tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104793082011-12-15T02:41:23.103ZAdhoc stuff about wristwatches. The technology of horology, escapements and patents to the industry and the market. Try me in <a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fvelociphilewatch.blogspot.com&langpair=en%7Cja&hl=en&safe=off&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools">Japanese</a> or <a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fvelociphilewatch.blogspot.com&langpair=en%7Czh-CN&hl=en&safe=off&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools">Chinese</a>Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.comBlogger1771100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1129731681312571392010-05-12T18:00:00.004Z2010-05-28T12:14:51.402Z

Problem with straight lug Speedys has always been finding a modern bracelet to fit - with no help forthcoming from Omega either..... And, not everyone wants to use the very nasty, cheap, but admittedly original, flat, stretch bracelets (7912, 1039, etc).Dedicated research cross referencing from within the infamous Omega 'redbook' has unearthed that the 1125 bracelet with 617 end pieces not only

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-52165483791765914552010-05-07T20:45:00.000Z2010-05-05T16:01:23.060Z

After five years a lot of things have changed in the blogosphere. There are now a lot of us and most doing a much better job than me. It has been a long journey and it seems as you may have guessed by the posting rate that it has to end as my life has steadily taken new turns. I've learned a lot driving the blog, one thing of interest is how google prioritises 'newness' over 'fact' – a very

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-36184718411973851042010-05-05T08:29:00.009Z2010-05-05T16:41:05.024Z

There’s been a lot of controversy over the direction Rolex have taken chubbing up their new case. It’ll suit some and change always taps up new markets (cf. JLC Compressor success). I recently had a chance to size up the now old-news new GMT IIc and was less struck by the podgy case so much as the awful pumped up maxi dial and hands. If Rolex wanted their new face to resemble a Prospex diver,

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-39517609516038445642009-12-08T12:00:00.005Z2009-12-08T12:29:06.341Z

The gorgeous new piece coming in Jan 2010 first announced by Dario here. The "Worldtime" feature is an alternative use of the central disk of the dial. The alarm disk carrries the major cities, with (in this case of the official photo) Paris corresponding to the triangle on the disk. You align the triangle with the hour hand, and you can read what time it is in the other cities of the world.

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-25265193536212064152009-12-04T17:26:00.003Z2009-12-04T17:34:10.425Z

Well it's great to see that as predicted enough interest has finally led to a modest return to testing watches under scientific conditions in an accuracy shootout.Balls on the block time, and everyone who has turned up to this to be named or shamed deserves a pat on the back.But as might have been expected there was only ever going to be one winner - Jaeger-LeCoultre taking the first two

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-12091076484899157002008-11-25T18:59:00.006Z2008-11-26T13:11:22.303Z

And so I forlornly click on my link for Watchrap 2.0 and it repeats the same depressing message. "Watchrap is closed until further notice." And then, I always click on my saved login details, just in case, in hope....... "No access privilege groups are currently available." I guess only 'The 38' or so of us out there have even noticed or are concerned. I'm sure most have contacted TM, as I have

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-22046206781547816832008-11-03T08:17:00.002Z2008-11-03T08:28:39.784Z

So what could it be? Well, having already 'done' Polaris and knowing there isn't enough space for three crowns with full compression keys; (half keys were adopted on the chronograph for this reason.)  How about they relaunch the Memovox Deep Sea Alarm? But with two changes:1 Rotating conventional diving bezel - like the current JLC diver.  Good idea.2 Ruin yet another otherwise good looking JLC

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-38564392153134918622008-11-02T13:43:00.003Z2008-11-02T13:55:02.667Z

Buried down in the comments on the last Polaris article, you will find something I received this morning from 'Yves'.  I assume this to be from JLC France head Yves Meylan but who knows.....Nobody ever discredited your 2004 inspiration; it was simply not the right timing for the watch, for JLC and for the market.Your inspiration was based on a JLC watch that is part of JLC patrimony, so even if

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-29858700289820185492008-10-27T21:34:00.005Z2008-10-27T21:55:13.111Z

Some of you may be familiar with the JLC watchmaking game, well it's not quite the same but, ETA now offer a fabulous training service with step by steps of taking your favourite ETA movement apart and putting it back together.  Go to ETA.CH and find the Training Centre and hit ETA SWISSL@B2892 Automatic 7750 Chronograph 6497 Manual

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-51903783043077640182008-09-25T20:17:00.002Z2008-09-25T20:23:17.218Z

There are some great drawings and even a sectional view in the patent document.All looks very close to ideas from 1876 and 1889 though.Not self starting as far as I can tell and I'm still not seeing how part 13 provides shock proofing.

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-57817031120442284362008-05-16T22:19:00.002Z2008-05-16T22:23:03.965Z

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-76182317885680228892008-04-05T20:42:00.010Z2008-04-07T16:56:28.768Z

Say Rolex to a non WIS and they might say Submariner or Daytona.  Say Omega and they might say Moonwatch, Speedmaster or Seamaster.  Breitling - Navitimer and so on. Most companies would kill to get this kind of identification of their brand.  Say Jaeger to most and you'll get a blank look, maybe they might just know Reverso, but that's probably about it.Rightly or wrongly 'Polaris,' at least

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-79128909490454369502008-03-27T11:44:00.002Z2008-03-27T11:50:10.345Z

Can anybody make it? After many hours in the laboratory, the concept of the required mechanical oscillator is clear. We need to improve the 'Q' factor and yet preferably have a system capable of being tolerant to wrist movement. The answer lies in the form of running a low inertia balance wheel with an ultra high speed escapement. Hitherto impossible, the solution arises from the adoption of

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-72612748198260868312008-02-17T16:59:00.005Z2008-02-17T18:13:09.966Z

Another year, another SIHH and Basel coming.  Debate of the relative merits and shortcomings of the new watches will rage on forums everywhere.  Watches have gained enough popularity fuelled by the internet that they are brought to people who would never otherwise have been interested.  That's great, that you'll awaken people to it and you'll also get the inevitable attention of the

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-30198095764571440022007-10-09T17:00:00.000Z2007-10-09T17:13:19.773Z

I'm very pleased the somewhat bizarre symbiotic relationship between auction houses and watch houses I reported two years ago has finally hit the mainstream media. But guess what, newsflash, it's not just Patek Philippe.Speedmaster put me onto this article by the WallStreet Journal which has set alight a fire around many places. Enjoy.A pox on your houses.

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-79708266485543953262007-10-07T17:45:00.000Z2007-10-07T17:54:08.983Z

Finally after months of speculation after years of lobbying and with the promise remaining unfulfilled by the intriguing new Diver range, JLC have finally announced that Polaris will be reissued for SIHH 2008. Here's hoping it wiil look something like the original.I hope they've been listening and will produce a true homage piece for this cult watch.

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-74352791553736218632007-10-04T16:53:00.000Z2007-10-05T20:52:42.611Z

Hublot have announced a new watch called the Mag Bang which continues their dull theme of apeing the Royal Oak albeit without nicely aligned bezel screws. It's a big fuss because apparently alloying magnesium and aluminium together is some kind of breakthrough which Hublot have achieved. I'm not going to repeat the tedious hyperbolic press release here.Anyway rather than the fact that it's a

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-57550634924560110672007-09-23T16:40:00.000Z2007-09-23T16:57:09.211Z

Old news, but I just wanted to make sure I recorded the links to this great piece of work. Tellingly a labour of love, beautiful pictures and animations give you the clearest view yet of the insides of the Speedmaster.This was completed just around the time of Jack's regrettable departure from ThePurists. It was very timely considering the unfortunately botched 50th Anniversary Series of the

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-30503665073151137402007-09-10T08:14:00.000Z2007-09-10T08:46:02.927Z

Bravo Breitling. I'm not normally a fan of overpriced fashion brands, but Breitling deserve applause for this piece. They've obviously been paying attention and have produced a centre minute chronograph. Not only that, it's combined with a rotating timer bezel and a slide rule in a 200m water resistant package. Could this be the ultimate functional watch?If you want a slide rule with more than

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1140025089295296592007-09-04T18:00:00.000Z2007-09-04T17:12:58.951Z

I appreciate the trials of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control 1000 hour testing more than most having been very lucky enough to witness the facilities and meet some of the team who perform it. There is also no doubt that it was an additional influence in my decision to purchase a JLC as the test exceeded mere rate measurement including some shock testing, power reserve test, and most importantly

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-10586914230518811112007-04-25T16:18:00.000Z2007-04-25T16:44:46.660Z

We've been waiting years for some real changes in watch movements involving new materials and finally, JLC have produced the lubricant free(ish) watch. A Tissot Astrolon for the 21st Century. The Extreme LAB.It is a fantastic development, but perhaps it is not quite there yet. Graphite powder in the main spring barrel seems to betray that achievement, but I am being churlish. The teflon and

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-74058664509734610712007-04-24T16:40:00.000Z2007-04-25T13:01:49.789Z

But then are not all mechanical watches? Brilliant but pointless.Among the concerns I have about this piece, the main one is the obvious one. Is the claim of better timekeeping under chronograph operation achieved?The barrel and balance wheel package has to be compromised so as to include two barrels and associated chronograph gear train. This leads to a 11.5 mgcm2 balance wheel at 21600 vph (

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-11415866964079298142007-04-16T23:59:00.000Z2007-04-22T16:35:32.552Z

We've all been sat on the edge of our seats for so long now waiting for a worthy JLC diver, it's hard to believe it's really here. Let's get one thing out of the way first. JLC, can you please brighten up the names a little, let's just keep the past names going shall we? Enough with the unmemorable Master Compressor Diving Pro Geo Extreme Alarm GMT Chrono or whatever, I name this ship the new

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-7736231585461017992007-04-04T12:53:00.000Z2007-04-04T13:02:52.121Z

Chuck Maddox commented on my rant about Omega's 50th Speedmaster, but wanted to say so much he couldn't fit it all in! So here he is as guest columnist:"A solid gold opportunity squandered , Not that this should be any surprise...It has been clear for some time that Omega is pointing itself in a different direction than it aimed in the past. We've seen this in statements from Omega, Swatch Group

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-41084306109492947312007-04-02T21:42:00.000Z2007-04-03T12:36:57.782Z

Discussed before and now the final horror is here. How can Omega have so, so, missed this once in a lifetime chance? And quite how Omega think they can put a manual wind converted 33xx in this as a 'tribute' to a spaceflight qualified ancestor is beyond comic ironic belief (version R).And you can forget this being a limited piece. You can guarantee that this movement will become serial faster

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-70424228267342698752007-02-15T10:17:00.000Z2007-02-15T10:26:22.110Z

Well, having heard about the new Ticking Lemon Awards (More on how to vote later), always at the bleeding edge, JLC are falling over themselves to get an entry in. Embargoed until April 2nd apparently but still leaked onto the web nevertheless.Finally as predicted, JLC present a new Geo-Vox movement with a stupid name.... Vale better leave it behind in the pits or he'll lost 1/2 second a

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-44234452235818768072007-01-29T13:13:00.000Z2007-02-07T16:26:28.825Z

In H.G. Wells' First Men in the Moon, Cavorite is a material that defies gravity and allows Bedford and Cavor to go on their lunar adventure.Well in the new AP Alinghi Thingy, they must have used the same stuff because never has such a large watch been so black or weighed so little.Well, apart from a...... Well, let's be honest, you will have to try pretty hard to banish the idea from your mind

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-31162000309161266512007-01-16T15:00:00.000Z2007-01-16T15:55:44.728Z

The manufacturers must be laughing. The steady growth of interest in watches has spawned a new multitude of forums. Great? Nope. Too many are sponsored, ‘official’, or intrusively moderated and the downside is obvious. Does anyone care? Well apparently not. As RJB pointed out there hasn’t been a lot of noise made about the tie up between Antiquorum and Timedrone. And I’ve noticed that

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1166482507568537762006-12-18T22:40:00.000Z2006-12-19T14:34:57.913Z

I don't normally blog other blogs, what's the point?, but in this case an exception is due as Kronosclub makes a brilliant comparison of the subtle aesthetics of the 3712 and new 5712......she held them and her first reaction was that they where both the same. The 5712 looked better... but wait! It also feels cheaper... ouch! That "remark" really killed me. ........The 3712 felt thiner and more

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1116081886088658142006-12-13T22:05:00.000Z2006-12-19T14:33:18.640Z

If you're umming and aaahing about which size of Nautilus to get, here is as graphic a demonstration as you'll ever get of why the 3800 stayed on the shelves and the 5800 will too. People often get confused over the dimensions of a Nautilus case what with the ears. Now look above at the real effective cross bezel diameter of the 5800, the vertical dimension: it's a laughably tiddly 33.2 mm.

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1165577690724294422006-12-08T11:27:00.000Z2006-12-08T11:58:44.606Z

Hats off to Sylvain Golay. 65 last week, he officially retires in two weeks time from Jaeger LeCoultre. The ever patient, generous, gentle watchmaking maestro who I was lucky enough to spend some time with. Good luck in retirement and thanks.Here he is with Jerome Berder of the PuristS.Sylvain, merci et Santé!

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1162318039798976872006-10-31T18:06:00.000Z2006-12-01T16:44:51.026Z

Jaegermars – A fickle fusspot magpie determined to stand apart. You know and understand much about watches. A man of the world with a sophisticated taste. Competitive and great in bed.Patestantin - You’re an old man, or a watch dealer. You’re beyond fashion knowing exactly what you want. You take a long time to decide and then stick with it. Safe, reliable, rich and once upon a time a good

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1161279141436505782006-10-19T17:27:00.000Z2006-11-07T09:04:10.850Z

You're probably wondering if the grey market makes sense to purchase from as deals are just too good to be true and the industry has scared you witless that buying from non-authorized sources means fakes, counterfeits, stolen pieces, defective pieces, or worse, no service under warranty!Well, in fact, in the grandest move of hypocrisy, manufacturers actually encourage the grey market process.Over

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1161007530820410092006-10-16T14:00:00.000Z2006-10-24T12:39:46.470Z

The New Audemars Piguet Escapement, or ApeScape as I like to call it, really looks like a genuine improvement rather than some of the "innovation for innovations sake" we've had lately.Rather than using silicon to paper over the inadequacies of the lever escapement, create some Heath Robinson assemblage or pretend a detent escapement works in a wristwatch without some serious compromises, AP have

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1160737906068423532006-10-13T10:53:00.000Z2006-10-13T16:48:08.710Z

Nautilus is great, ra ra ra! So here we are in the post 30th-Nautilus-launch dip. Phew. Time for reflection... So, the 5711 dial is finally looking right with batons and the case sexed up by the chubby teen curves round the gills has worked. And well done PP, the clever trick of getting us scared over prices means we think that the price rise they have pulled off is 'ok'!But wait, consequences?

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1159291211244365322006-09-26T17:14:00.000Z2006-10-23T09:36:19.663Z

VelociphileWatch collectors' survey is now closed. Thanks for your interest and to everyone who took the time to respond.75% of you responded. About 35% of you are from America and 35% from Europe with about 20% from Asia, with a few Africans and Aussies, oh, and a special hello to our friend in Antarctica. With a pretty flat and broad range of ages from 23-85 a few of you aside, about 2/3rds

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1159202673899954722006-09-25T16:31:00.000Z2006-10-19T16:49:18.403Z

Read the in-depth report of the new Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 978 in the Master Tourbillon by Jerome Berder of ThePuristS and you cannot fail to be impressed. But the most important thing for me was that with its 10 mm diameter balance wheel of 11.5 mgcm² inertia beating at 4Hz (28,800 vph), it may well be the highest power wristwatch tourbillon I can think of. Can anyone suggest a higher power

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1158852408938502882006-09-21T15:14:00.000Z2006-09-21T15:31:41.576Z

So what's the time? 4:03? Just after 5? Nope, actually 12:23.The challenge of reading a twenty four hour watch quickly may be one problem, but how about getting used to the hour and minute hands being swapped round?Well that's exactly the situation with the Schlossberg Clock Tower, Graz, Austria shown right.From a time when there were only single handed clocks that only showed the hour, when

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1159110070851673982006-09-17T14:55:00.000Z2006-09-25T16:48:12.886Z

Rolex have always been criticised over the cheap aesthetic of their bracelet clasps despite more than adequate function. Recent upgrades have been well received, but there is more apparently afoot.Rolex have been active in this area for some time and there are two main patents on a new type of clasp system. They have also been trademarking the name Glidelock. It will be interesting to see

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1158392985019788262006-09-16T07:47:00.000Z2006-10-11T02:02:34.706Z

It seems that because I wrote this and this, some people seem to think that I hate Rolex. It may well be true that I don't like an awful lot of the watches they make, nor the unfortunate impression and reactions they may create but, in fact, look below and you'll see mine - a 114270.Velociphile's Explorer runs an unbelievable +0 s/d on the wristwith enough leeway in other positions to correct it

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1158269452583380162006-09-14T21:02:00.001Z2006-09-21T14:49:47.553Z

If you look left and think, "Hmmm nice watch, I wonder what Velociphile has to say about that stunner," then look away now and read no further. However, if you toss your cookies at the sight of it read on.Or maybe you've always dismissed Rolex because you've never seen anything you like or you just feel Rolexes project the wrong impression with its sports watch range in particular. Well, it may

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1157718061714250982006-09-08T12:14:00.000Z2006-10-08T03:34:34.700Z

Fortunately limited to only 246 pieces... Well, so the advice goes, "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything."Ok, here's the silenceThat's enough.Black pimped PVD pushers, a cheesetastic rotating chequered flag seconds, a cornflake packet freebie #46 sticker on the back and some race circuit names on the dial.I wish I was making this up - sadly, not. I am on the edge of my seat for

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1156953984381199222006-08-30T15:43:00.000Z2006-09-02T13:48:46.733Z

What with the 30th anniversary of the Nautilus being celebrated this year, it's time to reflect on the Nautilus' origins. It's worth remembering that the concept of the luxury stainless steel sports watch never existed before the 70's and the genre was pioneered by Genta's AP Royal Oak in 1972.Patek followed in a leisurely 1976. Always controversial in shape, Nautilus suffers jibes like 'old

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1156498820584082262006-08-25T09:26:00.000Z2006-09-02T13:43:41.000Z

Having had a chance to read a few watch magazines of late, I noticed an interesting similarity between some of the articles and subjects that have been handled recently (e.g The Chinese, Swiss Made, even Diego Maradona and his Rolexes) in old blog articles by myself and others. Fair enough I thought, but what was alarming though was that the originating blog articles by myself and other great

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1156445858819414082006-08-24T18:51:00.000Z2006-09-01T18:36:36.983Z

I contacted Patek Philippe regarding the expected accuracy of their mechanical watches and they were very kind to reply very promptly (within 24 hours).With regards to your question regarding timing, our current range for a mechanical watch would normally be between -2 and + 3 seconds a day.Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any further questions.With kind regardsDxxxxxx

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1156423768008564262006-08-24T12:22:00.000Z2006-08-28T09:36:23.746Z

Although Swatch giant ETA has been forced to extend movement supply to 2010, alternatives must be found, and fast, for non-Swatch companies. It may be that we are looking at part of that future right here:Seiko has introduced this new automatic calibre 6R15 that hacks and can also be hand wound - always the shortfall of the otherwise impressive 7S26. This would take them right into ETA 2824

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1154807337801450692006-08-05T19:38:00.000Z2006-08-07T23:07:02.420Z

what with all the da vinci tosh in the nEws A while ago.... here are Two prime names, the very best Kept secrets for buying wAtches from the internet. See you in a whiLe and i hope you enjoy the breaK. As Long As you enJoy Having a go at Breaking it.

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1154639725766102582006-08-03T21:05:00.000Z2006-08-04T21:05:37.246Z

If you don't know it, Minutemachines of Michael Sandler has some simply wonderful pictures and is well worth checking out. He recently studied the Sinn Regulateur 6100 and reveals features missed in the official pack shots. See the pics here until he gets time to upload to his main site. Great job Michael.

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1154527158406421472006-08-02T13:43:00.000Z2006-08-20T21:50:14.636Z

Mirror mirror on the wall who is the coolest 903 of them all? Well in the absence of the long discontinued 24 hour manual wind version.... read on.The Sinn 903 is a better Navitimer for those in the know. Despite now being based only on the ubiquitous 7750, it beats the Breitling hands down as it stays true to the tool watch ethic at a sensible price. In comparison the Breitling Navitimer is an

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1154022136007861122006-07-27T17:30:00.000Z2006-07-28T14:31:47.180Z

Briefly, I already touched on the Rolex 4130 here. I hoped to return to peform a little bit of analysis of the gear train strategy sooner, but got waylaid by other matters. Anyway, I finally got to sit down and review the details and have some comments. You can read a magazine overview of the movement here. Very useful, but it's a bit lacking in technical detail and left me wanting to know a lot

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1153255942438078462006-07-19T14:50:00.000Z2006-09-10T15:02:19.166Z

I dropped into Bond Street and compared side by the side the Royal Oak Jumbo (15202) and the new Royal Oak 15300. I tried two different types of 15202 - one with the open nameless deployant and the type with AP-PA style bracelet deployant both in the blue dial and three 15300s in differing dial colours.Well, immediately it's obvious the original Jumbo is the clear winner in the aesthetics

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1152653338124498842006-07-11T20:46:00.000Z2006-07-18T04:18:03.950Z

AP Royal Oak 15300 ST with black/grey dial. Property of a gentleman.Apparently it's a common conundrum, loving and hating this piece:Look at Angelica Houston, or Lauren Bacall; incredibly beautiful and yet with a turn of their head or change of light, somehow strangely ugly at the same time. Some things can be so sensitive to how you look a them and yet you know they can be beautiful - so why

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1152471803233262642006-07-09T18:56:00.000Z2006-07-09T19:03:23.246Z

For those interested, we've been on the edge of our seat waiting for news of the 'Ellipse Isometer' escapement. Well, Jaw does it again with a teasing glimpse of the new Escapement in the new Triptyque.Click the picture above to go to the article. More is promised soon.

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1152113549123907402006-07-05T14:53:00.000Z2006-07-06T00:16:40.216Z

2 for 1?To the point as ever, Dario discusses Patek price/value equation as a benchmark standard here.There are several "fellows" out there ....... asking real fortunes for a lot of show and very, very little history. I don't question their excellence, but it is inevitable that I compare their price-tag to Patek or Rolex. .........I ...... consider them good points of comparison when it comes to

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1151857670965691042006-07-02T15:51:00.000Z2006-10-04T10:36:32.546Z

I touched on the sad lack of black dials in the current JLC range here when mocking up a black dial on the Master Grand Réveil. Well someone at JLC's been listening as they now offer two further black dials (albeit on limited editions).(Left) we have the much improved newly available Master Eight Days in bargain stainless steel. With the far more attractive day-night indicator added to the

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1151572480649300302006-06-29T09:12:00.000Z2006-06-30T00:17:01.686Z

Intrigued by a recent thread on ROLEX and the DAYTONA and not knowing a lot about the innovative chronograph layout employed in the 4130, (yes I live a life with ROLEX filters firmly on) I have been digging around in the European Patent website. For those interested in the full explanation I suggest viewing the European B1 document EP 0772 104 B1 or the US 5793708 available with simple

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1150988704313631122006-06-22T14:44:00.000Z2006-06-25T09:56:39.856Z

ETA movements often come in four (or even five) flavours. It is important to know what you're getting as most manufacturers don't widely make it known to you which they're using. Some are more equal than others so to speak. The five flavours are Economique, Standard, Elaboré, Top and Chronomètre. Various choices of finish are available on all optionally*.Economique, Standard and Elaboré have

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1149867282704739542006-06-09T15:15:00.000Z2006-07-10T12:43:08.676Z

Whilst we are on the subject of Omega, I've long wondered what the Speedmaster would have been like with the arguably more useful and practical diving/timing bezel. (I don't believe a tachymetre was ever any use to an astronaut as it's a bit difficult to find mile marker posts on the way to the moon). Remember, we talked about the Speedmaster 50th anniversary edition for 2007 a while back.A

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1149699843465295162006-06-07T16:35:00.000Z2006-08-03T21:27:24.190Z

The Pumpkin is back! Yes! I was so pleased to discover buried in the SIHH/Basel material, Glycine have remade the sought after SST. It's available in a few other colours, and of them, I like the blue, but perhaps the original is the best. Look right and you can just make out the black/grey vertical split between the left and right sides of the dial.Now, there are two versions: a full blown

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1149263142709839362006-06-02T14:58:00.000Z2006-06-02T15:54:43.153Z

Mission: Cash in on people's innocence and ignorance of horology.Surf around and identify a defunct target brand preferably with a somewhat fascinating history or USP. I didn't realise how many dormant Swiss watch brands there are that can be purchased for a modest fee and can give you an instant history for whatever you decide to make.Purchase the rights to the dormant brand. If possible

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1148395759269392212006-05-23T14:43:00.000Z2006-05-24T11:56:39.166Z

You are looking at a small piece of the ETA parts list for the ETA 2894-2 movement. Part 8510 is only available as a one-piece-pre-assembled-no-spares-available MODULE that bolts on the base movement. Quite how that can be perceived as "an integrated chrono" and not "a modular chrono" I don't know. However, one manufacturer is trying to pass this off as "integrated." Fortunately now you know

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1148316116877295112006-05-22T16:34:00.000Z2006-08-13T05:00:42.006Z

Having been brought up on a diet of conventional, illegible, counter-intuitive, arbitrarily subdivided subdials, you get used to accepting that it takes a moment to get your bearings as to how many minutes have elapsed on your chrono. Until that is, you try a centre minute chrono for the first time and BOOM, you never want to go back. The advantages of a centre minute counter are astonishing

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1148313369473445722006-05-22T15:53:00.000Z2006-05-24T10:52:22.406Z

Remember Cinders and the problems with her whopping Omega Broad Arrow GMT? Well now, I spotted our 2nd favourite X-Girl Halle Berry has her Versace on upside down.Come on girls get it together.

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1147696602342245332006-05-15T12:32:00.000Z2006-05-20T09:42:36.733Z

Long the subject of speculation and inadvertently shown on the MJLC website during a test upload, the Master Tourbillon finally seems to break cover in the site's 'News' section. More here. Funkily, the date jumps forward from 15 to 16 to avoid covering the tourbillon cage. Functionally, it has a useful second time zone (24h), and runs an impressive 28800 vph for a tourbillon. It could only

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1147616104035855682006-05-14T13:38:00.000Z2006-05-15T10:44:08.896Z

Space fans will be pleased I found an excellent review of the Fiyta Taikonaut watch by Ron Engels at his excellent Pilotswatch site. As you can see (right), it has a Japanese Miyota $5 quartz movement. Shame, when they have such great mechanicals available or could have even used one of their own quartz movements. Check out the large plastic spacer, mmmmm.Seems a real shame when you realise

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1147366932266659372006-05-11T16:52:00.000Z2006-06-29T07:49:11.170Z

New broadband TV channel TheTimeTv has appeared.Whoohooh!

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1147269843051908142006-05-10T13:50:00.000Z2006-05-10T14:05:54.113Z

Remember back in 2000, Les Manufactures Horlogères (LMH - you know Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC and Lange) being bought from Mannesmann by Richemont? Well I had dinner the other night with one of the strategy team at Mannesmann that was involved in that decision, and I had to chuckle.When I politely pointed out that his watch was an "unusual" Patek, he took it off to show me and lo and behold admitted

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1146840030586085372006-05-05T14:32:00.000Z2006-05-07T03:27:42.506Z

Mighty Ming takes some great photos in difficult circumstances of some of the new JLCs.In particular the new Geographic and World Geographic show the depth of their dials.

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1146501146955692252006-05-01T16:19:00.000Z2006-10-16T14:45:19.173Z

I remember years ago having a discussion with a product manufacturer intrigued by their constant change in fundamental design. I asked if they felt they were gradually evolving towards a better device. The answer? “No, we just get copied so much we need to have new product to differentiate us in the crowded (and by implication, the knock-off) market.” So I wonder now that everyone has tourbillons

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1145798670818150232006-04-23T13:21:00.000Z2006-05-06T19:55:43.016Z

I'm impressed so far by the new Geographic and World Geographic revealed first on ThePuristS by Jaw. The 'harmonisation' process JLC are going through is very sympathetic to the original Master series. A comparison of the two is shown below:I haven't done the analysis yet, but I would bet that the revised hand positions on the new Geographic follow the Golden Ratio - unlike the old model. In

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1145717809830622982006-04-22T14:49:00.000Z2006-04-25T23:01:37.810Z

Not happy with the washy outy silver hands on silver dial of the MGR? Me neither! We should ask them to do a black dial (currently only available on the Pink Gold version, although not shown on their website):What an improvement! Now all they need to do is make a bracelet for it......

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1144257831201334182006-04-05T17:22:00.000Z2006-04-05T17:23:51.223Z

Seiko's 43200 vph movement made me think a little more (deeply?) about the whole issue of the trade-offs and raised some questions in my mind.Being the geeky sort I created a little spreadsheet calculating the power of the oscillating balance and the energy store in the spring. As usual the old Rolex calibres are in the lead (based on my limited data set of balance wheel intertias - yes, I

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1144185836203941872006-04-04T21:01:00.000Z2006-10-15T20:36:38.866Z

We've talked a lot about pushing watches to ever higher beat frequencies in the pursuit of accuracy here, here, here and I've been waiting for when anybody would push for a higher frequency movement and finally YES! Announced here, the styling may be one thing, but I am so pleased to see a movement like this this year. Do NOT expect the Swiss to follow...... this ND58 movement from Seiko

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1144099107721100292006-04-03T20:51:00.000Z2006-04-03T21:18:27.986Z

Well I haven't got a lot right so far... but I did predict that JLC would adopt a lubrication free escapement. Unfortunately, as expected, it's in the (unobtainable...) 75th Reverso. Here's hoping it's rolled out to the rest of the range as soon as.What happens if you like the new Master World Geographic as much as I do? Well, we may be fighting it out over the last of the 1500 stainless and

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1143971678034308812006-04-02T09:34:00.000Z2006-04-09T16:15:12.990Z

Whilst various horrorlogical devices are revealed at Basel 2006, Sinn quietly continue to get on with the business of making real useful stuff.... Initially receiving a poor reception on the various fora, my view of the new 142 St II is pretty positive. Although departing from its Sinn 140 origins, and I'm not a fan of the integral bracelet, I think that opting to put a Dubois Depraz module on

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1142012783551261362006-03-10T17:41:00.000Z2006-09-29T03:27:07.166Z

Literally meaning "it squares", it seems the rumours were true. In the quest for "ever bigger" and running out of room across most people's wrists, JLC, the watchmakers' watchmaker, used the only place left to go: sideways. Bye bye Golden Ratio and hello Squareverso.Jaw has finally posted a series of teasing pics of the range here.

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1141596961593796432006-03-05T22:00:00.000Z2006-03-07T13:12:41.706Z

Being an engine guy I can get pretty excited about a car or bike that may be circulating in the midfield simply because it has the highest revving wire sprung engine or whatever. So, for a brand so associated with high performance motorsport and drawing upon it for inspiration, I find it odd that the engine seems to have such a disappointing spec for a technorak like myself.If I draw an analogy

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1141410866894384062006-03-03T18:29:00.000Z2006-03-03T19:17:23.940Z

Chances of me being impressed by a new watch coming out at Basel or SIHH is equal to:(vph^2 X balance wheel inertia X power reserve)divided by(watch diameter X daily rate) ^2

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1140025209110946602006-02-15T17:38:00.000Z2006-02-15T17:40:09.130Z

There used to be this absolutely, helpful beauty, with just the most gorgeous olive skinned legs (and the rest....phew) who'd let me into her little inner sanctum workshop where we'd often go to adjust the bracelet of my new purchase. On her stool with a just-long-enough-skirt on, sat before the bracelet tool stand, on one occasion she fumbled one of the pins into the gap between her thighs.

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1137431388800002462006-01-16T16:03:00.000Z2006-02-15T06:46:14.456Z

Well, apart from being too busy with Christmas and clients to update this place more often, I'm also still partly reeling from the monumentous amount of direct and subscriber traffic* generated by the last post on Patek Philippe and wondering what to do with this blog next. When the words fail on watches, it's time to get back to my roots:..... bikes. Please indulge me.*Subscriber traffic went

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1133283166180375222005-11-29T16:48:00.000Z2007-09-23T17:12:26.483Z

“As a collector myself I may buy for my museum but, it is a private deal. We are not manipulating the auction market.”So says Philippe Stern, but Patek Philippe has been supremely successful in conjuring a frenzy for its line of current wristwatches. What has Patek Philippe allegedly done specifically? Well, at the start of the 80s, Patek started aggressive buying of their vintage pieces on the

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1132856964630074672005-11-24T18:29:00.000Z2006-02-25T20:44:22.270Z

On my recent travels I got a chance to handle two highly sought after limited pieces still strangely languishing in dealers at list price. Why people will pay silly auction money for these when they're still in dealers dying to shift them is a mystery to me; discounts were discussed. Wicked idea illustrated on the F.P. Journe forum. Surprisingly heavy, for its diminutive size and 1/4"

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1132183595846125172005-11-16T23:11:00.000Z2005-11-16T23:43:19.956Z

Click the thumbnail to get the bigger amazing pictures from AlbertoS at ThePuristS.comOne of this year's favourites, I have to say I was on the edge of my seat to try this as a 40th birthday pressie contender and finally did so today. The 43mm unmistakeably JLC shaped case fits even my slender wrist because of the clever JLC lug design, but it is one thick watch; nearly as thick as a

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1131832944730590172005-11-12T21:45:00.000Z2006-07-14T02:48:45.683Z

What? What's the problem? Well, you simply cannot rapidly and accurately read the stopwatch time between 27 and 33 seconds as the calender cuts in to the stopwatch scale. 0/10 for function Patek. Sorry, but it's just not acceptable to make GLARING FUNCTIONAL ERRORS on watches this expensive. However, it is becoming more and more common through the industry. I can quote other examples but why

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1131539561517993162005-11-12T12:07:00.000Z2006-09-27T09:26:22.140Z

Whilst I loathe the Officer's style case, and the piddly unfashionable (even for me) 33mm dia., I have to like the movement in the the new 5959P rattrapante just a little. Up to now, Patek Philippe had used a Nouvelle Lémania calibre, but this is finally its own; totally designed, developed, and produced in-house. Allied to being the thinnest at 5.25 mm (for a column wheel movement), with

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1131532793873036562005-11-09T10:30:00.000Z2006-10-09T14:11:47.676Z

So it's official, the subject of many an internet rumour, the 3712/1a is finished before it really started. It's only been out since about June.Regarding the Ref. 3712/1A, we regret to inform you that this model is discontinued and is not produced by our company anymore. This reference will be replaced by a new reference which will be launched during the year 2006.Many people may find this

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1131474909994786572005-11-08T18:32:00.000Z2005-11-08T18:56:08.340Z

Measured the dimensions of a JLC Autotractor balance wheel the other day. Not sexy, rather perfunctory, but undoubtedly accurately made. Ballpoint pen tip at the top Outer diameter: 9.3 mmRim height: 0.60 mmSpoke thickness: 0.20 mmRim width ~ 0.4 mmMoment of inertia: ~14 mgcm2For comparison, the Rolex 3135 movement (in the Submariner etc) balance wheel is 15 mgcm2 and the JLC 8 day balance wheel

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1131460046933907662005-11-08T14:23:00.000Z2005-11-08T18:37:30.086Z

19mm lug owners know how hard it is to find a bracelet for a 2998 (and the like), but that problem seems to have been solved by Jeff Bagnall. Not quite a NASA issue astronaut's Jacoby Bender but it'll do for the mo', I just got this 19mm Kreisler 60's NOS mesh for my 2998-6. Nearly as comfy as the NATO RAF pattern strap, but not quite. Ebay's global trading village strikes again. What on

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1131182252485140792005-11-05T09:11:00.000Z2005-11-05T13:18:30.936Z

More coming as the news breaks. For the mo', see more on the Jaeger-LeCoultre website under - what's new, events, but you won't find anything sharper or larger.And where's the VOX function?As predicted it's a chronograph without conventional pushers. Talked about here and here and here

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1124917087652108992005-11-04T16:20:00.000Z2005-11-06T08:54:59.980Z

If you're new to posting on any watch forum, to save the regulars' sanity, it's only polite to look through their archives first. Or, please check these FAQs before posting on any of the following topics. You may find what you're looking for without looking an idiot.What kind of discount can I get?Which dial colour - Black or silver?Can I wear a brown strap with a black dial?Is this fake?Which

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1130871216034362802005-11-01T18:40:00.000Z2005-11-05T22:30:52.040Z

Michael Schumacher takes time from his hectic schedule to judge the graduation prize entries at the new Magali Metrailler Flik-Flak Watch Design School.Yep, just so, so gob-smackingly, jaw-droppingly awful I am lost for words (rare moment). Here's a bit of stretchy image manipulation: Homework assignment: Do the red one on the end yourself, I couldn't face it.As Chuck says, this is the moment

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1130854941488874012005-11-01T13:47:00.000Z2005-11-01T16:11:25.080Z

What's Cinders got? Cinders has to use two hands to hold up the new 44mm (Yikes!) case That'll be her new Co-Axial Broad Arrow GMT. So, for those waiting to find the Daniels' Co-axial finally bolted into the Speedy shape case, the good news is the wait is nearly over. It's landing this autumn/fall. With a nifty useful GMT function, 100m W.R, and a display back, it just needs a baton hand, 42mm

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1130686920217619342005-10-30T15:41:00.000Z2005-11-05T18:10:14.940Z

Let's set the scene. The ubiquitous Valjoux (ETA) 7750, which is, one way or another, the base of the IWC 80110, uses a tilting pinion strategy to operate the chronograph centre seconds. The tilting pinion in the 7750, # 8086 in the schematic below, is carried by the tilting pinion arm and is continuously driven by the fourth wheel (# 224). As the chronograph function is only designed for

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1130431479266287402005-10-27T16:40:00.000Z2005-10-27T16:57:17.566Z

Well we covered the basics here. Now for the next stage, there is no better sage advice than that from Ludwig. Unfortunately My Descent Into Hell - The Mind of a Watch Addict by Ludwig seems to have disappeared. So here are his "Lessons learned" for those that missed it. Buy one watch that you really like, then never, ever read TimeZone, or any watch publications, again. This will save you a

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1130187373219968792005-10-24T20:39:00.000Z2005-10-24T20:56:13.240Z

This just in from our garbage man in La Vallée de Joux.So, pushers in the bezel then? Hmmm, makes sense - a sleak solution to combat the need for an alarm crown with chrono pushers. But how to manage the dial I wonder? With chrono subdials in the middle, it'll lose the 'Memovox' centre ? Now that would be a shame. So then maybe it reverts to a hand for alarm time indication. Unless...... We'll

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1130079648637132052005-10-23T14:53:00.000Z2005-10-23T15:19:26.546Z

in four weeks or so on the front cover of QP magazine. (Well, unless there are any previews courtesy of Jaw of The PuristS beforehand.)"Issue 16 coming soon! Issue 16 will be published at the end of November. Cover star will be Jaeger-LeCoultre's new Amvox2 – the second installment of the Le Sentier manufacture's ongoing partnership with Aston Martin. Watch this space for exclusive preview

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1129650646969618622005-10-18T15:30:00.000Z2005-10-18T16:06:29.770Z

Dear Omega,When can we expect +?Strange isn't it, how you can buy one of theseHmmm, not bad, bracelet harking back to the past, but lugs too prominentor theseNope, sorry....or even one of theseYikes! Please stop now Velociphile!We already looked at 50th Anniversary Speedmasters specification. But on reflection I don't think they'll do those things. The most obviously overlooked marketing

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1129494402363885732005-10-16T20:14:00.001Z2005-10-16T20:44:38.546Z

Honest and nice people do find this quite tough and usually feel awkward about the deal process. I think in the end it boils down to a few things, in no particular order: Know your target. Know the bottom line cheapest price in your country, and rest of world from greys (and then take off 10%). Persistence -Agree with all the dealer's points whining about shop rent, "last one available"

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1129382509325086082005-10-15T18:19:00.000Z2006-12-29T02:32:02.526Z

Engineers speak about the ‘Q’ of an oscillator; and the higher, the better. In the case of a mechanical watch, the oscillator is the balance wheel/spring combination. A good way of thinking about 'Q' is that it is the resistance of the oscillator to resonate other than at its tuned frequency when disturbed by something; from excitation from an outside force or beat by beat changes in friction at

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10479308.post-1129395363583899852005-10-15T16:51:00.000Z2005-10-15T16:56:03.600Z

So we hear that AMVOX2 is coming soon.Let's just pray it looks (and functions) like this:

Velociphilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00896736108085752668noreply@blogger.com0