tahoeblue
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Observatoire for me
Over the years I have come to most appreciate a simple but artistic expression of time, and when it comes to the ultimate execution of such a watch, I have to lean toward the Observatoire or Simplicity. I have not yet been forutnate enough to spend considerable time with both of these watches, but I have to say that the Observatoire stirs more passion for me at the moment. Whether or not it is a minus that the Observatory movement was not manufactured in-house, I also love the concept of the extreme time-keeping accuracy for which this was designed. And it is breathtaking what Kari has accomplished in its decoration and finishing.
Perhaps just as important is that the Observatoire has almost perfect dimensions and fit. 38 mm wide and 10.5 mm high (if I remember correctly) is a near perfect proportion. Seems a dressy watch with a substantial presence on the wrist. One hallmark of this design is also a large dial and thin bezel that gives the watch a visual pop like nothing else I recall.
Now if asked to add a favorite from the "mainstream," I would choose 5970G (followed in second place by 5070P). Interestingly also not an in-house movement. Also interesting that from the independents I am most drawn to "simplicity," while from Patek I am most drawn to complications.
Single 'Forced Choice'.....
as suggested by MTF in 2008 I was originally suggested by me in 2007 to name 5 Independent watches and 5 Mainstream pieces and brought up by dear Rob in 2008. Let's do it again but as suggested by MTF, Single 'Forced Choice'......it works well with curren...
Here we go again...
thanks CL for reviving this thread and I certainly appreciate the point out. Unfortunately at this time, am having slight difficulty adhering to the title stated above. Some time ago, In another time, I would have easily stated Simplicity as my SFC for In...
Observatoire for me
Over the years I have come to most appreciate a simple but artistic expression of time, and when it comes to the ultimate execution of such a watch, I have to lean toward the Observatoire or Simplicity. I have not yet been forutnate enough to spend consid...
You will not be disappointed by the Observatoire....
it is a splendid piece with lots of character and elegance. It is only edged by Simplicity in my case because of the way the case is made, sits way bigger than a 38mm on my small wrist. I'm not comfortable with elegant watch being too big on me. And also,...
Another aspect of the Obsrevatoire that I find appealing
(though that some others have questioned in previous posts) is that each piece is different. Between differences in case (metal and size and lugs), dial color, dial finish, romans vs arabics (plus flipped vs non-flipped), hands, movement finish (eg rhodiu...
Mmmm - I also remember a problem with defining 'mainstream'...
for example, has Richard Mille become mainstream? Defined as ordinarily available?? Richard would probably shoot me for suggesting such a thing! Independent: GF 24 Second Incine, white gold, dark dial. Just love the speed of the escapement - mesmerizing. ...
Hi Andrew...your 2 choices
make a very wonderful weekday/weekend wear combo Excellent choice. But knowing you a bit, and how subtle you are and you being a British gentleman, I think Roger Smith Series 2 or a RS tourbillon should be your Independent watch. It will mean a lot. Loves...
My single "forced choice"
Philippe Dufour: Simplicity Lange: Anniversary Langematik But, before I receive my Simplicity, hopefully soon, among the few watches that I am fortunate to have owned, my favorites have been Vianney Halter: Goldpfeil Lange: Anniversary Langematik This is ...
knowing you...
your choice makes perfect sense too Actually, my mainstream choice may even change to Credor Eichi ;-) *CL
I'll play...
Independent: I've been attracted to independent watches since I first became aware of them in the early part of this decade. I'm certainly a fan of Dufour's Simplicity and I even took the time to visit him in 2005. But I didn't order one due to the fact t...
Dufour Simplicity and
Audemars Piguet 15002 st. I find these two watches to exemplify everything I ever dreamed about in watch collecting. The Dufour for me, embodies all things Ultimate and unsurpassable, at all levels. Since owning it, I have bought and sold many a watch, an...
I'm with you, M
Although I might choose a Voutilainen Cal. 27 over the Dufour Simplicity becasue it would give me a rectanugular shaped watch to complement the RO, and becasue I have long loved the regulator time reading. Not sure about this one, but for all of the reaso...
In your case, you should stick
with the Kari 27 It makes lots of sense to have a rec watch to go with your other one. And 27 is so damn yummy. I have a friend who has one and I wore it on my wrist during a gathering in NYC, it's difficult to return back to him...sigh. *CL
Agree with you regarding Simplicity.....
but it is a watch that requires you to try many others and then come back to the realization that 'THIS' is it Just like life , need no complication ....... simple and focus. It's difficult but one can dream. *CL
Hi Bill.....
I think your Duo choice is a very excellent one. One is extremely rare and super well respected and the other one is just so versatile and interesting. A very good mix and I really forward to the day you receive the JDN Tourbillion. It is a very super mac...
I'll look forward to your photographing the JDN....
which will be so much better than what I can do! Bill
I will be very happy to do that for you :-)......
But note that I will emphasize the emotional appeal and not the technical part of the watch I think the beauty of such watch is the emotional appeal it brings to the audience. I hope I can photograph your watch and make others 'feel' it too Lovesss*CL
Bill, you clearly have exceedingly good taste in watches.
The JDN watch is a "sleeper" which in future will be recognised as one of the ultimate independently-made watches. It's made by a bona fide grandmaster, in exceedingly low quantities, and to an excruciatingly high standard. The watch itself is simply exqu...
Thank you for the kind words Tony....
Daniel is getting very close to the assembly/testing stage and I should have the watch by the end of the year. I will be excited to share photos and stories when that day arrives. As for the price, it is more than fair, considering that the movement is Da...
Wot no Journe?
Nice Topic CL, I have to say that it does not surprise me that the Simplicity comes up time and again. It is (from pictures) a stunning watch. I have never seen one, but it feels so soft and full of life and passion. You can never disagree with someone ch...
Congratulations!!...
Another lovely piece joins the fold. As for the quiz: the hands . This dial/numeral combination usually features the 'standard' white/blue hour, minute and second hands: yours are all white (and look great!). All WG? Cheers, pplater.
I think you are lucky
that Journe is considered 'mainstream' Congratulation on your Observatoire...what a great choice of dial color. It is partly because Kari observatoire is a 'mix' of modern and vintage that it 'fails' to make it to my only 'forced' independent choice. Simp...
Very nice!
Is that case WG? And now how about a picture of the movement........... Congratulations!
Case is Hardened Steel
My reasoning for choosing that case was above. In summary, I love that white metal case for the Observatoire, since I almost see it as his trademark. I thought the grey dial was a fanastic combination and i didnt have a grey dial watch. Now, since I felt ...
This is one of the ...
most beautiful Observatoire I have seen so far. May I ask you three questiones? Do you have a matt finish on the side of the case? How does it feel (in steel) on your wrist? A picture of your movement Thanks Oliver
Very interesting comments and I can find nothing to add that
you didn't already write perfectly! That said, my own "choices" ...
Hi Thomas....you are extremely well respected
and probably have reached the 'Nirvana' stage for watch collecting. Curious to know what's your 'own choices'......care to be more specific? Will be very inspiring for many *CL
You are much too kind, CL...
but I do take my "responsibility" very seriously, which preclude me from a simple "listing" of my "one and only." Simplicity? KV? Haldimann? AP? Lange? LUC? Other? Not so easy, and if I consider how I myself might evolve and change, even if I don't learn ...
ps: John...
I am far from Nirvana, for Nirvana requires a certain nonchalant aloofness from petty human frailties. I am still too bothered by executives who are two faced hypocritical liars, watchmakers who are inspired more by money and fame than by horological exce...
LOL....as usual, always inspiring to hear your thoughts :-)
I look forward to meeting you one day *CL This message has been edited by CL on 2009-10-29 15:02:00
What a concise viewpoint, that I have to concur with on all points...
And as such, saddens me in many ways. The human condition being what it is, I am hopeful it will get better and change. That I'm maybe being naive, doesn't stop me wanting for a better field of endeavor/enjoyment. Ah well, a man can dream... Cheers, Tim
Taste changes I agree.....
hence it's interesting to look at this topic once a year to see what changes took place. Watch appreciation is far from Zen, that I agree too but knowing deeply in our heart or making ourselves to think harder and choose ONLY one watch to accompany our li...
CL, the chance to meet in person would be my honor...
I've heard about, and seen, some of your photographic work. Damn, man, what an eye! and the technique to pull it off... I can only dream of learning something from you... Whom we choose to accompany us through life is a very important decision; strangely,...
What a Treat :-)....thank you
for writing what you feel..... it's great read and keep me thinking You are a very inspiring person. *CL
PS : H1 Tourbillon.....
I have tried it once and find it hard to erase it from my head. To me , though this watch is a tourbillion.........it appears as ONE SIMPLE watch and it sounds really really amazing. I love it dearly. *CL
A single Single 'Forced Choice'
Dufour: Duality (today, a different day it might be something else) I won't pick a "mainstream" watch because I'm clearly biased.
a choice by you mean alot alot :-)
Now you are making me itching to have one...hahhahaa *CL
Greubel & Forsey/Journe
G&F: Tourbillon 24 second incline--the closest I've ever seen to a mechanical pas a deux I've ever seen. Journe: Either of the tourbillons or Resonance (I had making a forced, single choice) because both extend into the present the respect and love of hor...
I must say the Journe Tourbillon looks so lovely on your wrist :-)
Then again, I have yet seen a watch on your wrist that doesn't look elegant. Maybe it has nothing to do with the watches but the owner *CL
I feel inadequate in entering my choice.........
When surrounded by such great knowledge. My choice for an independant, would be for the beautiful Dufour Simplicity. I would sell (not that I have many,LOL) my entire collection to have the opportunity to own and wear one of these most stunning pieces. A ...
Hi Topcat... I agree with your Independent choice :-)
As for the main stream, I have this strange feeling that those watches you mentioned are better meant to 'lust'. Once you get your hand on them, it may not be as magical as you would think. Just my strange point of view. With the money, I would prefer to ...
CL, you are probably correct...................
However, as I am unlikely to have the pleasure of any of my choices (where's the violin,LOL) I shall continue to lust. LOL