What time is it? Watches and horology

Maybe Norqueef could produce one to spec?

Patek philippe may be up for salez .... Up to 10 billion

Bloomberg: Watchmaker Patek Philippe May Be Coming Up for Sale.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-21/patek-philippe-may-come-up-for-sale-berenberg-analysts-say

Thanks dude. I think you're right, it's the numerals that push it over the edge.

I doubt it worth that much.. they would have to sell a lot more watches to justify that valuation.
British watchmaker George Daniels was once offered the brand for free allegedly but said he preferred to build under his own name.

Very true. The model seems to be a bit like Bremont ie start a new brand selling watches at the £2-4k mark, rather than the hundred pounds mark most micros are at, then do lots of brand building with sponsored people. Lots of doubters about Bremot still, but the consensus seems to be that they are decent watches. Maybe these guys will be the same. The styling will never appeal to me, but that's true about plenty of other watches.

^ There must be a name for this. Where the brand rides out the storm to hold a place in the market. Completely agree about Bremont. Trying to establish pedigree. Through aviation history.

Is the face a dark blue rather than black? If so I reckon rose gold would look pretty good.

There must be a name for this.

Bremont at least appear to be competing on different terms and playing to some strengths that they seem to have created.

To be fair to Bremont, 17 years is an age in watchmaking now days.

I saw Timefactors being name checked as possibly the oldest boutique watch brand in the world, at 23 years old.

Trying to establish pedigree.

Or even PP for that matter.

I’d bet 99% of the Pateks handed down have been 30mm Calatrava’s no grandson wants.

The majority of the serious complications blatantly go into a vault only to be wheeled out (if they are) for a watch show or two. And the sporty modern models get sold, traded, or left in a draw once their owners get tired of them.

Weirdly I think Rolex has the most honest story - we want to make the best all-rounder possible.

EDIT the more I read the PP stuff the smarter I think it is, "begin your own tradition" - it's seriously good stuff.

It's because of the price point (still pretty modest). Only lunatics can justify wearing £10m watches.

Speaking of which this is pretty spot on: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/patek-philippe-5320g-perpetual-calendar-introducing

Although the lugs look a little long for the guys wrist.

Longer the lugs (within reason), the more comfortable the watch. Its not just about how it looks...

Speed is on Film4. Now I really want a G-Shock classic

Dunno about the case, but I've noticed that when the hands reflect something yellow they look great, so I have wondered if it would be possible to replace them with gilt.

Very possible. Cousins sell the correct sized hands in gold plate.

It’s a variant of the SPB077/079 which in the UK are priced at £799 (rubber strap) and £999 (steel bracelet). The PADI one comes on rubber but as a special edition might cost a bit more - maybe £850-900?

My suggestion would be to get it from Gnomon. They tend to mark down for customs and they’re a lot cheaper than UK prices overall. Currently their SBDC063 (which is the Japanese ref for the SPB079) is $710 (USD) and they will often do a discount if you ask.

They also sell the bracelet separately if you wanted to add that - that’s where I got the bracelet for my SPB053.

OK thanks - nice but pricey!

I know we lol at this but Movement watches sold for $200m late last year and were generating $80m revenue annually at high margin - see also DW etc

People have no idea of the concept of what a watch costs to make - so $100 watch seems a fair price even if it costs $6-10 landed.

I used to share an office building with a very well known high street watch brand. They used to have a sample sale for their neighbours every year. They'd sell their watches with an RRP of about £150 for £5 to £10.

Some of my colleagues got so excited they'd buy 20 of the fucking things. They were utter tat, not even worth a tenner. Knowing that I collect watches, those guys could not understand why I didn't want one. Would have been rude to point out how utterly appalling value those watches were.

Anyway, the point I am getting to in a circuitous way, is that there are a lot of people out there who think they are buying high quality timepieces when dealing with these brands. There is demand for that particular type of product. We also shouldn't forget that £100 is a lot of money to a lot of people. Its kind of a shame that they fall for the marketing guff.

Although I wonder how the margins on these watches compare to Rolex, etc?

Obviously a much better watch but I imagine the marketing spend is absolutely outrageous and someone is paying for that.

Yeah, it did cross my mind that its pretty much the same at all levels of Horology.

This is why I am enjoying kickstarter projects like Alkin. Well made and interesting watches that aren't YAS (yet another Seiko) for less than £200.

Love having this Aerospace back on my wrist. It's so light even on bracelet, it's like its not even there. It's quite nice not having to set the time when changing watch, too. #quartzlife

@Stonehedge have you had yours delivered and how/when did you hear about Alkin? Looks pretty impressive on their kickstarter page. I would have pledged for one but I think funding is closed now as they have hit their target.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/charliefowler/the-alkin-model-one-automatic-watch

I love mine. Its one of my favorite purchases of 2018. Will post a photo in a bit.

Alkin have a few model ones left and were going to open a web shop some time this month I think. The best way to keep up with what they are doing is to follow them on Instagram.

They've just posted a render of a possible Alkin Model 2. Its a super comp tribute with internal bezel. I'll certainly be buying one if it happens. Looks awesome.