Rose gold watch-picture included

Originally Posted by rip

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Actually, much less, as does Infiniti, both of which are frequently referred to (with some accuracy) as rebadged Toyotas and Nissans. This has little, if anything, to do with quality, only with the perception of quality. I'm not sure if it is generally known outside of the watch collecting community, but the original reason for requiring "Swiss Made" on watches being sold in the US was so they couldn't be sold as a (much superior) American watch (this was in the mid-19th, early 20th Century). That said, with the exception of one or two German watchmakers, there's no one in the world who comes even close to the quality of the best of the Swiss houses, i.e., Patek, Vacheron, JLC, Rolex (on their better days).
Audemars Piguet.

Originally Posted by LabelKing

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Audemars Piguet.

I'd also include Paul Gerber, Harry Winston (the Opus collection), Vianny Halter, Phillipe Dufour.

edit: Rolex is a great sports watch company with a great history and many innovations still used today by the watch industry, that being said, they are not on the level of Patek, JLC and Vacheron in terms of finishing and refinement.

Originally Posted by edmorel

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Phillipe Dufour.

I dream of Simplicity.

Or even simpler : Have the latter, will probably be getting the former (hopefully soon). P.s. who is Dufour's current employer? Or is he heading his own outfit?

Just came across this on WUS; someone was asking for info on the manufacturer... TSINLIEN SeaGull CO.,LTD

Skalogre, thanks for the repairs link (Sputnik Group LLC? Hah!). I love the styling of the Seagull tourbillon, but don't think I have enough of an appreciation to spend $800+ on a watch right now. What do similar Swiss watches go for?

Jon, if I said "don't buy inferior shoes," what would that mean to you, and would you comply? I see this as the AE of watches--acceptable, useful, stylish, but nothing fancy. Price is about the same too.

Tom

Originally Posted by skalogre

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who is Dufour's current employer? Or is he heading his own outfit?
Philippe is running his own super prestigious watch making business since 1989. Before that he did some special work for AP. Previously he used to be an employee of JLC and later AP. He's a remarkable man and his watches are an incredible sight to behold for those who know how to handle a watch maker's loupe. The level of finishing of his watches can only be found on watches that are more than 100 years old.

I believe Dufour used to restore antique pocket watches.

As for watch craftsmanship, I feel that watches from the 18th century to the late 19th century had the best workmanship especially with the technology they had to work with.

Originally Posted by LabelKing

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I believe Dufour used to restore antique pocket watches.
True, when he started his own business he initially made his money with the restauration of old (and complicated) pocket watches. He says that he learned a huge deal from this work. He also designed and produced I think five (inherently highly complicated) grandes sonneries for AP at that time.

As for watch craftsmanship, I feel that watches from the 18th century to the late 19th century had the best workmanship especially with the technology they had to work with.

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Sorry, but this sounds like one of those statements that are so typical for SF or even moreso for AA, being along the line of "in the past everything was better anyhow ...". How tiresome and unreflected! As far as the finish of the movements of his watches go, Philippe is using the exact same technology used hundreds of years ago. He takes pride in that and it might be worth a consideration to give the man the respect he deserves by finding out about it first, before his achievements are simply wiped away with the hollow statement of a person who's helplessly trapped in the past and frivolously dismissing the presence.

Originally Posted by sysdoc

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Sorry, but this sounds like one of those statements that are so typical for SF or even moreso for AA, being along the line of "in the past everything was better anyhow ...". How tiresome and unreflected!

As far as the finish of the movements of his watches go, Philippe is using the exact same technology used hundreds of years ago. He takes pride in that and it might be worth a consideration to give the man the respect he deserves by finding out about it first, before his achievements are simply wiped away with the hollow statement of a person who's helplessly trapped in the past and frivolously dismissing the presence.
I am aware of Dufour's methods of production which he takes pride in. He even makes the buckle. My comment was about vintage/antique watches in general and how their quality was exceptional using what methods they had. Of course, what I like is the tradition of a product, not any of that plastic marketing companies use these days. If modern counterparts could produce an item of quality and tradition I would gladly patronize the firms. I am a marketer's nightmare and am not some curmudgeon; in fact, I am probably younger than you are. But then I also like the Post-Modernization of tradition, Comme des Garcons and Vivienne Westwood with circa 1820 pocket watches or 29mm Vacheron wristwatches, using 1920s shagreen cigarette cases and am an admirer of the S&M portraits of Pierre Molinier as well as the portraits of Velasquez. Stores like G.Lorenzi or what used to be di Renza's Dunhill Heritage shop entice me.

Originally Posted by sysdoc

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Philippe is running his own super prestigious watch making business since 1989. Before that he did some special work for AP. Previously he used to be an employee of JLC and later AP.

He's a remarkable man and his watches are an incredible sight to behold for those who know how to handle a watch maker's loupe. The level of finishing of his watches can only be found on watches that are more than 100 years old.

Well, I'll probably never own a Dufour given the wait (a few years and he is no spring chicken!) and price. I will gladly settle for whom i consider the poor man's Dufour with a bit more modern twist, Michael Parmigiani. He also has a great appreciation for the past and his Hebdomaire Forma watch just screams at me.

Originally Posted by tiger02

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Skalogre, thanks for the repairs link (Sputnik Group LLC? Hah!). I love the styling of the Seagull tourbillon, but don't think I have enough of an appreciation to spend $800+ on a watch right now. What do similar Swiss watches go for? Jon, if I said "don't buy inferior shoes," what would that mean to you, and would you comply? I see this as the AE of watches--acceptable, useful, stylish, but nothing fancy. Price is about the same too. Tom
What Seagull tourbillion? I did not see it ! Link please? Edit: Similar swiss tourbillions? Hmm, probably enough to buy a new BMW M3, lol. Edit 2: If the tourbillion you are referring to, Tom, is the picture I posted, that is not actually a tourbillion but just an open heart Seagull (I believe with the same ST19 movement). I would not want to sell my kendo and iaido gear to afford a watch anyway, lol!

Originally Posted by Tomasso

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I am very happy with my Seagull watch.

Is this a Seagull seagull, or just a seagull?

Here is a picture of what Seagull calls a "real Tourbillon"--from the catalogue of course.



If you want, I can take a picture of the real thing when I go to pick up my watch (an automatic stainless ladies skeleton watch with navy details and a navy croc band) on Wednesday. Just tell me what to look for--I don't know very much about watches.

Seagull also makes a Tourbillon skeleton watch, that is beautiful, very slim and sleek looking, in rose gold.

I am curious where you bought your Seagull watch, I have been thinking about getting one of their skelton watches, but I haven't been able to find much information about them besides pictures, let alone anywhere that sells them (or even better see one in person before buying).

-jim