The Watch Appreciation Thread (Reviews and Photos of Men's Timepieces by Rolex, Patek Philippe, Brei

[BostonHedonist]

Yes please.

 

[no frills]

At the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia:

 

[ShawnBC]

Yes please.

Will you be able to see 'in the flesh' the 175th anniversary Patek Grandmaster Chime as pictured?

 

[zippyh]

Anniversary dinner with a heap of crab on top of a steak.

 

[mimo]

I think I'm going to use "Grandmaster Chime" as my rap name from now on. Phat Daddy Dogg Phukka has not worked out for me.

 

[Dino944]



Got to try on this beauty today - absolutely stunning! Thoughts?

I love the stepped case shape. It's interesting, elegant, and it's curvature makes it very comfortable on the wrist.

Sadly, I don't love the dial. They have made variations of the Toldeo for at least 20 years, maybe more. The version from the early to mid 90's was smaller but had a more elegant dial and more elegant hour markers that alternated between 4 sided pyramids and I think modified triangles at 3,6,9, and 12. Also it was a manual wind and without a second hand. I think the lack of a second hand actually made the watch look much better. The next version was when they added the central seconds hand and a date window (Ugly on that watch). The next was a calendar watch, then this present watch.

I find the hour markers particularly the 6 & 12 a bit heavy handed. I also find on a dress watch like this, the seconds hand unnecessary, possibly making it more mundane ...something better suited for a sporty watch. I rarely think a central seconds hand looks good on square or rectangular watches. They should have a sub dial or no seconds hand at all.

I realize that is all stylistic, and ymmv.

As Mimo mentioned, on a watch of that price range, I'd prefer a more exclusive movement made specifically for this watch, and if possible a square or rectangular movement for this case. Then they might feel less compelled to hide it with a solid case back. The movement is certainly nice, but IIRC it's found in several of their watches. IMHO something in this price range should have a slugger more unique movement.

Overall, I love the case, but the details bother me. Good luck with whatever you decide.

@academe
 I think it's beautiful, though for all its beautiful finishing, I'm sure Professor Dino will have something to say about the round movement in a spacer.

By coincidence, I was looking at the new Harmony range the other day.  It's extremely rare for a genuinely new line to turn up in this relative backwater shortly after release.  I suspect someone important must have enquired.  

Mimo- regarding the current Toledo's movement you know me too well. I'd rather it be a manual wind that is square or rectangular and made specifically for that watch case.

The Harmony is a piece I wanted to like as its an adventurous design. I love non-round watches, but this I don't love. I think the design of their 1921, better executed. This looks to me like with the success of the 1921 they decided to make a similar shape and then clutter it with sub dials that aren't really integrated well into the overall design. Perhaps they want them to stand out, but I am not in love with its execution. Also the crown & pusher of the chronograph look like they stick out way too far from the case. I could imagine it being annoying as it hits the back of one's hand throughout the day. So I'd opt for the 1921 if I were in the market for a watch with a cushion shape case. Cheers!

 

[academe]

P paired with a bespoke London Lounge tweed:

And because this is SF, here's a photo of the jacket, done-up in a shooting jacket-style:

 

[BostonHedonist]

Will you be able to see 'in the flesh' the 175th anniversary Patek Grandmaster Chime as pictured?

I sure hope so. Oh but to hear that minute repeater in person.

I think I'm going to use "Grandmaster Chime" as my rap name from now on. Phat Daddy Dogg Phukka has not worked out for me.

 

[BostonHedonist]

That peacock's a rather overt statement then, isn't it...

 

[gopherblue]

Spamming the TWAT thread. There's a fine line between puffery and overt commercialism.

...of course, that line is waaay back in the rearview mirror.

 

[gopherblue]

@BostonHedonist
Two years?! That's plenty of time to find your own way! In which part of town is your flat?

Suggestions for must eat places:

Borough Market in Southwark--among the hundreds of other delicious victuals, the kappacasein toasted cheese sandwich is the best grilled cheese you'll ever eat

Ottolenghi in Islington - fantastic Mediterranean food

Rochelle Canteen in Shoreditch - owned by the wife of Fergus Henderson

St. John Bread and Wine - one of Fergus Henderson's amazing places

Holly Bush Pub in Hampstead - IMO the best pub in all of London. Great location, great atmosphere and great food.

Maltby Street Market - another great weekly food market

Spring at Somerset House - great place for a fancy dinner

The Cricketers - in Clavering (out in Essex, north of London). An amazing pub restaurant owned forever by Jamie Oliver's parents. It's where he learned to cook.

You should google each of these, they are in various parts of London, w different cuisines, but all are excellent.

When you were in Greenwich, did you go to the museum? The Harrison chronometers are on display there--perhaps the most famous (and first) chronometers ever made. They changed maritime/naval navigation forever. Read Dava Sobel's "Longitude" to learn all about these amazing timepieces and the man that designed them.

PM me for more info if you like (about food or just in general about London).

 

[Cleav]

@BostonHedonist

Please go here, you will love it. I go when in town and had the pleasure taking @upr_crust to lunch, fabulous

La Petite Maison http://lpmlondon.co.uk

 

[mimo]

The Harmony [disgraceful madness] So I'd opt for the 1921. Cheers!

If that 1921 came in Pt*...or steel? Daydreams...anyway, you're clearly demented if you can't see that the Harmony is invoking just the same quirky asymmetry as the 1921, just in a different way. OK, the 1921 is just tidy and smart. You win. But I still like the Harmony. Even in WG

*Yes I know they made a Pt 1921 and it's a super fabulous thing...but I like the simple one, don't you?

AP paired with tweed

Marvellous jacket. Nice watch, too.

pressed guilloche....vintage production methods

Very striking! Is it still technically guilloche if it's pressed? Anyway, I'm curious: could you say more about these vintage methods, and what the dial is made of?

London, food, stuff...

1. Hafez, Hereford Street, near Bayswater. Best Iranian restaurant in town, and perfect for date night with the missus. My absolute favourite. (The restaurant, not your missus).

2. Mosers: Watches of Switzerland on Regent Street, or William & Son on Bruton Street (where you can also get a matching pair of shotguns).

 

[no frills]

More sneaker audacity to upset @mimo

 

[sepp]

That's a stunning pic of PP.


On a side note, anyone here into indie makers like Kari, FPJ or even Harbring?


Always fascinated by them though in my country could hardly find any dealers.