Comments:
stealth timepiece....which one is your favourite ?!
i've been always intrigued by the notion that 'only' the wearer knows what it is and for the rest it is a normal timepiece !
1) 5101P is a killer...though it gives a way a few hints on the dial + salmon dial is a cherry on the cake - the tourbillon is well known only to connoisseur's eyes !
2) how stealth can a watch be ?! a very serious face (some may even say boring)...Langematik Pour le Merite hides a monumental movement with 636 link fuse & chain mechanism, arguably one of the best Lange's if i may say so !
in that sense i think there are few which are quite good stealth timepieces in my view...
2) how stealth can a watch be ?! a very serious face (some may even say boring)...Langematik Pour le Merite hides a monumental movement with 636 link fuse & chain mechanism, arguably one of the best Lange's if i may say so !
3) While the regular 1941 Gronefeld is a bit flamboyant to show it all on the dial...IMHO the Hodinkee edition is a very well thought out configuration...with simple dial but the gorgeous steel movement on with remontoire!
it is very hard to choose a personal favorite but as an engineer...Lange PLM appeals to me a lot - even on the movement side i think it is STEALTHY due to the typical glashutte three quarter plate design !
what do you consider as 'STEALTH' timepiece and which one is your favourite ?
share your thoughts....
Best,
mahesh.,
Patek all the way! Oh, my… What a watch!
Admittedly, the other two have simpler faces, and may more obviously fit the "stealth" theme you suggest. (And, of course, as you allude to, the print on the Patek's dial rather gives away what is going on.) But still… (I'm turning this into a which watch would you choose contest, I'm afraid) Who could resist the 5101P??? It's such an "everyday" look—and yet… 
Best to you! Stay safe! FH
Best to you! Stay safe! FH
in deed 5101P is a stellar timepiece !
not far I would say the Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic Tourbillon is a stealth too, very elegant & classic dial but doesn't give up more than that !!
Hidden beauty
I remember first being introduced to the idea of a stealthy timepiece as preferable to a 'showy' complication on this very site!
I feel Patek embodies the idea of a timepiece being understated to all but the wearer. My favourite contemporary piece which executes the notion well is the Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar. This exceptionally well designed and built watch hides its secrets effectively aside from a few hints on the dial. It wouldn't be noticeable to much of the populace, however packs one heck of a horological punch. This reference might appeal to the engineering part of your brain as well with its instant-change perpetual calendar functionality!
Best,
Colton
in deed Colton...that Lange is seriously stealthier !
it packs every thing including perpetual calendar which by itself is a huge complication !!
Best,
mahesh.,
Best,
mahesh.,
That's a lovely Patek. The Credor Eichi II in pt, as well as any white metal Simplicity are kings of this.
White metal vintage dress watches do very well as their smaller
size leads to more stealthiness.
size leads to more stealthiness.
that is beautiful guilloche...true that !
i would consider the 'essence' of Eichi II is the dial...the main attraction, if so would it be still stealthy ?!
i do think, it is very elegant and the minimalist of all - with those hand painted porcelian white dial !
thanks for the wrist shot.
Best,
mahesh.,
i do think, it is very elegant and the minimalist of all - with those hand painted porcelian white dial !
thanks for the wrist shot.
Best,
mahesh.,
5101...I wish more manufacturers would hide the tourbillon for viewing on the back only... [nt]
No message body
true...but unfortunately not many does it !
the LF Galet Classic Tourbillon & Lange 1 PC Tourbillon are such.
there used to be a Reverso Tourbillon too...
Of course I have to choose the 5101P
Elegant and sleek design with a hidden tourbillion, 29mm in width. Could be worn anywhere, only a true purist would be able to recognize the masterpiece on your wrist.
The Gronefeld fits the description best is feel, very stealth high horology. But i am from the same country so maybe biased ??? Noooo ;-)) But i do love the Patek Gondolo 5101 for its sheer
elegance !!!
i think the H version of Gronefeld is a very good one, hiding the remontoire on the dial side the salmon dial !
5101 is a remarkable timepiece in deed but I agree from a value perspective Gronefeld is miles ahead !!
What makes a stealth timepiece
Stealth is about evading detection. There are many ways to which this is achieved:
- Camouflage
- Small size
- Thinness
- Being signature-less
- Does not have an easily found price-tag
- Being from a brand people perceive as being "cheap"
- Looking old and crappy
On my journey, I have encountered a few pieces which brought to mind the definition of the word. Here are my top 5 picks:
1. Citizen Chronomaster
Photo credits: Gear Patrol
This is one piece which can escape detection even from your wife. They would just think it is just a regular quartz piece. You could tell them it costs $300 and they would believe you.
Price: USD$3-4k
2. H Moser & Cie Swiss Alp Watch
This watch employs deception, much like a shape-shifting octopus mimicking a poisonous fish, or a Leaf Insect which looks like a leaf.
Price: USD $27,000 (limited series)
3. FP Journe Octa S in blackened titanium
Photo credits: The Key Stone
This watch employs thinness, being of a matt black tone, and an obscure brand to non-WIS. Who would even expect the price? I did not include the chronometre bleu because the novel material tantalum and it's vibrant blue dial is too eye-catching even if it is thin and small.
Price: USD$34,000 (back in 2014)
Price: USD$34,000 (back in 2014)
4. Patek Philippe Calatrava 5522A
Photo credits: Hodinkee
This Patek employs deception too, from being similar to the sea of pilots watches out there. From afar, I would have easily mistaken this for a Hamilton or Laco pilot. It is made in stainless steel. Who would have expected a Patek to disguise itself as a pilot's watch?
Price: USD22,000 (back in 2017, limited edition of 600 pieces). At the moment, trading at USD75,000.
5. JLC Dirty Dozen Pieces
Photo Credits: Art Kameletdin at Timekeepers Club
This piece definitely looks old, so old that people would probably think the wearer is a WWI/II enthusiast or got it from a junk store in Vietnam. The only give-away is the brand on the dial.
Price: USD8000 upwards, depending on condition
that in deed is a good set...i love the JLC & the Citizen
i do agree with most of your definition of stealth but pt 6 & 7 are too hard ;-)
thanks for the pics...esp. the JLC dirty dozen is a gem !
Best,
mahesh.,
thanks for the pics...esp. the JLC dirty dozen is a gem !
Best,
mahesh.,
Very very stealthy indeed
These are guaranteed to pass through all customs un-noticed. Excellent means of alternative investments.
That is a heavy weight champion my friend 😜
I would also add his Duality to it but then it is even harder to see one !
Hard to choose but if I’ve to choose only one....
Then the geophysic is my way to go !
Longines is gorgeous one too.
You my friend never cease to surprise!!
Longines is gorgeous one too.
You my friend never cease to surprise!!
