Independents

...or, more specifically, from his brother, Michael Vyskocil. Over the past year or so, I have been corresponding with Michael approximately once each two months to check in, provide encouragement, and see what progress has been made. The last couple of u...  

First of all, I do hope that everything is ok for Volker. About the dials, I have to confess that I much prefer the original one. But if it was too complicated to produce and if these last ones allow to release the watch more easily... Thanks a lot Gary f... 

In the ideal world (especially for me with the YG case) I'd end up with something close to the original dial design -- flat background, ivory color. But, at the end of the day it has to be possible to produce the watch! All the best, as always, Gary

Nice to read the update and nice to hear that they are progressing. I think the darker dial looks very nice but with RG I think I go with you on the lighter version. The blue hands are also nice looking too on this dial. Hang in there... Cheers Andrew

On the dials, the report from Michael is that the current design is "replicable" by Volker (which I take to mean that he can produce a significant number with quality that meets his standards). We'll see when my piece arrives, but I am definitely still lo... 

Let's hope the watch materialises soon for you Gary. Regards, Richard.

Well, Larry Seiden always says that the greatest watch in the world is the one that is incoming, which must make this watch truly spectacular by now! I have not lost hope -- and it is good to see that things appear to be coming together. Best, Gary

Can it really be THAT hard? Maybe so. Cheers, pplater.

Which is "how hard can it be?" Applies to all sorts of things, from delivering a complete room service order, to illuminating one's turn signals before turning, to being thorough in documenting work. I do suspect that making a watch from scratch is consid... 

..and the 'beta product' has a certain charm of its own, does it not? Better a watch on the wrist that is 99% there than a 100% watch never delivered. This sentence struck a chord - " when I send my Observatoire in for servicing there are a few minor cosm... 

As has been amply documented by you, peanut shells can have only a beneficial polishing effect on a watch case -- minor scratches on mine notwithstanding :-) I am actually referring to a few nits (state of polish on the tips of the hands, a couple of scre... 

. . . and please, keep us in the loop. Art

I was thinking of you as I put together this quick report -- looking forward to sharing the VA upon its arrival... Best, Gary

quixotic journey. I was on the waitlist some 4 or so years ago (which I believe was over 3 years into the trek), but have now dropped off. I'm not sure we'll ever see the likes of a project like this again anytime soon. Can't wait to see scans of the time... 

I am still drawn in by the romance of the quest! Best, Gary G

e

Looked as if he had made strong progress on the movement as of four months ago -- I agree that it would be more buoying to see photos/video of a fully finished and regulated movement than of dials... Best, Gary

what is the hurdle(s) to progress to the finishing of the movement? I would ask what progressed in this four months if it not bother you. Thank you very much for your report.

...what the remaining hurdles are to finishing the movement. The last photos I received of a movement looked remarkably complete and well-finished, with only a few items (the cover plate to the fine adjustment mechanism was one of them) seeming to be miss... 

Well, I think, and I hope Volker is a perfectionist. Sometimes too much, though. I imagine (this is only I can do) that developing totally new movement might be tremendously tough for one person...... As long as I know, even JLC, of course, one of the mos... 

Hey Gary, It is good to see more progress coming from the "phantom" watchmaker who never seems to get things done! Well, i am not even on the list so lucky you! Do share with us this precious when it finally, if ever, comes! Tschuss Stephen

Gary - The pieces are beautiful. Love the detail on the dial. Also love the blue'd hands and matching blue'd numbers. How big is the watch? Will it be available in different metals? Just curious. Volker's on the right track for sure! - Scott

The watches could be ordered in any of the usual metals, including YG, rose, red, and white gold, and PT. Two sizes -- 38mm and 40mm. From the start, the idea was to offer hands in both the case color and blue. Dial designs have come and gone, but the swo... 

...to track the latest and minute updates from the Volker camp :)- jokes aside, signs are encouraging...thanks for the update best, Horo

A compliment in my book. best regrads Z'

thought what i would've desired more to see deep update on the movement that would help better to reflect some comfort on buyers end, so it all started as a concept watch with a concept movement which took TOO LONG behind the scene to come out not ready b... 

...on movement progress and hope to be able to post soon -- I am hopeful of hearing from him sometime this coming week. Best, Gary