Independents

asg
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HI John -

Let me start off be stating that I'm not looking to start a fight or argument with you. I do consider us friends – and I know you do too  I will email you privately to ask for clarification to some things you posted -

Anyway - I do believe that your initial question was valid and not a "sensitive" one at all. I also believe that your initial question has a lot or merit. But your follow-up posts, may have swayed a bit – I’ll chalk it up to “lost in internet forum translation” 

Some things which concerned me in your post which I responded to....

You made these statements –
“it's kind of weird to own a watch with a name Observatoire and yet doesn't function as one” and

“I'm not convinced with this Observatoire concept IF it is not acting like one.” and

“I was sold to the idea of absolute good timing.”

I think you and I both addressed this in our posts – and maybe your (and others) expectations (while valid) may have been misdirected and/or misinformed and were set too high for this watch when the promise for such exact timing was never made. So, since its all cleared up – no harm no foul. The tone of your post took me off guard, and yes, I became a bit defensive – but I think for good reason as you are looked as in the WIS community as an astute, knowledgeable collector – I know I view you this way – and I saw incorrect information being disseminated and wanted to address it. If I upset you or offended you in my post, I am sorry. It was not intentional at all.

I was disappointed to read that you did not test your Observatorie since you have interest with its accuracy. I believe it came equipped with a Guillame balance – I wonder if the different balance wheels – different balance cocks etc make a difference?

This brings me to some other comparisons you made in your follow-up posts – You state “It's kinda like when Journe release the watch Resonance and Centigraphe , won't you want to know how it actually works ?”

I think the difference in this comparison is that Journe made a claim that the Resonance actually achieves Resonance – it’s a new complication. The Centigraph – same – he made a claim and it’s a new chronograph complication if you will.

My understanding of an observatorie movement is that its just a “normal” watch movement with maybe a larger balance, or non-metallic balance, a special hairspring etc – maybe some different parts, but there is nothing complicated or spectacular about an observatory grade movement which would differ from a typical watch movement. The function is the same. The layout is the same. Asking about timing accuracy is not the same as asking about function. Maybe the appropriate question should be – what in fact differs about the Observatorie movement when compared to a Patek, Lange, Journe time only movement? Or – How does the design of the P260 make it an abservatory grade movement when compared to others.

In any case – I thank you for your candid replys – and you know I’ll buy dinner anytime.

Last point – I stole these pictures below from your post back in June/July 09 – For what its worth, I don’t think the watch it too big for your wrist at all. I think its in the money!

Always fun, John! And again, written in the spirit of friendship, good debate and respect my friend.