Independents

During the latest Salon Belles Montres in Paris, I took some fresh pics of the Chronometer by Jean-Baptiste Viot I already presented here two years ago. But this time, the watch had its final YG case!

Two years later, I still love this watch. Of course, it is a very special one. It is not original because it embodies a true passion for the traditional watchmaking. But it is different.

The absence of dial (and I would almost add of a mainplate) allowed to Jean-Baptiste to create a movement which has the same care of detail, the same intriguing beauty on both sides. There is no dial side and bridges side. Both sides have bridges.

The concept behind the watch is to make it very easy to be fixed, serviced, adjusted even in 25 years. It is the reason why the movement is simple and at the same time full of horological tricks.

Like any real chronometer,  the key part of the watch is its regulating organ. And it is beautiful. First of all, you will notice that the balance wheel is visible front side. Secondly, you will see the very original adjusting system on the back side.

Case has a 38mm diameter which is perfect in this context. Movement has a 32mm diameter so it really fills the case!

The watch is very difficult to shoot due to the glass shape:

I love this large balance wheel:

This watch uses incablocs  which was not the case of the prototype. Of course, the client can make the choice to have them or not.

A true French watch? No! A true Parisian one!

Thanks to Jean-Baptiste for his warm welcome during the Salon Belles Montres.

Fx

This message has been edited by foversta on 2011-12-12 13:12:22

In a small café, near a court of Justice, just before pleading a case... I saw someone with a strange watch on the wrist.

He noticed I was intrigued, and we started to speak.

He showed me the watch, a proto.

A few weeks ago, we chatted on the phone, and he told me his name was JB Viot.

I'm under the charm of this watch, but it seems that I recently developped a strong love for the Peseux 260.

The dial is cool, too.

I have to see it again,, in the flesh. Which seeems to be possible.

To be followed?

Best,

Nicolas.

The pictured watch was about to be delivered to his happy owner.

That's the trouble with independant watchmakers. I remember the similar story with Dufour. They can only show customers' watches... because they don't have their own. Hopefully, JB has his prototype.

Fx

But couldn't take pics, as it was too crowdy.

Each year I wonder why I'm here, by the way.

Best,

Nicolas.

I would love to find out more about it and the maker. Does he take orders? What else is there to know?

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I did a little poking around and found earlier information on the maker and watch--it's a terrific project and exactly the kind of work that I like best. Unfortunately, as with most of these things, it appears that the cost of such a watch will be well beyond my price range for such things. I'm used to it, I guess, but it's still disappointing to discover, particularly for a time-only watch made from a sourced movement.

from the first time it got posted in here till the moment im writing this down i got my attention caught by this beauty...i would love to see it in metal one day ... though its 38 it wears a bit smaller if im not mistaken ...from what you are saying the client can ask for modification means that the case can be ordered in different metal color?

For example, one ordered a PT with YG lugs. Or something like this.



Fx

Who have it ordered in Platinum.

Very nice piece and glad to see it materialising!

Thanks

Stephen

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It has so much charm, and I love the blued elements in the movement.  I think this piece and the Roger Smith Series 2 Open Dial would make a fun "set" of sorts.

I would love to see this watch in the flesh.

Cheers,
Daos

And you are right!

There is a similar spirit in both watches.

But one is very french... and the other one very english!



Fx

Charm and if im to put three watches together i would say Tuscar, RS and JBV watches are an absolute naked beauty .

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I am seriously thinking of ordering one, and thanks for your advice earlier.

if the JBV can have the RW Smith"s chapter ring....that might be it for me!!

best,

Horo

I would like to have this one, a One Hertz, a Habring² foudroyante, a McGonigle tourbillon, the new MB&F (Cannot wait to handle this one in person!)...what am I missing? 

Daos

Lots of blue, and some mates here know that I like it.

 

Gorgeous movement, love it.

 

 

Thanks.

 

 

Vte

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