The Watch Appreciation Thread (Reviews and Photos of Men's Timepieces by Rolex, Patek Philippe, Brei

Teacher · Jun 12, 2008

Originally Posted by dopey

Then I am wearing now (and most days) an old knit tie watch - A Minerva made for the TZ forum.

This is it, though not mine, and I replaced the worn original strap with a shell strap in more or less the same color.

Here is the story from where I stole the picture.

I like. I also like the idea of a shell strap on this one, as long as it doesn't have that big "U" pattern of stitching often seen on older shell straps (which I think belongs on less dressy watches).

dopey · Jun 12, 2008

Originally Posted by Teacher

I like. I also like the idea of a shell strap on this one, as long as it doesn't have that big "U" pattern of stitching often seen on older shell straps (which I think belongs on less dressy watches).
Thanks. I don't know what you mean by "U" pattern of stitching. The stitching on my strap is almost identical to the original Minerva OEM strap, except the stitches on the shell strap are white and there are some minor differences in the way the keepers and buckle-end are stitched. (For completeness, I bought mine at the Alden shop in NY and it is stamped Horween Shell Cordovan (not Alden); I wish it was unlined, since the point of shell was to avoid the rot that afflicts leather straps worn in the summer, but it is not.)

Tomasso · Jun 12, 2008

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

The simplicity is very appealing.

I concur!

Teacher · Jun 12, 2008

Originally Posted by dopey

I don't know what you mean by "U" pattern of stitching.

A lot of older shell straps were unlined, and the pin ends were simply closed by folding over a flap and sewing it there in a U-shaped pattern. It can be seen in this current eBay auction. I like it for some watches, but not for really simple, dressy ones.

Teacher · Jun 12, 2008

Originally Posted by Tomasso

I concur!

Ooooh...pretty.

dopey · Jun 12, 2008

Originally Posted by Teacher

A lot of older shell straps were unlined, and the pin ends were simply closed by folding over a flap and sewing it there in a U-shaped pattern. It can be seen in this current eBay auction. I like it for some watches, but not for really simple, dressy ones.

Got it. I agree that it looks pretty unattractive for a non-sport watch. It think it would look pretty good with an aviator dial, though.

wowz · Jun 12, 2008

nice watch right there...

LabelKing · Jun 12, 2008

I've never gotten the appeal of the Dufour watches. They are completely hand-made yes, but so were a lot of other watches; or rather, some modern watches are also completely hand-made, say George Daniels.

RJman · Jun 12, 2008

Originally Posted by LabelKing

I've never gotten the appeal of the Dufour watches. They are completely hand-made yes, but so were a lot of other watches; or rather, some modern watches are also completely hand-made, say George Daniels.
Aren't Patek, Vacheron and Breguet all completely hand-made?

LabelKing · Jun 12, 2008

Originally Posted by RJman

Aren't Patek, Vacheron and Breguet all completely hand-made?
Only a Kiton-fan would believe that. The special part of Dufour is that he makes everything himself, I believe, from the screws to the dial. Very traditional.

Coho · Jun 12, 2008

Very few watches are 100% handmade. It's all machined made and the only "handmade" aspects include assembly, finishing, and regulation.

Originally Posted by RJman

Aren't Patek, Vacheron and Breguet all completely hand-made?

LabelKing · Jun 12, 2008

Originally Posted by Coho

Very few watches are 100% handmade. It's all machined made and the only "handmade" aspects include assembly, finishing, and regulation.
The Swiss and the Americans were the big proponents of what would be considered machine-made. They effectively killed off the British watch industry, who still insisted upon finishing and making movements individually. I think there's still a bit of snobbery regarding that today.

Teacher · Jun 12, 2008

Originally Posted by LabelKing

The Swiss and the Americans were the big proponents of what would be considered machine-made. They effectively killed off the British watch industry, who still insisted upon finishing and making EVERYTHING individually.

It is the British way!

LabelKing · Jun 12, 2008

Originally Posted by Teacher

It is the British way!

Remarkably, the industry managed to last until WWII.

I've read about someone owning a large keywind fusee pocketwatch made in 1926.

bcate3 · Jun 12, 2008

Like that watch, Dopey. Minerva was acquired by Richemont a couple of years ago and was to become a supplier for Montblanc’s watches. There was a rumour that Minerva would supply watches for the Ralph Lauren/Richemont joint venture. Anyone know if that ever happened?

The Watch Appreciation Thread (Reviews and Photos of Men's Timepieces by Rolex, Patek Philippe, Brei

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