Re: How about some high-end watch discussion?


"SWG" <swisswatchguy@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1166697916.722875.189440@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


I am quite surprised. All big Swiss brands have never been
as
innovative, creative in rejuvenating their models, styles
and images as
nowadays. Also in technical innovation inside of the
movement. I feel
that you are slightly biaised, perhaps by your congenital
disrespect of
Rolex? :-)


"Innovative" is a term open to interpretation. Much of what
is touted as new, revolutionary or innovative is really a
recycling of old concepts and fashions -- just think of
eight-day movements or pilot watches.

Much of the rest is design rather than technology: new cases
may be rectangular instead of round, but the movement inside
is still the same old thing. When was the last new form
movement presented to the world?

Genuine innovation does exist -- Jack mentioned most but
forgot the coaxial escapement --but I miss the
experimentation with new forms of escapement, new ways of
charging batteries/capacitators (induction, anyone?), the
use of carbon fibre and friction-free ceramics and glass in
movements rather than as design adornments.

I will admit to a bias: I am primarily a collector of pocket
watches. When I look at my collection, I detect an
excitement with technological experimentation, a willingness
to let a new technical design prove itself in real life, a
dedication to furthering the art and science of horology.
In my collection, I have examples of many different
escapements, from the verge to all manner of levers to
oddities like the Beaumarchais. Where would I find such
diversity and tokens of the sheer joy of making a watch tick
in a modern collection of current wrist-watches?




.