Off topic watch chat for the horologists out there

left4dead · Post by **left4dead** » Fri Oct 21, 2011 2:44 pm

I've been wearing a Zenith El Primero since 1998 and am now very taken with their new limited edition 'tribute to Charles Vermot':

http://www.zenith-watches.com/en/#/collection/flow/3/9

Not cheap - and I'm in no position to buy one at the moment - but it would certainly be a contender should my position change!

If anyone knows who Charles Vermot is I'd be grateful (I hope it's no one really obvious

).

Post by **Bootsy** » Fri Oct 21, 2011 2:46 pm

left4dead wrote:
If anyone knows who Charles Vermot is I'd be grateful (I hope it's no one really obvious ).

He (?) seems to be somebody who Zenith have launched a watch to commemorate/celebrate

Can't beat a nice El Primero - wonderful movements

left4dead · Post by **left4dead** » Fri Oct 21, 2011 3:22 pm

Bootsy wrote:
left4dead wrote:
If anyone knows who Charles Vermot is I'd be grateful (I hope it's no one really obvious ).
He (?) seems to be somebody who Zenith have launched a watch to commemorate/celebrate

Thanks Thomas - amazingly incisive.

NigelC210 · Post by **NigelC210** » Fri Oct 21, 2011 4:52 pm

Charles Vermot, the man who saved the El Primero movement...
http://justwatchingwithjamesdowling.blo ... story.html

FraserMurray · Post by **FraserMurray** » Fri Oct 21, 2011 6:54 pm

Bootsy wrote:
A Desotos Chrono. Powered by the work horse Valjoux 7750 movement. I went for this due to the TV dial shape, the 'fume' dial finish (similar to the Heuer Silverstone) and just thought it was quite funky!

Now that's nice!

left4dead · Post by **left4dead** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 9:05 am

NigelC210 wrote:Charles Vermot, the man who saved the El Primero movement...

Thanks Nigel, I'll have a read of that later - looks fascinating (great pics, too).

Tony · Post by **Tony** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 9:03 pm

Just heard George Daniels has died. Probably the greatest British watchmaker since Harrison and a great car enthusiast. Never be able to afford one of his watches tho'.

Tony

964RS · Post by **964RS** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 10:44 pm

Yeah was a sad day. Top guy.

http://www.danielslondon.com/

Bruce M · Post by **Bruce M** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 11:08 pm

I know practically nothing about watches but even I've heard of him.

Damn clever man.

Fitz · Post by **Fitz** » Sun Nov 06, 2011 9:40 am

Does anyone have any experience of, or opinions about Christopher Ward watches (christopherward.co.uk)? I recently bought a C13 Henley Chronograph. I love it and they have some other (very affordable) pieces that I like (as everyday watches, of course) and I was just curious if anyone else has come across them.

Tosh · Post by **Tosh** » Sun Nov 06, 2011 11:57 am

We have a couple

Wife has two quartz - a gap in the Ward range IMO is a mechanical ladies watch and the new range is a bit too fashionable for my liking but she wants an Emily with diamonds. A ladies dive watch (Kingfisher) and a Matisse in black with a stingray strap

I have one and a half -The Forum Ltd Edition from 2009 (based on the C20 Lido) and 2010 (which is yet to be delivered). Both will be given to my half brothers on their 16th birthdays but the 2009 gets worn every third day and if I am up early enough doesn't need a wind to kick-start it. I particularly like the fact that date/day can be adjusted separately from the hands (unlike my Rolex 1501 - which I got from (our) Dad on my 16th birthday some tiome ago!). I didn't go for the latest limited edition as I am not a fan of dive watches (or drivers, or pilots...)

Movements are decent, quality OK and as you say, difficult to fault the price although longer term CW-ers are moaning that he's moving upmarket/pricing them out. 60 day no quibble return, 60 month warranty, and they have started servicing their watches at really decent rates. Customer Service is excellent. I'd like a smaller case - and some mechanical ladies watches.

I'd buy a Rainer Brand at some of the current price points although if I had my druthers (and they did a smaller case) I'd love a Dornbluth but 42mm is a little big on my wrist

mrg3.6 · Post by **mrg3.6** » Mon Nov 07, 2011 8:49 am

A very colourful watch that Patrick Long was wearing whilst sign autographs at Rennsport IV:

Any idea what it is?

Martin

smallspeed · Post by **smallspeed** » Mon Nov 07, 2011 9:13 am

looks a bit like a corum, maybe an admirals cup?

Winston Teague · Post by **Winston Teague** » Mon Nov 07, 2011 7:18 pm

Kids Watches

My son is approaching his 6th b'day and is fascinated by clocks and time. We want to buy him a watch, clear to read, fun, cool and reasonable quality but cheap enough to wear and risk loss or damage. Have looked at Flik Flak, by Swatch but apparently straps difficult to do up and most are unclear......

Any experience advice gratefully received.

All the best, W

smallspeed · Post by **smallspeed** » Mon Nov 07, 2011 8:56 pm

I brought two last year as xmas presents for some friends kids, ended up going to argos who did a nice one with the face split in 1/2 so you knew whether it was past or to, etc. Etc.. Might be worth a look

DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker