Hi Bill, can you clarify your thoughts on Jaquet Droz movement quality? It seems from this video and the comments you don’t consider them very good, but I’m not sure why. Can you elaborate? My understanding is that they started out in the early 2000s with Frederic Piguet movements from Blancpain that they then hand finish. After their new manufacture in 2009-2010, they started using silicon balance springs. So while not Vacheron Constantin or Roger Dubuis level, wouldn’t you consider these high horology movements? Would love to get your thoughts and expertise on this. Thanks.
Basil, at the time I did that video was using ETA movements I believe, but since then I'm not sure what they have now. I got one with a Jaquet 736 from the early 2000s. Take care, Bill
Thanks Bill for your very enlightening and entertaining videos. I’ve just bought the 43mm Grande Seconde blue dial for $4.3k. It’s a very acceptable case size for my 21cm wrist and I am just blown away by the elegance of the dial and handset layout.
Jacquet Droz began as an automata maker didn't he? Or was he a watchmaker first, or just sell both products at the same time? Because the Chinese were virtually spellbound by the quality of the English clockwork products ie sophisticated, complicated, beautiful, clockwork automata. China didn't want to buy anything else from the English otherwise! They knew quality when they saw it! So yeah, Jacquet Droz was a somewhat busy automata and watch maker. And during those days in the 1700s, clockwork automata makers were considered to be celebrities, built around the quality and beauty of the novelty figurines they made...
For some reason jaquet droz are still black holes of value retention. Meanwhile FP Journe watches have taken off like a rocket. Don’t know who stole from whom but the Grande Secondes have some elements of FPJ design cues. When it comes to the Swatch Group good luck getting to the bottom of it all. It is obvious to even the casual observer that FPJ watches are technically superior and that JD watches are more focused on the classical approach to watchmaking ie refinement and aesthetics. The dials on JD watches are always dazzling. Anyways the word genius is thrown around too easily in the world of watchmaking since the technology in question is basically from the 18th century. Except for Claret he has some far out ideas and takes risks. FPJ lacks that daring. Nonetheless my tastes have changed over time and now I am working on acquiring my first Urwerk or MB&F timepiece. Even though you need a PhD to tell the time on those watches. The MAD1 was an interesting release but I was not a part of the tribe at that point so I didn’t have a crack at it.
Ivan, you have interesting decisions. The original Jaquet Droz made his fortune in China where '8' is a lucky number, and a lot of his designs reflected that. (See www.jaquet-droz.com/en/the-extraordinary-history-jaquet-droz) The newer JD reflects that. FP Journe's designs with an '8' did not copy JD nor vice versa ... to find FPJ's inspiration, look to Abraham Louis Breguet. Take care, Bill
I once purchased a Jaquet-Droz from the 1960's. Sadly, before the current revival, this great name in the history of watchmaking had gone mass market and cheap.
Hi BT! Jaquet Droz has a simple beautiful style, usually including the number '8' in their design. As for gossip, in 1750 Jaquet Droz married Marianne Sandoz; the Sandoz Family Foundation owns Parmigiani Fleurier and Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier. Take care and be safe, Bill😷
I bought the steel grand seconde and love it. Much more interesting than a sub or speed master. I like that it’s limited and I’m sure the day I run into someone else wearing one- a good chat will ensue
Jovellis, what a great way to look at a Jaquet-Droz-an interesting timepiece that will facilitate interaction between yourself and another JD owner. All of our watches and interactions should be guided by such wise sentiments. Kindest regards, Bill
Hi Bill, I'm planning to buy a Jaquet Droz Tonneau GMT, but before doing it, I'd like to hear from you that this brand is really doing high horology, and don't want anymore a ETA movement, so are you confident that they are not using ETA movements? Thank you! Do you think they are at Parmigiani's level?
WatchArtSci that one! What do you think? It’s a good deal? Considering it has box and papers but I didn’t find that model on its web site (the ones on its website are just amazing)
Hi Javier, Jaquet Droz is owned by Swatch, while Parmigiani Fleurier watches are designed by Michel Parmigiani and produced by Vaucher, all part of the the Sandoz Family Foundation company named after Michel Parmigiani They produce a High Horology, much undervalued watch. (Parmigiani Fleurier won 2! Grand Prix awards in 2017) The Jaquet Droz is being sold by a seller who is either unintentionally (or intentionally) misrepresenting the movement; hoping the buyer is clueless. 1) The movement is a La Joux-Perret 736xx (possibly a 7369), but it is not a Jaquet Droz manufactured movement. Originally, it was designed and produced by Jean-Pierre Jaquet of Jaquet, SA and called the 'Jaquet 736, but Jean-Pierre had to go to jail for theft and making counterfeit Rolexes. [See here for the full story: ruclips.net/video/fudQ7HqLs4I/видео.html ]. Now, 'Jaquet' is a common name in Switzerland and France, like González (my wife's maiden name) is in the United States, Spain and Mexico. There is absolutely no relationship between Jaquet Droz and Jean-Pierre Jaquet (or his former company, Jaquet, SA).So, for this particular watch, we're taking about Standard Horology. 2) There appears to be a chip in the glass, but that may be due to the protective covering and the lighting. Ask for him to send a picture that shows the glass without the protective covering. 3) He's got that same watch for sale on eBay for more and decided to drop the price on Chrono24. -Having said all of that, I have the Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece with exactly the same movement-I call it my 'Outlaw' watch since the movement was designed and produced by a convicted thief and counterfeiter. Jean-Pierre is out of prison now but has been banned from Swiss watchmaking and owes the Swiss over a half million dollars (...CHF). However, I have to admit that his movement (Jaquet 736...) is an excellent one, and the watch you are looking at might someday join my 'outlaw' collection, but not at the $2,700 asking price...I'd offer around $1,200. (I offered half of the asking price for my ML, and they snatched up the offer and sent me the watch.) Further I'd demand to see a picture of the watch with the covering removed. First, though, check out the video I made in the link above. Good hunting, Bill
@@watchartsci what amazing answer Bill! I just saw your video with the full story and I was planning to buy it today but I'm not buying this watch anymore, you're a real watch expert... Thank you for help and maybe I should be looking a Jeager LeCoultre or Parmigiani in place. Best regards. Eliott Olmedo
I find it very disappointing that a watchmaker take their high horology skill specifically target a group of rich Chinese people to sell more of their watch. Maybe I'm overreacting but it's a huge turn off for me.
Hi Sam, I know what you mean, but that was a very different time, and Bovet also got it's start with the Chinese Emperor and his court. I don't think you're overreaching, but it's important you put it in historical context. Kindest regards, Bill
so the question is between JD and Patek, given the fact that Patek is so boring with the loss of touch on what beauty means today, which one do you go for? I am fascinated by JD and Grubel but you just ruined JD for me after having said that they really have no pedigree.
Sorry about ruining Jaquet-Droz for you, but cheer up: after the 'quartz crisis' none of the continuity for any of the watch companies was exactly the same. If you look at companies like Bovet, H. Moser et Cie and Moritz Grossmann, you will find that they maintained the quality and 'DNA' that was introduced in the 18th and 19th Centuries, while some with an apparent continuity in other watch companies was more apparent than real. Cheers, Bill
Hi Eugene, of course it is! Our entire hobby is based on myths, fables, slogans, and golden bluster. When a $20 Quartz can out-perform a $100,000 Philippe Dufour, we live in the happiest of ignorance and constantly discuss it. Now, what particular superstition would you like to discuss? Kindest regards, Bill
Complicated ,nteresting video and brand.Although personally I liked the dials a lot It didn't sound that you found the usual movements terribly exciting .So I am less interested in obtaining one.
Hi Galja, yeah you're right. To me the Jaque-Droz has an interesting design and history, and I'd like to see a more interesting movement. Kindest regards Bill
Hey Tim, I'm really glad you found it useful. As soon as your get your Jacquet Droz, we get first dibs for posting it on FB High Horology Forum!! Kindest regards, Bill
I love the tip you suggested on the Hermes Dressage Quantieme, the weight & size is fantastic, that said I've read the biggest complaint on Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde is the size on the wrist, 43mm case for a dress watch, what say you?
Good point Jim. I have a 7.5 inch wrist which is considered average. (Larger than about 61% of men.) My Bovet 1822 19Thirty Fleurier is 43mm, and it fits fine as a dress watch. So I'd have no problem with the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde even though I don't consider my wrists that big. (I bought a "size large" replacement band for my Harry Winston and had to add an extra strap hole.) My L. Leroy is 42mm. My favorite size is between 38-40, but a few mm's here and there don't seem to make a difference. Cheers, Bill
Great Intro Music ... Shades of Liberace ... Your Female Subbies Will Love It ... Looking at Jaquet Droz Timepieces is like walking through the Louvre Museum admiring Great Works of Art from the Masters ... & the Orange Koi Fish are exactly like the ones floating around the Chinese restaurant I eat at ... Fascinating, all the Haute Horology none of us know about except You ... I estimate at least 1,000 watch companies in the world today (am I close, can't find data on this) & guess-timate 10 % of American collectors buy expensive Haute Horology with 90 % buying Quartz (from your Broad Experience, am I even close ?) Keep Casting Pearls to us Beginner Collectors & Dreamers, as Knowledge is the key to success & who knows ... Oh & by the way, Incredible Informative Video ! Major Jim, USMC
I'm glad you liked the music--I was introduced to classical music by an old jarhead friend from college. How is your ML working out? Big time HH addicts like me and you probably make up less than 1% of 1% of the watch-buying public. Am at the WatchTime show in NYC--talk about the King Solomon's diamond mine of watches!!! There's no end to it Jim; we're all (happily) doomed! Kindest regards Bill
"CAN'T WAIT" To Hear your experiences in Big Apple where I grew up for 20 years before becoming a Jarhead for 23 years & meeting a gorgeous Army Nurse Captain in the Gulf War in Saudi 1991 (careful about wearing your best Stuff out in public) & Learn some of what you learned & saw on your Solomon's Mines Adventure, as you know by now that you are an Outstanding Communicator & Teacher ... My "Grail" Lacroix Masterpiece Retro Calendar gold 43mm still remains the Centerpiece of my Beginner's collection, HOWEVER a New Arrival Swiss Quartz "Geneve" gold link bracelet 35mm is giving the ML a good run for it's money ... As you say, "We Are (Happily) Doomed" But What A Way To Go (Sinatra would be Proud of us as We Did It Our Way). Waiting In Anticipation, Major Jim, USMC
Going to be a little late with the Sunday video as I bring together as much as possible from the show and get back to my tools in Connecticut. Cheers, Bill
Those watches look like some surrealistic painting from Dali. I guess that is a good thing. Other than that, it's hard to say anything, because it feels like one has to have a very particular acquired taste for something like this.
Frantisek Kurcik individuality they’ve a number I like, but the best ones are for women. Their Astral watches are guy watches. (Get one for your wife!) Cheers Bill
Bill,thanks for your sharing and your time spent on the research. This morning i just took the plunge with a VC and have to admit that my decision was more or less influenced by watching your vids.
Hi Bill sir great info as we always get from yourself 👍I've never heard of this maker till today .The Grande seconde looks like a beautiful piece and as you say China is a potentially vast market place for swatch group I know the Chinese are really superstitious about numbers and now you mentioned it I can't unsee the snowman figure 8. A lot to try and absorb so I'll see you sunday.👍 Thanks
Paul Brady Hey Paul thanks man! Jaquet Droz was literally resurrected by Swatch for the Chinese market and so the marketing focus has been in Asia. We rarely see ads here-same with Bovet. Cheers Bill
Very educational as always Bill. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on some of these soon. I think their automata are in a world of their own. When I watched one of their videos and the watch maker was using her finger nail as a pallet for her paints, it blew my mind. Are their any other watchmakers out their doing anything similar? I also liked your comparison between JD and Bovet.
Hey Time Talk, thanks man!! You know, that's a good question about other companies doing automata. I just don't know. Bovet does the great grand feu and so does Vacheron Constantin and both have great artistic work in their watches, but other than a few limited editions (usually for the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève) I know of no other than regularly does automata. I'll check and see if I can find more. Kindest regards, Bill
Nice introduction Bill, I didn't know about the chinese connection. Automatas were an early form of programming and robotics, for no other purpose than to amuse as toys. The creative mind is youthful and playful. As for the modern ones, I like their sober and simple eclipse watches.
Hey Roman...happy I didn't get shot for my mangled French...but I don't give up!!! I sort of miss programming and I might do some things with it from a retired perspective. I don't like the UI for the iPhone or Android app development tools, but I probably should just start working with them and create an app...for something. Reminds me! I've got a 2017 edition of the book I sent you. I'll shoot it along. Kindest regards, Bill
Hi Bill, if you build an app make it very playful or very useful as you feel like to ! Again, many thanks for the book, I read some of it yesterday, I mostly remember the Lagos bank email part. These days I need to improve in Visual Basic for some very basic but very usefull stuff ah ah.
Extreemely interesting subject! THX!!
Hi Bill, can you clarify your thoughts on Jaquet Droz movement quality? It seems from this video and the comments you don’t consider them very good, but I’m not sure why. Can you elaborate?
My understanding is that they started out in the early 2000s with Frederic Piguet movements from Blancpain that they then hand finish. After their new manufacture in 2009-2010, they started using silicon balance springs. So while not Vacheron Constantin or Roger Dubuis level, wouldn’t you consider these high horology movements? Would love to get your thoughts and expertise on this. Thanks.
Basil, at the time I did that video was using ETA movements I believe, but since then I'm not sure what they have now. I got one with a Jaquet 736 from the early 2000s. Take care, Bill
@@watchartsci thank you very much
Thanks Bill for your very enlightening and entertaining videos. I’ve just bought the 43mm Grande Seconde blue dial for $4.3k. It’s a very acceptable case size for my 21cm wrist and I am just blown away by the elegance of the dial and handset layout.
Hi Paul, you got the Jaquet Droz belu Grande Seconde! Nice! Take care, Bill
@@watchartsci thanks Bill and the kind sentiments are reciprocated
Jacquet Droz began as an automata maker didn't he? Or was he a watchmaker first, or just sell both products at the same time?
Because the Chinese were virtually spellbound by the quality of the English clockwork products ie sophisticated, complicated, beautiful, clockwork automata. China didn't want to buy anything else from the English otherwise! They knew quality when they saw it! So yeah, Jacquet Droz was a somewhat busy automata and watch maker.
And during those days in the 1700s, clockwork automata makers were considered to be celebrities, built around the quality and beauty of the novelty figurines they made...
🤔
For some reason jaquet droz are still black holes of value retention. Meanwhile FP Journe watches have taken off like a rocket. Don’t know who stole from whom but the Grande Secondes have some elements of FPJ design cues. When it comes to the Swatch Group good luck getting to the bottom of it all.
It is obvious to even the casual observer that FPJ watches are technically superior and that JD watches are more focused on the classical approach to watchmaking ie refinement and aesthetics. The dials on JD watches are always dazzling.
Anyways the word genius is thrown around too easily in the world of watchmaking since the technology in question is basically from the 18th century.
Except for Claret he has some far out ideas and takes risks. FPJ lacks that daring.
Nonetheless my tastes have changed over time and now I am working on acquiring my first Urwerk or MB&F timepiece. Even though you need a PhD to tell the time on those watches. The MAD1 was an interesting release but I was not a part of the tribe at that point so I didn’t have a crack at it.
Ivan, you have interesting decisions. The original Jaquet Droz made his fortune in China where '8' is a lucky number, and a lot of his designs reflected that. (See www.jaquet-droz.com/en/the-extraordinary-history-jaquet-droz) The newer JD reflects that. FP Journe's designs with an '8' did not copy JD nor vice versa ... to find FPJ's inspiration, look to Abraham Louis Breguet. Take care, Bill
@@watchartsci indeed there are no original ideas left in the world of watchmaking.
It is much like the world of the “audiophile”.
I once purchased a Jaquet-Droz from the 1960's. Sadly, before the current revival, this great name in the history of watchmaking had gone mass market and cheap.
WatchArtSci, at 2:13 I would definitely add to the list (even before Claret and Harbring) Urwerk and MB&F
It's just a sampling Alexander, but in a larger context the Urwerk and MB&F would certainly fit. Take care and be safe, Bill 😷
One of my favorite watch houses!
Hi BT! Jaquet Droz has a simple beautiful style, usually including the number '8' in their design. As for gossip, in 1750 Jaquet Droz married Marianne Sandoz; the Sandoz Family Foundation owns Parmigiani Fleurier and Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier. Take care and be safe, Bill😷
I bought the steel grand seconde and love it. Much more interesting than a sub or speed master. I like that it’s limited and I’m sure the day I run into someone else wearing one- a good chat will ensue
Jovellis, what a great way to look at a Jaquet-Droz-an interesting timepiece that will facilitate interaction between yourself and another JD owner. All of our watches and interactions should be guided by such wise sentiments. Kindest regards, Bill
WatchArtSci love your videos! You always take a deeper look at the brands and cover more interesting pieces! Keep it up!
Hi Bill, I'm planning to buy a Jaquet Droz Tonneau GMT, but before doing it, I'd like to hear from you that this brand is really doing high horology, and don't want anymore a ETA movement, so are you confident that they are not using ETA movements? Thank you! Do you think they are at Parmigiani's level?
Hi Javier ... Is this the one you plan to buy? www.chrono24.com/jaquetdroz/tonneau-gmt-black-dial-new--id9440693.htm let me know... Cheers, Bill
WatchArtSci that one! What do you think? It’s a good deal? Considering it has box and papers but I didn’t find that model on its web site (the ones on its website are just amazing)
Hi Javier, Jaquet Droz is owned by Swatch, while Parmigiani Fleurier watches are designed by Michel Parmigiani and produced by Vaucher, all part of the the Sandoz Family Foundation company named after Michel Parmigiani They produce a High Horology, much undervalued watch. (Parmigiani Fleurier won 2! Grand Prix awards in 2017) The Jaquet Droz is being sold by a seller who is either unintentionally (or intentionally) misrepresenting the movement; hoping the buyer is clueless. 1) The movement is a La Joux-Perret 736xx (possibly a 7369), but it is not a Jaquet Droz manufactured movement. Originally, it was designed and produced by Jean-Pierre Jaquet of Jaquet, SA and called the 'Jaquet 736, but Jean-Pierre had to go to jail for theft and making counterfeit Rolexes. [See here for the full story: ruclips.net/video/fudQ7HqLs4I/видео.html ]. Now, 'Jaquet' is a common name in Switzerland and France, like González (my wife's maiden name) is in the United States, Spain and Mexico. There is absolutely no relationship between Jaquet Droz and Jean-Pierre Jaquet (or his former company, Jaquet, SA).So, for this particular watch, we're taking about Standard Horology. 2) There appears to be a chip in the glass, but that may be due to the protective covering and the lighting. Ask for him to send a picture that shows the glass without the protective covering. 3) He's got that same watch for sale on eBay for more and decided to drop the price on Chrono24.
-Having said all of that, I have the Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece with exactly the same movement-I call it my 'Outlaw' watch since the movement was designed and produced by a convicted thief and counterfeiter. Jean-Pierre is out of prison now but has been banned from Swiss watchmaking and owes the Swiss over a half million dollars (...CHF). However, I have to admit that his movement (Jaquet 736...) is an excellent one, and the watch you are looking at might someday join my 'outlaw' collection, but not at the $2,700 asking price...I'd offer around $1,200. (I offered half of the asking price for my ML, and they snatched up the offer and sent me the watch.) Further I'd demand to see a picture of the watch with the covering removed. First, though, check out the video I made in the link above.
Good hunting,
Bill
@@watchartsci what amazing answer Bill! I just saw your video with the full story and I was planning to buy it today but I'm not buying this watch anymore, you're a real watch expert... Thank you for help and maybe I should be looking a Jeager LeCoultre or Parmigiani in place.
Best regards.
Eliott Olmedo
I find it very disappointing that a watchmaker take their high horology skill specifically target a group of rich Chinese people to sell more of their watch. Maybe I'm overreacting but it's a huge turn off for me.
Hi Sam, I know what you mean, but that was a very different time, and Bovet also got it's start with the Chinese Emperor and his court. I don't think you're overreaching, but it's important you put it in historical context. Kindest regards, Bill
so the question is between JD and Patek, given the fact that Patek is so boring with the loss of touch on what beauty means today, which one do you go for? I am fascinated by JD and Grubel but you just ruined JD for me after having said that they really have no pedigree.
Sorry about ruining Jaquet-Droz for you, but cheer up: after the 'quartz crisis' none of the continuity for any of the watch companies was exactly the same. If you look at companies like Bovet, H. Moser et Cie and Moritz Grossmann, you will find that they maintained the quality and 'DNA' that was introduced in the 18th and 19th Centuries, while some with an apparent continuity in other watch companies was more apparent than real. Cheers, Bill
Come on Bill, superstition is borne out of ignorance.
Hi Eugene, of course it is! Our entire hobby is based on myths, fables, slogans, and golden bluster. When a $20 Quartz can out-perform a $100,000 Philippe Dufour, we live in the happiest of ignorance and constantly discuss it. Now, what particular superstition would you like to discuss? Kindest regards, Bill
Magnificent
Hey Akim, thanks man! Jaquet-Droz is an under-the-radar brand. I'm happy to hear you appreciate them. Kindest regards, Bill
Complicated ,nteresting video and brand.Although personally I liked the dials a lot It didn't sound that you found the usual movements terribly exciting .So I am less interested in obtaining one.
Hi Galja, yeah you're right. To me the Jaque-Droz has an interesting design and history, and I'd like to see a more interesting movement. Kindest regards Bill
Could you make more videos about Jaquet Droz ?
Moritz, they're a pretty small brand right now, but I'll see what I can do. Kindest regards, Bill
Bill, that was a really interesting and informative video. What a complicated history!
Hey Tim, I'm really glad you found it useful. As soon as your get your Jacquet Droz, we get first dibs for posting it on FB High Horology Forum!! Kindest regards, Bill
I love the tip you suggested on the Hermes Dressage Quantieme, the weight & size is fantastic, that said I've read the biggest complaint on Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde is the size on the wrist, 43mm case for a dress watch, what say you?
Good point Jim. I have a 7.5 inch wrist which is considered average. (Larger than about 61% of men.) My Bovet 1822 19Thirty Fleurier is 43mm, and it fits fine as a dress watch. So I'd have no problem with the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde even though I don't consider my wrists that big. (I bought a "size large" replacement band for my Harry Winston and had to add an extra strap hole.) My L. Leroy is 42mm. My favorite size is between 38-40, but a few mm's here and there don't seem to make a difference. Cheers, Bill
Great Intro Music ... Shades of Liberace ... Your Female Subbies Will Love It ... Looking at Jaquet Droz Timepieces is like walking through the Louvre Museum admiring Great Works of Art from the Masters ... & the Orange Koi Fish are exactly like the ones floating around the Chinese restaurant I eat at ... Fascinating, all the Haute Horology none of us know about except You ... I estimate at least 1,000 watch companies in the world today (am I close, can't find data on this) & guess-timate 10 % of American collectors buy expensive Haute Horology with 90 % buying Quartz (from your Broad Experience, am I even close ?) Keep Casting Pearls to us Beginner Collectors & Dreamers, as Knowledge is the key to success & who knows ... Oh & by the way, Incredible Informative Video ! Major Jim, USMC
I'm glad you liked the music--I was introduced to classical music by an old jarhead friend from college. How is your ML working out? Big time HH addicts like me and you probably make up less than 1% of 1% of the watch-buying public. Am at the WatchTime show in NYC--talk about the King Solomon's diamond mine of watches!!! There's no end to it Jim; we're all (happily) doomed! Kindest regards Bill
"CAN'T WAIT" To Hear your experiences in Big Apple where I grew up for 20 years before becoming a Jarhead for 23 years & meeting a gorgeous Army Nurse Captain in the Gulf War in Saudi 1991 (careful about wearing your best Stuff out in public) & Learn some of what you learned & saw on your Solomon's Mines Adventure, as you know by now that you are an Outstanding Communicator & Teacher ... My "Grail" Lacroix Masterpiece Retro Calendar gold 43mm still remains the Centerpiece of my Beginner's collection, HOWEVER a New Arrival Swiss Quartz "Geneve" gold link bracelet 35mm is giving the ML a good run for it's money ... As you say, "We Are (Happily) Doomed" But What A Way To Go (Sinatra would be Proud of us as We Did It Our Way). Waiting In Anticipation, Major Jim, USMC
Going to be a little late with the Sunday video as I bring together as much as possible from the show and get back to my tools in Connecticut. Cheers, Bill
The Trip to the WatchTalk Show is now on RUclips! I am very much looking forward to your comments!! Cheers, Bill
Those watches look like some surrealistic painting from Dali. I guess that is a good thing. Other than that, it's hard to say anything, because it feels like one has to have a very particular acquired taste for something like this.
Frantisek Kurcik individuality they’ve a number I like, but the best ones are for women. Their Astral watches are guy watches. (Get one for your wife!) Cheers Bill
Bill,thanks for your sharing and your time spent on the research.
This morning i just took the plunge with a VC and have to admit that my decision was more or less influenced by watching your vids.
Hey thanks Willie!! What VC did you get? Cheers, Bill
It is Les Historiques YG 91001. Cheers, Willie
Hi Bill sir great info as we always get from yourself 👍I've never heard of this maker till today .The Grande seconde looks like a beautiful piece and as you say China is a potentially vast market place for swatch group I know the Chinese are really superstitious about numbers and now you mentioned it I can't unsee the snowman figure 8. A lot to try and absorb so I'll see you sunday.👍 Thanks
Paul Brady Hey Paul thanks man! Jaquet Droz was literally resurrected by Swatch for the Chinese market and so the marketing focus has been in Asia. We rarely see ads here-same with Bovet. Cheers Bill
Very educational as always Bill. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on some of these soon. I think their automata are in a world of their own. When I watched one of their videos and the watch maker was using her finger nail as a pallet for her paints, it blew my mind. Are their any other watchmakers out their doing anything similar? I also liked your comparison between JD and Bovet.
Hey Time Talk, thanks man!! You know, that's a good question about other companies doing automata. I just don't know. Bovet does the great grand feu and so does Vacheron Constantin and both have great artistic work in their watches, but other than a few limited editions (usually for the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève) I know of no other than regularly does automata. I'll check and see if I can find more. Kindest regards, Bill
Nice introduction Bill, I didn't know about the chinese connection. Automatas were an early form of programming and robotics, for no other purpose than to amuse as toys. The creative mind is youthful and playful. As for the modern ones, I like their sober and simple eclipse watches.
Hey Roman...happy I didn't get shot for my mangled French...but I don't give up!!! I sort of miss programming and I might do some things with it from a retired perspective. I don't like the UI for the iPhone or Android app development tools, but I probably should just start working with them and create an app...for something. Reminds me! I've got a 2017 edition of the book I sent you. I'll shoot it along. Kindest regards, Bill
Hi Bill, if you build an app make it very playful or very useful as you feel like to ! Again, many thanks for the book, I read some of it yesterday, I mostly remember the Lagos bank email part. These days I need to improve in Visual Basic for some very basic but very usefull stuff ah ah.
For starters I want to build a framework for easy-ads. Then I'll make a game once I make some money...or...spend all of it on more watches!!