Comments:
Incredible stuff, for watch lovers and math / geometry / watchmaker geeks too (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)
Video: Stephen McDonnell, Watchmaker and Designer
The Trials And Tribulations Of Watch Innovation With Stephen McDonnell
Incredible stuff, for watch lovers and math / geometry / watchmaker geeks too (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)
This session provided me a perspective that was sadly missing.
In addition to the technical aspects of watchmaking, the inherent passion and connection a watchmaker can have with their creation really came through.
Agreed Skyeriding and ArmisT, his seminar was VERY passionate. This is something that seems to have been lacking during the recent bubble.
Due to free currency for all, this recent bubble did help the overall industry, yet also had undesirable 'side effects'. Let's hope those who are truly passionate continue their journey with us 
BTW: In many ways see parts of myself in Stephen. Especially the underlying geometry (mathematics) and seeking beauty for the desire of art and style.
I particularly respected his appreciation for mathematics, which for me is one way to articulate the beauty of things.
Honestly, I was surprised when Dufour was telling his early history and how he didn’t like/wasn’t good at maths. I had assumed a deep appreciation of maths (and to an extent physics) and skill was a common feature of watchmakers. But that’s probably a biased/elitist, academic perspective on things, since just because he didn’t do well in classroom tests does not mean he lacks an inherent/natural understanding and facility with maths that is reflected in his complex and precise creations…which is really impressive to think about.
Great post, and if I many humbly say....
...imho those of us deeply passionate about horology all seem to be far more alike in appreciating both the high-level technical and the art / craft... to a degree that borders on (or is) obsessive. Funny thing is, we're not sailing in wooden ships to discover new land or needing to know the seasons thanks to only the position of planets. Yet still....