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Independents

End of the Roman Numeral V

 

Hi takashi -- thanks for looking so carefully!  At first I thought it was a flaw myself -- but then it became clear that it is the tip of the serif on the Roman numeral V.  It's actually one of the things I like about the watch -- for cosmetic purposes they could have omitted the printing of the very tip of the numeral given that the rest of it is cut off by the seconds sub-dial, but as purists they chose to leave it in.  Had they omitted it, few if any would have noticed, I would guess!

Thanks again for your note.

Best,

Gary G      

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Simplicity wearing impressions (with new photos)

 
By: Gary G : April 10th, 2012-22:59
Greetings to all! It has been over three weeks now of wearing the Simplicity, so it's probably time to offer a few initial impressions of the experience. As always, all opinions are mine alone, and are presented in my usual love/not sure/don't love format...  

Well done Gary!

 
By: nwk00 : April 10th, 2012-23:22
This is the most original and refreshing post I have seen of the Simplicity I have seen. I have one myself and you actually pointed out many things I didn't notice. Truly an entertaining read. Weekeat

Thanks, Weekeat!

 
By: Gary G : April 11th, 2012-00:28
Particularly as you are a Simplicity owner I appreciate your kind words. It is a lot of fun for me to really look closely at a watch over a period of days or weeks and catalogue some of the small things that aren't too noticeable at first viewing -- I'm g... 

Gary, my favorite summary I have read of the Simplicity

 
By: tahoeblue : April 10th, 2012-23:43
You have done a job here befitting this legendary piece. And those are iPhone ofrP&S photos? Holy cow! How do you do that? Those are nicer than I could take with any camera. Talk about a "glow" from a movement. I can't add anything that you have not alrea... 

Very pleased you enjoyed it!

 
By: Gary G : April 11th, 2012-00:27
Apologies for mis-quoting you on the winding feel -- I was going to put in a "please correct me if I'm wrong" line there, but got lazy at the end of editing the post. Of course -- the PLM! That is a great feeling winder, for sure. Agree with you on the wi... 

An entertaining read Gary!

 
By: sidneyc : April 11th, 2012-00:05
I'm reading (and replying) on a bumpy bus ride and on the tiny iphone screen. Obviously not a comfortable thing to be doing but I look forward to reading about your first impressions of the Simplicity so much it's actually enjoyable haha! Great article as... 

Don't strain your eyes too much!

 
By: Gary G : April 11th, 2012-00:31
My vision is a blur at the moment from hours of photo editing and posting (it's election day here in Korea and our client's offices are closed so I thought I'd get on with it). Yes, I'm still devoted to the Observatoire! Need to do something about that na... 

All worth it Gary all worth it!

 
By: sidneyc : April 12th, 2012-05:01
I enjoyed every bit of the read! As I was heading to pick up my car from service, and I must finish it while I was still on the bus! I wouldn't want to be having this urge to finish off the read while behind the steering wheel Also you have an amazingly "... 

Lucky wrist

 
By: Gary G : April 12th, 2012-05:33
Thanks again, Sidney. I do seem to have a wrist shape that lends itself well to a variety of watches -- which is both a blessing and a curse, I suppose . The wide angle lens on my P&S camera also plays a role, I think! It visually foreshortens things,... 

What a fantastic post Gary!

 
By: fernando : April 11th, 2012-04:26
Enjoyed every bit of it. I honestly could not find a single fault with this 'to die for PD' with what IMO is the most desirable dial/hands combo - a real classic! Thanks for sharing it with us in such thoughtful detail, together with incredible pics. Chee... 

Thanks very much, Fernando

 
By: Gary G : April 11th, 2012-04:48
I am so pleased you enjoyed it! I agree with you that is hard to find flaws with this watch -- the attention to detail is so great that even at intense magnification, things appear perfect. And, from a design perspective I think that everything is so well... 

you own a pieceof watchmaking history. Thanks for the open view with not only likes

 
By: alex : April 11th, 2012-05:29
but dislikes! Enjoy your Simplicity and hope to see you with it straped (with a longer strap ) on your wrist soon

When the perfect watch is made

 
By: Gary G : April 12th, 2012-03:02
...you will probably own it! Just goes to show you that even with something as seemingly straightforward as a watch, there are so many variables that not everything will be to one's personal taste. I look forward to seeing you soon as well, strap or no st... 

Wow, I really enjoyed that review, Gary!

 
By: respo : April 11th, 2012-06:28
I love the concept of coherence. I agree that it is very important to how one feels about a watch, and you make the case convincingly for the Simplicity's coherence. What amazes me is how simple and restrained the movement looks form a distance, belying t... 

It surprised me as well

 
By: Gary G : April 12th, 2012-03:04
that there was so much complexity "hidden in plain sight" within something that is simple by name and design. Great fun to inspect these things carefully to see what one finds! Thanks very much for your thoughtful comments. Best, Gary

a really, really great review!

 
By: amerix : April 11th, 2012-07:36
Your writing is fantastic - down to every point. and detail of the watch as a whole. The photos are exceptionally well-chosen to illustrate the text - or even stand on their own right. I am only wondering if they were not over-enchanced by some photo-proc... 

Thank you so much for this splendid reply (photo examples included)

 
By: Gary G : April 12th, 2012-06:02
I really appreciate your thoughtful comments. As a fellow DS owner, I know where you are coming from! The only thing about the DS for me is that the winding is almost too smooth -- the Dato, for instance, gives a bit more of a click-click-click, which is ...  

Cotes de Geneve

 
By: Ancienne Le Brassus : April 12th, 2012-12:58
THanks for this wonderful discussion and for the great pictures. If I remember correctly, the 'difficulty' you talk about in shooting DF's Cotes de Geneve, is that he, unlike other finishers out there today, does not cut into the movement plate to create ... 

Thanks for the additional comments

 
By: Gary G : April 12th, 2012-21:56
Mr. Dufour did a Cotes de Geneve demonstration for us when we visited him, and if I recall properly he used a spinning ebony wheel that was actually in the shape of a dome -- so the only the sharp edge of the spinning "dome" touched the metal as he moved ... 

fantastic post

 
By: ei8htohms : April 11th, 2012-14:21
I imagine it gives Mr. Dufour great joy to see his work so thoughtfully considered. Thanks for sharing with us! _John

Means a lot to me coming from you, John

 
By: Gary G : April 12th, 2012-03:08
I know that you have considered this same question about the Simplicity (it's a Dufour, but is it a great watch?) from a much more educated perspective than mine. As a collector I've come to my own conclusions, which I've tried to put forward in a balance... 

It's an interesting question, Ronald

 
By: Gary G : April 12th, 2012-03:13
As I mentioned in my original post, for me it's more a matter of admiration than adoration -- at least so far. I have friends who own Simplicities but don't wear them much -- which regardless of reason tells me that they aren't overcome by the urge to str... 

Where do you get the time to do these reports?

 
By: Mostel : April 11th, 2012-16:03
Speechless. Thank you so much. really fun and very personal, informative report, with overflowing passion, and how could it be otherwise?

Extensive business travel away from home helps, I suppose!

 
By: Gary G : April 12th, 2012-03:15
I spend several weekend days (away from home in Korea) doing the photography and post-processing and taking notes, and then spent most of the day Wednesday (a national holiday here) putting the post together. If I were at home, I wouldn't have the time! I... 

Tremendous and thoroughly well written post Gary, thanks for taking the time!

 
By: Tim Jackson : April 11th, 2012-17:04
You are the type of person who should be doing what you do with your watch appreciation and collecting. Sharing your experiences allows others not so fortunate as you to live vicariously through you with your pictures and words, that are so well done. Che... 

As you have said yourself, Tim...

 
By: Gary G : April 12th, 2012-03:21
...I am quite "particular" about my watches! Perhaps this gives me a good outlet for my intense scrutiny of various pieces. I am truly pleased to be able to share the great experience of handling (for the watches I don't own) and wearing (for those that I... 

Fantastic writing, Gary!

 
By: KIH : April 11th, 2012-18:48
I feel the love and details of a true watch connoisseur. Nice job and again, congrats! Ken

As always, Ken, you are very kind

 
By: Gary G : April 12th, 2012-03:26
We need to get you to California for a visit! Thanks for your post. Best, Gary

I really enjoy reading your reviews...

 
By: David Elliott : April 11th, 2012-19:07
This was no exception! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts of the watch. It is a beautiful piece. Dave

My pleasure, Dave

 
By: Gary G : April 12th, 2012-03:27
It's fun for me to take the time to consider each piece in detail -- and I'm really pleased that you enjoy it as well. All the best, Gary

Very very nice Gary!

 
By: ArthurSG : April 11th, 2012-19:29
This is my favorite of all the simplicity dials. Congrats!

Thanks, Arthur!

 
By: Gary G : April 12th, 2012-03:28
I am hoping to meet you in SIN in early June -- would be great to connect! Best, Gary

Definitely Gary!

 
By: ArthurSG : April 12th, 2012-09:03
I'm sure Horo will arrange something. Dare I ask what you are here to pick up?

Sensing true love with this post...

 
By: Echi : April 11th, 2012-20:18
It is a very, shall i say, "intimate" watch post. Thanks for going all out with your coverage on this piece. Very well done. I read every word

Great to hear from you, Echi

 
By: Gary G : April 12th, 2012-03:30
And I admire your perseverance in reading all the way through! Any thoughts on any of the images (be kind, please ) Best, Gary

Hahaha!

 
By: Echi : April 13th, 2012-01:18
Your photographs worked well with the text. Besides, no photograph will ever really do justice to a piece like the Simplicity. The finishing has to be seen in person as it is one of the distinguishing characteristics of a Dufour. Wish I can view one somed... 

My pleasure, 'bear

 
By: Gary G : April 12th, 2012-05:35
We aim to please! This is supposed to be a fun hobby -- if all that we can do is speak in hushed tones about "iconic excellence," we're probably missing something, in my humble opinion Best, Gary

What mor to add?

 
By: justindependent : April 12th, 2012-08:58
An exceptional post not just of the simplicity but of any review out there. Honest and frank even if I may respectfully disagree on some things! Love the watch! Happy watching Justindependent

Would love to hear your points of disagreement!

 
By: Gary G : April 12th, 2012-18:17
To state the obvious, I am sure that I don't have any monopoly on opinions on this piece, and I would be really interested in your views and respectful disagreements. Fire away! Best, Gary G

Spec of dust or dot?

 
By: takashi78 : April 12th, 2012-19:01
From your pics of the dial. Outside the 17sec marker there seems to be a black "dot". Seems to show up on a few pics of yours. Whats that?

End of the Roman Numeral V

 
By: Gary G : April 12th, 2012-19:27
Hi takashi -- thanks for looking so carefully! At first I thought it was a flaw myself -- but then it became clear that it is the tip of the serif on the Roman numeral V. It's actually one of the things I like about the watch -- for cosmetic purposes they... 

Thanks, Ling

 
By: Gary G : April 14th, 2012-16:46
I may or may not know my stuff, but I certainly enjoy learning more stuff! Thanks for your note. Best, Gary

I don't like it

 
By: hewitgar : April 13th, 2012-06:28
when it is so long til we will meet again, so I can admire your Simplicity! Great review, of a wonderfully simple and elegant watch. I have definitely scratched my itch for complicated watches, as these time only watches are all I seem to desire now. Also... 

I don't like it either,Gary!

 
By: Gary G : April 14th, 2012-16:48
Great to hear from you -- and I'll hope to see you sometime soon to catch up and share our respective pieces. Interesting to hear that you are moving toward 3-hand pieces -- I seem to be going bi-modal, combining simple pieces with chronographs as the two... 

You are doing a Britney Spear..."ops I did it again" plus becoming a "judge" !! :)-

 
By: Hororgasm : April 13th, 2012-16:12
Great report...I had to read it twice and scroll up and down on my iPad to fully comprehend what you mean. Huge congrats....hopefully I will get to own one someday. Best, Horo

Hope you get one!

 
By: Gary G : April 14th, 2012-16:49
In the meantime, happy to share mine -- anytime. Best, Gary

I need one of these too lol

 
By: Oztimelord : April 13th, 2012-22:39
Gary, Not sure if I liked this review haha as it has increased my urgency to acquire one of these marvels. In the meantime I'm enjoying my Observatoire honeymoon (what a watch!). Regards Rene

Enjoy your Observatoire for now!

 
By: Gary G : April 14th, 2012-16:51
I am back home now and took my Observatoire out of the box earlier today -- it is a splendid piece! I am sure you must be delighted with yours. There will be 200 Simplicities out there by the time the series is complete, so with appropriate diligence you ... 

Thanks, SJX!

 
By: Gary G : April 14th, 2012-16:52
It was a treat sharing the experience with you, and I am looking forward to seeing you again soon. All the best, Gary

One additional photo

 
By: Gary G : April 14th, 2012-16:45
Thanks again to everyone for all of the kind comments included in this thread. I've been reflecting on my tendency to select high-contrast photos of watches to post, and went back through my recent shoots with the Simplicity to find a photo that represent...  

that

 
By: Tobi : April 16th, 2012-01:10
is a beautiful watch and very similar to my grail, the Patek 5078 in its design

5078

 
By: Gary G : April 16th, 2012-17:10
It is interesting to me how much the two pieces resemble each other. One is a little louder, though Thanks for your note! Best, Gary G

You are obviously in love with this my friend!

 
By: BluNotte : April 16th, 2012-18:01
Hi Gary! First of all a HUGE congratulations for acquiring this marvelous piece once again! I am very happy to read your in depth review, just as i would have wanted to do it too but i am afraid i wont be nearly half as eloquent as you are! The Simplicity...  

Attention to detail!

 
By: Gary G : April 16th, 2012-19:30
Hi Stephen! I was laughing as I read your post because I _absolutely_ know what you mean about being unable to sleep at night because the crown of my PT watch is WG! For me, as for you, deciding on watches is as much about attention to detail as it is abo... 

Gary, thank you for such a marvellous read.......

 
By: Topcat30093 : April 17th, 2012-08:27
Your photos are outstanding..............I can't believe that it was taken using an iPhone!! Your personal opinions both for and against was a pleasure to read. I hope that say in 6 months time, you could provide us with an update on how you are feeling a... 

Glad you enjoyed it, Tony

 
By: Gary G : April 21st, 2012-10:00
To be clear, while some of those were iPhone shots many were taken with my Leica point-and-shoot. Still, no DSLR photos in the bunch, so I'm quite pleased with how they turned out. I will certainly consider another post in 6 months if I have anything to s... 

Stephen, you hijacked the thread! Kidding...

 
By: Mostel : April 17th, 2012-11:24
I find some of the statements in your post, Stephen... kind of unfortunate. Not your opinions, of course. That's what we're here for. But would you--would anyone--really toss and turn over a wg crown or this apex issue, if you can even call it an issue...... 

Actually rants like yours shows how pitiful i am

 
By: BluNotte : April 17th, 2012-17:36
And for a perfectionist like me, I LIKE it! Because it just goes to show indeed how imperfect we really are, for me as a christian all the more so. Absolute perfection is this degree which can never ever be reached. That i know fully well, but the goal of... 

(sigh)

 
By: ThomasM : April 20th, 2012-04:35
hi, mostel, I agree with your specific feelings, for the most part. I was tempted to bring out some of the ego-centrism (not an accusation or insult, just an adjective) in your points of views, which, again, I share in many of (including about that "famil... 

An interesting dialogue

 
By: Gary G : April 21st, 2012-10:21
Too bad it is buried so deep in this thread! I won't go on at length here, but I'm reading about at least a few issues here: 1. Whether it is OK to believe "it is always possible to do better" and to hold makers (especially those who attempt to differenti... 

keep'm coming!

 
By: Ancienne Le Brassus : April 23rd, 2012-01:20
Thomas, As a long time lurker, and reader of many of your old posts in the previous incarnation of this site, I wold say that opinions from people who have been interested in watches for as long as you have ARE EXTREMELY valuable! This is, after all, a co... 

Dear S...

 
By: ThomasM : April 23rd, 2012-09:51
thank you very much for your kind words. Actually, really warms my heart... Not many people remember those old posts (or even the old site...sigh) - it's rare to find someone today who might recognize the watches in my avatar photo... ;-) But affirmations... 

non-watch related observation......

 
By: the_real_muttley : April 23rd, 2012-01:17
Hi Stephen On a non-watch related note, now I know who's the guy who ate that big cut of meat at Porterhouse Steaks! Cheers

Sorry for being this late

 
By: BluNotte : May 8th, 2012-18:02
Hi Real Muttley, Emm i dont think that was me cause i have never been there before! But i have to say thank you as now you have introduced me to another steakhouse in Singapore! Time for me to go over there and see how's their meat! Btw the closest locati... 

Thanks for weighing in, Thomas!

 
By: Gary G : April 21st, 2012-10:01
Hope you are doing well -- and I appreciate the kind words. All the best, Gary

Great post...

 
By: hans_jorgen_1968 : May 10th, 2012-13:23
... And some superb pictures. I understand your feelings on the dial, that you eventually fell in love with A simple but in the details superb companion Best Hans

Thank you, Hans

 
By: Gary G : May 10th, 2012-14:51
I am pleased that you found this post, and even more pleased that you took the time to add your comments. I find myself pulling this watch out of the box more frequently than I would have expected -- far from being dull, the clean appearance of the dial i... 

Thanks to all ...

 
By: wso : June 5th, 2012-12:21
Gary, I have been reading your posts and i enjoyed every one of them even though I do not respond much. This post is exceptional All, instead of responding to each of you, I have foud it extremely enlightening just by read your comments. I learnt a lot ju... 

Thanks for checking in!

 
By: Gary G : June 6th, 2012-00:20
I am very pleased (and flattered) that you found this post interesting -- I agree with you that the PuristS are thoughtful and passionate folks! I hope that you will continue to make your views known by posting more... All the best, Gary G

Well, Gary, your post has just placed the Simplicity...

 
By: Emil Wojcik : June 8th, 2012-15:29
...on the very top of my "must have" list. So now I have a new grail...and before reading your summery, I hadn't even considered it. Emil

Go for it!

 
By: Gary G : June 9th, 2012-07:47
I'm very pleased that reading this post increased your excitement about this watch! The more I study it, the more I am impressed. Good luck in your search -- I was fortunate to find one after some trying, and wish you good fortune! Best, Gary