Quote:
Originally Posted by
academe 
I am not entirely sure I agree. I think many of the great houses could - in some interpretations - be accussed of incrementalism; the other view is that these changes represent subtle evolutions of core and beloved designs. Lots of viewer subjectivity comes into play in either case. For example, I wasn't particularly thrilled by APs 'updated' ROs last year. I still believe that 39mm is probably the optimum case size, and don't really 'get' the new 37 and 41 case sizes. The only 'new' offering I really liked was the re-issued Jumbo, but still wouldn't buy one because its still too similar to my Dualtime for me to fork out the cash for it.
I suppose my interest in the new Diver stems for the fact that I've come to think of it as the latest successor to the original RO, and have been keen to see how it evolved. The ceramic case is a nice addition to the range and will make it very different from a tactile and visual perspective.
Actually have been wishing that AP would revise their Edward Piguet offerings. Have often felt that was the least developed line...
I agree that many great watch companies practice incrementalism and current designs slowly evolve. There is nothing wrong with that. Rolex has done that for a long time and one of the benefits is that models do not look dated in just 5 years or so and resale remains strong on watches like Submariners, GMTS, Daytonas, etc. I guess I just didn't see much that excited me from SIHH from any watch companies including AP.
AP does work in differnet materials, although I'm not sure I alway see a value in that, especially at the prices they charge. I can see using Titanium (very light weight, hypo alergenic for those with allergies to nickel alloys, and very durable) and I recognize thats a very tough material to work with, hence its cost is reflected when used for watches. Carbon Fiber makes sense in a racing car where weight savings combined with strength are crucial to top speed and acceleration. However, on AP's carbon watches...well to me it just cheapens the look of the watch. Much of the details of the case and bezel get lost in the black coloring, not to mention, although its just my taste I find black watches are sometimes cool looking but often remind me of inexpensive plastic watches...but thats just me. The Offshore is a great watch, its just I find many of the newer versions are just color changes (and they do way too many limited edition Offshores. If you do lots of limited editions often based on color changes, eventually they just don't seem as special). As for the new ceramic diver if you love it go for it. Its nice looking although it basically looks like their Offshore Carbon Diver other than the markings are now orange instead of yellow. I really like the diver, I just prefer in in steel with a matching bracelet....but I can see a strap would also make it a different experience than your Dual Time, which is a beauty!
I agree the Edward Piguet line is largely underdeveloped or forgotten.
. The movement is based on a JLC Reverso movement.
I do like it on a strap.
