SteveG
1529
Some of my favorite watches/movements are not in-house:
It is hard to miss the recurring comments about the relative desirability and value of watches with in-house versus
purchased movements, there are so many aspects regarding exclusivity, prestige, beauty and "fitness", as well as
the public relations/advertising side, stock, modified, decorated, renamed, unacknowledged...
As others have mentioned, the whole subject is largely a recent concern, apparently the result of the rise of
mechanical watches as almost exclusively luxury items, prominent display backs and high pricing. I love a watch with
a great in-house movement as much as the next fellow, but I must admit that there are times that a manufacturer
can justify in very certain terms that they have simply purchased the best available ebauche for the job, and
finished in their own unique and outstanding fashion.
A few examples:
Blancpain chronometer Cal. 64-1. Uses one of the most common simple handwound movements ever, the Peseux
(Now ETA) 7001, but it doesn't Look any other examples!
1960s Vacheron & Constantin Chronometre Royal Cal. P1008/BS. Built from a JLC 12.5 ligne ebauche, still one of
the most spectacularly-finished simple movements I have had the pleasure of examining!
Roger Dubuis Condottieri Cal. RD27. Rebridged and refinished Cyma/Tavannes 15 ligne pocketwatch movement
circa 1940s, a fabulous effort!
Audemars Piguet Cal. VZSS, circa 1948. Started life as an example of one of the most popular movements of the
era, Valjoux 13 ligne, used prominently as the base for chronographs and complicated calendars, AP has
presented a breathtaking, simple version:
Some of my favorite watches/movements are not in-house:
Other examples...
Beautiful pics, as always, and I agree 100%,
Excellent examples, Steve...
