Horological Meandering

There is a thread currently running on the AHCI Forum on Bernhard Zwinz’s Calibre R with a mock-up of the case and dial that may one day house it. I am interested to know how you would go about designing the ‘perfect’ simple watch.

 

I am reminded again of the quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupery which I used recently, and even more esoterically, to describe a cup of coffee(!):  “In anything at all, perfection is … attained not when there is no longer anything to add, but when there is no longer anything to take away”

 

When it comes to less is more, the Simplicity and the Observatoire are benchmarks in the independent world and the Patek Philippe Calatrava in more mainstream horology circles. How would you design your perfectly simple timepiece?

 

Andrew

There’s no place like HoMe!

If we're talking simple, then why use anything more than one hand? Here's the Breguet 4215 (which was later parlayed into a wristwatch, wasn't it?). Not as simple as it could be, but an elegant start, wouldn't you agree?

 

Cheers,

pplater

Call to Don Corson - do you mind if your photo of this watch gets another airing?? Good shot of a great-looking watch.

This is by Don's friend Niklaus Engi: very simple aesthetic, but in a modern context:

 

 

 

 

Cheers,

pplater.

very much indeed! Thanks for the pic!

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A refined dial, a nice case, and a great movement, which could have some modern improvements, but with the same care in the finish and decoration.

38 mm maximum.

That would be my perfect time only watch.

Best,
Nicolas;

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As a hardcore JLC fan my first vote goes to Nicolas suggestion!

 

That would be awesome!

 

 

 

Best

 

Blomman

Especially when you talk about making a new version of a watch I love!

 

 

 

Best

 

Blomman

...Is it needed when that original is so close to perfect?

Would both respect the virtues of the original, but in a modern way?

You can always find a Geophysic, but I rarely saw one in good condition.

Best,

Nicolas.

But I would want one from the era which gave it its name.

No message body This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-02-21 23:08:48

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G

Simple elegant

Julian

Also love the Simplicity

but don't own one ;>((

About 50-60 years of time in this case

This message has been edited by cazalea on 2011-02-21 09:24:59

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I don't need much more than this:

Simple is best.

Cheers,
Daos

This is an example I can come up with.

F

Zenith Ultra Thin. 

It's not really that thin but the thickness is fitting as a dress watch.  Like its dial and rose gold combination, clean & elegant look and its very reasonable price point.  Not to mention its see through caseback to appreciate the Cal. 681

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...Rolex.

 

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Simplicity, with a twist. Kudos to dufour simplicity and PP calatravas, they are benchmarks for simple elegance in the independent and mass space. They are great watches, but the one that truly touches me are not only simple 2 or 3 hands watches, but those with a dial and case and hands and crown to provide the visual stimulation, preferably with a story to tell too.

Best,

Horo

Of all the simple watches mentioned in this thread, the VC has tremendous presence and design flair. And I like watches with stories too. I haven't had one on my wrist yet, so will refrain from further comment until I can experience the size and proportions first hand.

Andrew