Comments:
Nothing to contribute except my admiration; with Kudoke, Laine, Habring and several others there is a lot of choices in this bracket.
Words of appreciation and a question
Thanks to LankySudanese for starting this thread. All of the variants posted above show how well the watch works as a basic template. I'll be joining this company by January with the new version in rose gold with the black dial.
Now, to my question. While I enjoy looking at the fully-engraved movement, I personally prefer the original, restrained version with engraving only on the balance cock (I specifically want the German frosted finish on the plates too). The sparing use of engraving for me matches the dial, with its spartan surface accented dramatically with the day/night complication at 12. So, when folks say it is worth the extra spend to have the plates fully engraved, is this simply to enjoy opulent expression? Or are there other reasons?
Looking forward to your insights.
Here’s my reasoning for foregoing the fully-engraved plate:
I basically fully-believe in having different finishing techniques and textures in a movement. Engraved balance cock and brand/name plate. Frosted finish fo the base plays. Circular graining and solarization on the two wheels, and beveling of the edges. They are arranged in a way that shows the wonderful contrast of the different finishing techniques. Sure, a 2000 euro premium to get a fully-engraved baseplate by a master engraver is a bargain, but I just saw it as a bit extra. So as the main decision-maker within our watch group that commissioned the Red Dunes, I made the executive decision to forego the full engraving. And I’ve been happy with the results. The other kudoke 2er’s will probably make a good argument for the full engraving. You can’t go wrong either way.
That is very helpful indeed, and expands on my own line of thinking. Thank you.
If I am to add one point, it is that I prefer the frosted base plates because it reminds me of my pocket watch - an old Patek of Brazilian vintage. And as previously mentioned, the technique has a specifically German character too. That counts for something worth retaining. In general though I was thinking more about harmony between front and back, and felt that the original execution of this watch got that balance right.
Ah. Even more reasons.
Even though we have our reasons, Stefan wouldn’t have entertained all these options if he felt that any one of them interferes with the totality of the watch’s design, which got him his GPHG
Great question.
For me, the decision was made for me by the person who worked with Stefan to design the ten piece edition, so my choice was simply do I want to purchase this piece or not. Obviously my choice was yes, and I have to say a big part of that decision included the appeal of the fully engraved backside and how it completed the theme on this particular edition.
This was the Grüner Wald Edition in which the green dial was to represent of the green forests in the area surrounding Stefan’s workshop. The engraved backside continues this theme with traditional leafy engravings. As a master engraver, I also loved the idea of giving him a full canvass to express his signature craft. So to me, the piece even more fully represents the ethos of a watch produced by Stefan, and it ties the philosophical idea for this specific piece together more completely.
This was the Grüner Wald Edition in which the green dial was to represent of the green forests in the area surrounding Stefan’s workshop. The engraved backside continues this theme with traditional leafy engravings. As a master engraver, I also loved the idea of giving him a full canvass to express his signature craft. So to me, the piece even more fully represents the ethos of a watch produced by Stefan, and it ties the philosophical idea for this specific piece together more completely.
Very well put, and a coherent line of thinking too.
Needless to say you're a lucky soul to have one of that ten. It's beautiful and much coveted.