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SJX poses a thought-provoking question, asking the community to identify the horological equivalent of the Concorde. He frames the Concorde as an iconic, ahead-of-its-time marvel that, despite its beauty and recognition, didn't fundamentally alter its industry or spawn a new generation of similar innovations. This prompts a fascinating discussion among collectors about watches that share these unique characteristics.
The Concorde flew for 27 years and in its time became an icon of air travel, a glance into the future. 20 were built at such immense cost, plus the plane cost so much to operate, that it never really made money.
Yet the Concorde never really went anywhere; it didn't change the industry, neither did it spawn a new generation of supersonic jetliners. Today's A380 and Boeing Dreamliner owe more to the 747 than the Concorde. But the aircraft was beautiful, instantly recognisable and widely loved. It was ahead of its time.
What is its equivalent in horology?
- SJX
This message has been edited by SJX on 2009-02-09 04:59:14It's a showcase for modern technology, proving what can be done at the extreme. Based on the reworking of the escapement that UN had to do, and not really charge for, I can't imagine they are making much money on the piece long-term and I doubt it will really revolutionize watches..... Hopefully the Freak won't ingest a bird and have to stop telling time A
... introduced silicium into watchmaking, wich I am convinced will change this industry. Marcus
The Crash was never made in big numbers, and instantly recognisable as a unique piece of art ( thanks to Salvador Dali). Unconventional and unique design created by accident. Indeed watches were never made like this before. This message has been edited by VPREGULATOR on 2009-02-09 20:14:08
When I saw the title of your post I wondered for a moment, VP, if you were being serious. J However, I can see the reasons you chose the Crash and I tend to agree with you. A Paris 2000 Concorde disaster.
... as written in "Wings", the third part of the Nomes Trilogy: "Twice as fast as a bullet, and you get smoked salmon on it." But I recall another description, that much better expresses my feelings whenever I saw that plane (I am quoting purely from emory here, maybe it is wrong altogether): It appeared as if they had taken a piece of sky and shaped a plane from it. It expressed pure speed, even when standing on the ground. Regards, Marcus
The Jules Audemars Chronometer with AP Escapement...43,200 vibrations per hour. VROOOOM!!!
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