Gary G
3734
Next installment from the Karifest
Some individual wrist shots:
My Observatoire on a friend's wrist:
Gorgeous RG with anthracite face and RG Romans. Note the absence of guilloche on the outer ring of the dial and the use of soleil guilloche on both of the inner circles (rather than barleycorn on the background of the seconds hand
Cal. 27. This one looks as if it's worn quite regularly! Several members of the group commented on how comfortable this watch felt on the wrist.
Finally, a couple of shots of the amazing decimal repeater, Masterpiece #8. This watch provided many of the design cues that shaped the Observatoire -- so in addition to its significance as a decimal repeater it has a central place in the KV history. First, on the wrist of a friend:
Then (joy!) on my wrist! Sent chills up my spine -- many thanks to the generous owner for letting all of us try on this magnificent watch.
Bedtime again (geez, working for a living is really cutting into my Photoshop and posting time...). More over the weekend!
Best,
Gary G
Next installment from the Karifest
Some individual wrist shots: My Observatoire on a friend's wrist: Gorgeous RG with anthracite face and RG Romans. Note the absence of guilloche on the outer ring of the dial and the use of soleil guilloche on both of the inner circles (rather than barleyc...
I was lucky enough to try the KV 27,
And was mesmerized by its dangerous Beauty. But a round wite metal one would make my day..;Maybe one day! Cab't wait to see your other pics! Best, Nicolas
The Decimal Repeater is Simply Amazing!
Anyway to get one of these pieces other than emailing the master himself? Thanks a lot!
Best to contact Kari directly
I think you'll find him very responsive and engaging! Best, Gary G
Details on individual pieces
Here are some detail shots that may be of interest. Apologies in advance that the lighting (and my lack of skill) resulted in many of these shots being less than ideal, but in each case I wanted to point out some unique design features. No two of these wa...
Gary, wonderful post
You have provided a comparison of Observatoire variations better than any other post I have seen. Of the approximately 40 watches in this series, I think it is likely that no two are exactly the same. And amazing to have 8 Observaotires together for the i...
Good eye!
Given the lighting it was very hard to pick out (in photographs) that Masterpiece 8 does indeed have the VIII in a different color than the other numerals. Excellent catch -- and thanks for the kind remarks! I felt privileged to be able to attend the GTG,...
One more movement variation
present at the GTG was in an Observatoire (probably unique in the series?) with "wolf's-teeth" winding gears. This also results in a distinctly pleasurable winding feel. I wonder if you have a pic of that one to add to your comparison shots. This message ...
Maybe...
Tough to see, but this may (or may not) be the set of "wolf's tooth" winding gears: In reviewing the photos, I also saw that on the two fast-beat movements, one has perlage on the visible portions of the lower plate while the other one is fully frosted......
Is there anymore doubt...
on Kari being THE consumate Independent? Differences in each of these watches show the expanse of his internal sense of style that ONLY a few select and very fortunate collectors are able to be a part of. Doing something in routine is MUCH easier as one's...
I do agree.
I think Kari is unmatched in his combination of design, finish, customization, range of offerings, exclusivity, and brand-building. Only problem this creates is that it may be even harder in the future to get on the list for his watches.......
Agree unfortunately...
on your spot on assessment that it is making the chase to get his masterpieces even harder. Oh well.... Good thing this site shows us enthusiasts the different pieces currently out in the wilds. Vicarious living then. Have a good one tahoeblue.
yes and
Yes, and the wolf's teeth watch also has a balance spring holder next to the tourbillon style balance cock. Fantastic report Gary. Very good photos too! Michael
And one more difference...
On the two standard beat movements with tourbillon balance cocks, one balance cock is polished and the other has Geneva stripes... Thanks for the kind words, Michael! Best, Gary
Hey Allen, any chance that you could...
...tell a little more about the story of the balance spring holder we see to the right of the "tourbillon" balance on this watch, and the black balance spring? Thanks! Gary
All that I know
about the balance spring holder or "stud holder" is that it's a one off design and it's free standing, adjustable and not fixed to the balance wheel bridge. I'll have to check with Kari about the background of the design next time. Regarding the different...
Great info Allen
Thanks for sharing this great pic of the wolfs teeth movement, and the info regarding the springs. These details make the Observatoire all the more interesting.
Incredible!!!!
The individuality of each piece is extraordinary! The Masterpiece 8 is a work of art. I would trade a limb for that watch! Craig
I'm with you
The Masterpiece 8 is really special -- right now I'm considering exactly which limb it would be for me... Best, Gary G
Thanks for the great report
Good to see some familiar faces in the gathering, despite the Kari masks. - SJX
Other Independent Watches at the Fest
We're in the home stretch: some images of many of the other watches present at the GTG on Thursday night. Highest representation (other than KV watches) went to PSM. We had one Piccadilly, two Shimodas, two of the "1 in 20" series (a white dial and cream ...
Great pics and report, one small correction...
The Speake-Marin Piccadilly w/RG case & Kees Englebarts stunning single dragon dial piece is technically called "Captive in Time", it together with "Fighting Time" are two of Peter's art pieces that resonate most with me. "Fighting Time" is and I think al...
Oops, my mistake!
Thanks for the correction, Tim -- I went to Peter's website to check the name on the Phoenix, but thought that I had the Captive correct -- oops! As you know, Fighting Time has a lot of meaning for me based on earlier experiences in my life (specifically ...
More more more!
Karifest is about to become a permanent holiday in my calendar! Beautiful watches from a great workshop! Thanks for sharing!
A special evening
All that I can say is that it was an honor to be there in the presence of the 5 distinguished collectors in the group, and a pleasure to form closer bonds of friendship with them. We all have occasions in our lives (personal, work, relationship) that some...
Thanks, Patrick!
The evening was a treat for me -- I'm very pleased to be able to share a bit of it. Best, Gary G
Thanks Gary for the two wonderful posts!
Very impressive. What a great treat! Also how nice to see Dufour, Journe, VH, PSM in the collection -- they are my favorite independents as well!
I was amazed and impressed
...to see the similarity in tastes and depth of quality in the collections of this small group of enthusiasts. Thanks for the note -- I'll hope to see you soon! Best, Gary
A big, big thank you, Gary, for your wonderful report
I am more than ever dreaming of a book on the Observatoire series... One watch, yet so many expressions of Kari's mastery. Here just one more to prove the point....
Nice watch!
Do tell us more about that one (and include some more pics). Is that WG with black dial? And, yes, a book on the Observaotire series would indeed be special. Really a special series, with enough pieces to be widely recognizable, but not too many such that...
Thank you tahoeblue and Gary for the compliment
Herewith, just one more picture for I do not want to divert attention from Gary's brillant post. I could always post more another time. As rightly guessed, the hands and indexes are rhodiated WG just as the case is. The dial is galvanised blue. Ztirual...
Thanks, and wonderful watch!
Looks like rhodiated WG or steel hands -- perhaps even one of the steel cases, or is it WG? I do see that you chose the brushed caseband -- looks really good to me in the white metal. I considered brushing for my RG piece, but in the end was seduced by th...
