Comments:
Roger Smith vs Rexhepi
Fellow collectors
I have an option to confirm an order for a RWS or wait for the next RR CC due 2021.
Thoughts and feedback please:
- finish
- construction
- value preservation
Thanks in advance
I have an option to confirm an order for a RWS or wait for the next RR CC due 2021.
Thoughts and feedback please:
- finish
- construction
- value preservation
Thanks in advance
Huge congratulations, either way you've doing well imho !
both are different schools...interms of finishing, construction et al, the only common point is both believe in traditional hand-made watchmaking.
value retention - i think both will retain value as they're quite limited in number but both have different price point too - having said that personally i'll put emotional value more than market value to it !
both make great watches, so go for what you like to wear, enjoy.
Best,
mahesh.,
What a lovely dilemma to have!
Roger's watches are 13.5mm thick. Some may not be ok with that especially on a dress watch.
Both are made and finished very well - but they are finished differently. Rexhep naturally adopts the Swiss style which we are more accustomed to with the Geneva stripes whereas Roger adopts the traditional English style which involves a lot of hand frosting on the movement. I like both personally, perhaps I am slightly partial to the frosting which for me is more understated.
Resale value is where Roger excels in due to his smaller production and longer waiting time. Then again, either of these watches should be keepers so the resale value should be less relevant. I think with Roger it is 3 to 4 years whereas with Rexhep, it is likely to be less than 12 months approximately.
I think it is also important to note that Roger's watches will probably be easier to service compared to Rexhep due to the movevemnt architecture.
Good luck in your decision making! It is a win win situation! 
My biggest beef with Smith is the thickness...
...otherwise I love the look, especially the early models that I saw (and couldn't afford at the time)...very rustic. I passed on a Rexhep only because he would not accommodate a simple custom request. Sometimes I feel bad about passing, but I'm not at the financial level of many on this forum, and I have only one shot (for now) at a single 'great' watch, so it had better be a 'no regrets' purchase : )
Another nit-pick: RWS doesn't use a Breguet overcoil for the hairspring,
Concern for thickness clearly isn't the reason he's not using it. Seems an odd omission on a chronometre unless someone can think of a reason?
Otherwise, an incredible watch!
Otherwise, an incredible watch!
I saw an early version of the rectangular one shown below...
...that I believe belonged to a Purist many years ago. To this day I don't know that any watch, other than a Simplicity, has moved me more...
Timezone
This one, rarely seen, I would do very bad things to own : )
Timezone
This one, rarely seen, I would do very bad things to own : )
For some reason I am under the impression...
...that the rectangular watch (especially the first one) seems much thinner than his round versions. If I had Smith money I would commission a rectangular version : )
Unfortunately, even with Smith money
Roger is less flexible with his customisations and prefers to stick to his Series 1 to 5 round cases. Yes, the rectangular case does look thinner.
When one buys a Smith, Rexhep or Kari
in my opinion, there must be no compromises. The alternatives to these watches are some very nice cars or yachts!
We think alike! :-)
I too have to discriminate when it comes to choosing one holy grail due to financial restrictions. I have a Smith on order but the thickness may force me to let it go. So I think a Kari will probably end up as my holy grail since he can make a bespoke watch in size dial and case material.
Just to speak a bit in favor of the Smith...
At that level of watch, wearability would be less of a factor for me. I think watches like the Series 2, Simplicity, Vingt-28, etc. are safe-queen material, and best enjoyed with a loupe, other watch collectors, and maybe occasionally on the wrist for special events. There are far less precious watches that can look even more attractive on the wrist at a fraction of the cost, these ones are all about the movements which no one is going to see when you're wearing them. But at the same time, I agree that watch like this needs to be a "no regrets" purchase. I'd be sad to hear you backing out on the Smith, but the Vingt-8 wouldn't be a bad alternative, even if the Smith is a little more special
After spending so much on a watch
I have to justify the purchase by actually wearing it! For this reason, the thickness of the Series 2 may become a concern. The 28E below however is more than 2mm thinner and Kari has agreed to make one in 37mm instead of the usual 39mm. The fact that a Kari and a Rexhep equals the price of a Roger makes the first two relative bargains. Don't get me wring - I love Roger's philosophy but I love Kari's no less and Rexhep, as we all know, is a phenomenon.
Yes, a Smith will never be a daily wearer but even on those special occasions, I would like to enjoy the occasion and not worry about a dink being inflicted on my prized possession!
Agree...
...it's like having a super-hot wife and never...well, you know what I mean : )
Yes it would be!
I could choose a dark green or blue dial but Kari suggest the black.
Hey my friend, isn’t the one we saw when you were in Paris long ago?
I must look in my hard disk I hope I can find the pics... or maybe same place but at another occasion with Ekaterina...
I don't think so Mike
because Kari only introduced the 28E last year with a titanium case. It was definitely another watch - the 2 Eight introduced in 2012 in 37mm with a mother of pearl dial and no seconds dial.
chateau d'yquem or mouton Rothschild
Different but both amazing can't go wrong
I am going to say Smith as I am waiting for a CC from rexhep so it is a selfish decision
Honestly both are excellent
Throw a Dufour in there for utter confusion
Regards
Julian
What a great predicament and dilemma to have
Both are top notch watch makers and as everyone stated different schools or approaches but do share optimum craftsmanship and attention to details
I’m partialled to RR but that’s just me
I’m partialled to RR but that’s just me
Thats a nice problem to have .
Both excellent watches from amazing watchmakers . Also both stunning in there own way so it will be a tough choice .
I think it also depends on your patience, RWS will have a waiting time of 3 till 4 years if i am correct and when Akrivia will launch there CC2 next year it also depends where you are on there waitlist . I guess from now on it will also be a 1,5 till 3 year wait . Also the RWS will be dubbel the price i think .
Wish you best of luck choosing between these two masterpieces.
My CC says hi
I think it also depends on your patience, RWS will have a waiting time of 3 till 4 years if i am correct and when Akrivia will launch there CC2 next year it also depends where you are on there waitlist . I guess from now on it will also be a 1,5 till 3 year wait . Also the RWS will be dubbel the price i think .
Wish you best of luck choosing between these two masterpieces.
My CC says hi