patrick_y
[PuristSPro Moderator]
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Extravagant tombs that are never to be seen...
Honestly, we all know the boxes are useless. They're stored in a closet, away from sight, never to be seen or used again. And this is coming from a person who pays great emphasis on packaging and presentation. In many ways, minimalism is probably better for everyone, but then it gets boring and in the world of one-up-manship, every firm wants to have a decent box.
I think honestly, that the boxes watches are presented in today are superfluous and unnecessary. In fact, I think that the emphasis on the box is really just a "box war" between brands since no brand wants to have a box that is severely lacking compared to another brand.
From an appreciation perspective, I personally appreciate woodwork, and I especially like lacquered wood boxes, humidors, etc. The wood box used by Patek Philippe is considered to be high quality upon a superficial glance. But upon closer inspection, the woodwork is not particularly fanciful, there is no use of veneers of especially fine wood, and the boxes are mass-produced in Thailand, not artisanal pieces. Then there are boxes from Audemars Piguet, Blancpain, and Breguet where the boxes truly are magnificent and traditionally made. And then there are watch boxes such as those for the Montblanc Villeret that is of (presumably) rosewood in a unique oval design.
Haven't really seen a watch box that I really loved for a long time. The last time I saw a box that I really loved was a pen box that came with a Montblanc Skeletonized pen made by Kurt Schaffo in 1999. To date, that is the most elaborate Montblanc pen box I've ever seen.
A journey into Vintage boxes and a Headscratcher...
We are always complaining about modern boxes, which take too much place in regard of our small environment. In a certain way, we are right. Except in some very few cases, when boxes are really magnificient, and are worth invading our house, there is a bet...
Such boxes.. Really mark entrances to joys.. Marvellous ! :))
Well - Nicolas: The first of the selected May - menu items - What a nice Hors d'oevre !! That was a very nice, no in fact - a pleasant post - looking back in so much style into a time, where the proper "wrapping", the noble containment was matching, even ...
Don't get me wrong, hs, there are some moderrn boxes which are truly ...
Superb. The box of the Reverso platinum Nr 1, 2 and the Septantieme, for example, are awesome, as well as those which housed the LE RG Reversos from the 90ies. Superb, but they take some place... Simpler, smaller and less luxurious, the box of the TT Pola...
Etuis have my preference !
To answer your question, I much more prefer the rather simple 'etuis' compared to huge and overly luxurious looking (though frequently china made) precious wood box sets that we see too often these days, and that are not practicle. I am in a rush, but jus...
Interesting picture, Clavi, as it helps us to have an idea of the size of the box.
As big as a 13 " computer? Very nice one, by the way. Can't waot to see your other pictures and documention about it. Agreed with you that most of the modern boxes, even when they want to be luxurious, are not that appealing and absolutely not practical. ...
I love the etui concept
Nicolas, The " 1/ If you want to travel with a watch box on you, so the etui is THE solution for you .", is the solution. I'm a little tired of the modern "big is better" boxes concept. Cheers
Well, Nilo, it all depends on several factors...
If you're a " one watch guy ", then why not a big, luxurious, extremely well finished, and flattering box? If you're a collector, things are morte complicated: Where to store all these big boxes? Therefore, I wouldn't say that they are ugly, but I find th...
A real headscratcher this topic…
Nicolas, you have a wonderful collection of vintage boxes! Thank you for posting this thread – this topic has puzzled me for a long time. I have a million questions but very few answers… I will have to gather my reflections and come back to this post - so...
Here is an attempt to gather what I think I know so far...
OK, Nicolas – here is an attempt to gather what I think I know so far… If we just talk about the regular boxes and not the special once for a while. In my thinking boxes pre-1983 can be divided into three colours: Green, Blue, Brown. To cover all the LeCo...
The chronology seems correct, to me.
Basically: Green, Blue, then Brown, with, as you said, at the end of the 60ies, circa1968, should I say, a 1 or 2 year period where you saw both blue and brown boxes. Things are not easy with Burgundy boxes, and specially the box of the DSA US ( Who knows...
Burgundy boxes…
I have seen a few different. Most LeCoultre late 50ties early 60ies. But some Jaeger LeCoultre as well! The European DSA? That is a good question! Same as the US? Didn’t the Polaris have the same box for both US and European version? Here are some burgund...
The JLC Polaris doesn't have the same box than its Lecoultre sister.
Go to the 10th pic from the top of my original post... The " golden " box is the correct one for the JLC Polaris, while the green one is for the Lecoultre Polaris. Definitely, the box for the European DSA is different, it cannot be a Lecoultre. But which ...
Here are a few more shots…
Leather outer, wood frame. No print on the outside. Inside print: Jaeger Le-Coultre , Geophysic Chronometer. With a extra room for the buckle Any theory? For the De Luxe model? Never seen anymore like it. Best, my friend Blomman...
Never seen it, either.
But it is true that I've never seen the box of the Geophysic De Luxe... So it may be the good answer. Let's see what the others say or think... Best, Nicolas.
Very nice Tour d'hôrizon .. And pleasant time-travel .. Thank you ! :)
Well, that was really instructive, nice extension further to Nico's stimulating post ! - The more, I look and listen to you both, the more I get allured to the Etui- concept, IMO for most of the watches, - maybe except the real 'grails' - but then, also t...
Well HS, I for one would…
I for one would love to see the rectangular flat box again! I do like the etui a lot, but they are not stackable… The blue and brown rectangular are..! But, like Nicolas suggested – with wooden frame and leather outer. With high quality crafma...
Bravo to the Chef!
what a way to start the month of May! Very interesting and this is an auspicous start to the other items on the menu! I found the Jubile case very interesting, its too bad its no longer made for the modern pieces. This way, the boxes can be placed on a sh...
Rolex, Panerai, AP ...
I find the Rolex box has the right size. I would prefer something less cheap, though, but it is ok. Panerai??? The Pre Vendome boxes were perfect, correcttyl sized, not too high, all the contrary of the modern Panerai boxes... I had up to 30 Pannies, my f...
Thank you for this great post
I have both the "etui" box and the Memovox box. They are totally different but have each there charm. My pleasure is to store my watches for long period (2 or 3 week) in there boxes and when the desire is too great, I choose one and during the opening, it...
You stock your watches in their boxes???
I hear you, my friend, and I totally understand the pleasure you can feel while doing so, but believe me, a " nice " burglary will make you change your mind very quickly. The Etui and the traditional box, yes, both are very cool! Hope that JLC wil release...
a chrono in the etui; if you please nicolas........
It is so elegant that it hurts not to have it!! J.
Yummy starters ...
When I try out a new restaurant Usually the main course is good when the starters are good. What an interesting post. I just love the array of boxes in your collection. I'm a sucker for all things vintage, I would not be appealed, even if these modern box...
What a great roundup
finding the box is sometimes as much a thrill as finding the watch.
Don't tell me, JUST don't tell me ...
That you found THE Superocean Time Only??? Please.... Best, Nicolas.
I was on to " fall in the apples ", like we say in French. :)
To collapse, as you say in GB. I'm runnign after the time only version for some 8 years, now... Best Nicolas.
Impressive collection!
Always interesting to see these vintage boxes as they are rather rare - more so than their original content, no? In reply to one of your question in the post: I would never be influenced by the box in evaluating whether to get a watch or not. Only exeptio...
In some case, yes, we could say that the box is rarer than the watch.
It is the case for the Geophysic, for example. Not for the Memovox E 855, as you can, with a bit of patience, find a correct box, with out too many efforts. Yes, the volume of the papers increased a lot, now that you have them in all the possible language...
Full consent!
Thanks Nico and blomman for showing us your various vintage JLC boxes resp. etuis! The smaller etuis are much more elegant and sophisticated than the huge boxes which accompany many of the contemporary timepieces (Grand Seiko is one exception, I think). D...
I subscribe to your words, anaesdoc. Nicely put. [nt]
No message body This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-05-04 23:46:46
Nico, your post makes this May so much fun ahead...
... i have read few times on your post before penning down my response here. i would say you are not only a lawyer by training, but you are also fantastic writer that can make such so-called simple watch boxes in a fun and enjoyable post. i think it is be...
I am convinced that the size of the bow has nothing to see with the size of the watch.
I rather think it is part of a marketting decision. I mean, the Manufactures thought at a certain moment that luxury items had to be packaged in big boxes, to enhance the ( right or wrong, by the way ... ) feeling of Luxury, to " look " serious. Sometimes...
Very interesting, and you know how much I love packaging...
I am a big fan of packaging, particularly the method of how watches are packaged and presented. I especially like boxes, cigar humidors, and things of the like. Thank for sharing this post and explaining to us how Jaeger-LeCoultre timepieces were packaged...
Extravagant tombs that are never to be seen...
Honestly, we all know the boxes are useless. They're stored in a closet, away from sight, never to be seen or used again. And this is coming from a person who pays great emphasis on packaging and presentation. In many ways, minimalism is probably better f...
Agreed on PP, AP and Blancpain boxes, Patrick.
I think that the most beautiful box I've ever seen was for my Blancpain PC Chrono in white gold, and the one of my Septantieme. Better than the PP boxes I had the opportunity to have. Most of the time useless, though, except if they are small enough to be...
Nice question about boxes...
Maybe the size of the box depends on the image of the brand or of a particular line of pieces from that brand. I might expect a big box from Panerai, Hublot or AP. I'd love a small, functional understated but well-made leather case for JLC like the etui(?...
Superbly put, Echi. Love your idea, and to say all...
Yes, I think that the packaging should also reflect the image we have of the brand. Can't agree more with your words, and I do hope that the brands will read you. Best, Nicolas.
this has to be one of the very best collection of vintage boxes I have seen in a while
Outstanding condition almost like new.. Those boxes are just superb. Thanks for sharing.
I’m sure most of you are aware of…
...the tremendous amount of work that goes into the design, shape and type of printing used for consumer packaging. My younger sister has been in graphic design for over twenty years and her stories of the demands of clients never cease to amaze me. Her c...
These are very interesting comments, Neil.
I feel functionality and pleasure are the two most important factors, here. At least to me. Best. Nicolas.
Watch Boxes
Watch boxes are something I am very interested in. I have around 250 vintage boxes of various brands. I am convinced that like bracelets there was 1,2 or very few companies making these accessories for all the major swiss watch manufacturers. The vintage ...
Don't know who manufactured the boxes for the Manufactures, oinkitt.
But for sure, it would be interesting to know! 250 Vintage boxes??? Care to share some of the most significant with us? Best, Nicolas.
My late opinion..
I think big luscious boxes are great,they are part of the charm and magic of an important timepiece,part of the experience. There is nothing more magic than opening that box for the first time in the comfort of your living room...just sublime.... I unders...
I love the Crocodile Etui...
Excellent idea from De Bethune, indeed. And the box shaped as a book looks also very familiar to me. I do get your point about big boxes for fine watches, as long as they are well made and finished. But believe me, stocking let's say ... 15 or 20 of these...
An entire room..
dedicated to watch boxes and wardrobe?...The ultimate luxury indeed....One couldn t be happier I suppose... I hope 2011 will bring us a few more boxes Nico... Mo
Appropriate and elegant double.. Great set ! :)
In this case, really - the watch and the boxes appear not only matching but enhancing each other - and thus, the piece is .. well, elegantly presented ! Both , the main box, and the croc travel-etui are really nice, indeed. I can relate to the feeling you...
The perfect box
You probably can't get smaller than that. Still, that is perfect for the purpose: They had it right from the beginning (JLC and others as well), so why did they have to engage in this race for the biggest / most ostensible box ? I hope that your call for ...
This is exactly the box I had in mind, Clavi.
Do we need bigger than that? Will send the link to JLC, by the way. Best, Nicolas.
A tribute to the reverso box
It could have been good to have the new reverso tribute to 1931 released with a 'tribute' box as well. I think it is probably too 'extreme' in terms of marketing to sell a luxury watch today in such a small box (despite the 'tribute' concept). However, it...
They thought about this for the TT Polaris.
Even if bigger and larger than the original, it was a nice " gesture ". I was wondering and hoping they would do it for the Reverso TT, alas it is not the case. Let's see what they will reserve for the TT DSA packaging. But yes, I totally concur with your...
Yes, please ! .. Never too late .. Third attempt @ DSA ! ..
I have to say, I am increasingly intrigued by the concept and examples of the 'add'l box' principle, for travelling or such. And that one done nicely.. Less is more .. Suchba goodie would also be a nice extra to be looking forward, But in any case, please...
Great finds!
Great thread with interesting finds. I have discovered very rare boxes, rare fonts. Thank you Nicolas and folks!
It is a captivating journey, as well as the documents, Marv...
As for the documents, I still have to do this journey... About the boxes, well, I'm always on the hunt. But in both cases, they are a good witness of a certain era. Best, Nicolas.