be much purer. A look at the high second hand at 6 o'clock already suggests why it shouldn't be produced in the first place. It is such a beauty in term of styling b... 

thank you for reminding me *CL

Even if I totally understand your argument about the too small movement, but we can also argue that a lot of PP watches, and specially one among my favourite, have the same problem. Take, for example, the 5102, the famous Celestial... A 43 mm watch, if I'... 

because I wanted so much to love that watch It can be such a perfect piece for a modern Calatrava but Patek just fail put to an icon there. If anyone consider a simple 3 handed watch at similar pricing, RIchard Lange and Journe CS easily become a better c... 

I, too, when decieved, can be a bit harsh. But, once again, don't you think that the K.V and the Dufour are easier watches to apprehend their ineterest and beauty than the PP 5196 which will deserve more efforts? More " Visual " versus more " intellectual... 

Agree with you that Simplicity and Observatoire are easier watch to comprehend. 5196P and yes the P version , I drooooooooooooooool. So wanted it to accept it and maybe I might Thank you *CL

that most complicated watches have a special intellectual appeal, most of the time only those that are well informed in the field of watchmaking (such as ourselves) truly appreciate the high skill and craftsmanship that it takes to make one of these watch... 

It is simply because Seiko has a very low brand esteem to the buyer at this point, that spending time and observation of what goes into Grand Seiko spring drive especially, and also the manual and auto time only pieces are very important. I feel it is rel... 

For intellectual appeal, then from your list the Richard Lange PLM; Journe Resonance; Dufour Duality... In particular, Greubel Forsey and Richard Mille stand out because of their commitment to high end research that requires new thought and with that inte... 

That one definitely has intellectual appeal. RM009 and the GF 24, both are a definite in the list too. These are watches that give my heart a fuzzy nice feeling Thank you Andrew *CL

Sorry for the late reply to this thought provoking thread. Even though being late, I just feel like to add my picks. John you have a nice list, which contains quite a few of my all time favorites - you know what they are, though you won't find all of them... 

a very very same sensibility Hmmmm....Maybe I just like the watches because I know you will like . Yah...I think that's the case Cheers my friend *CL

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