Discussion
Dje's original post delves into the enduring appeal of 'simple' watches, contrasting them with the proliferation of complicated designs. He argues that a sublime design paired with a fantastic caliber creates a winning combination, citing examples like the Patek Philippe 5098 and A. Lange & Söhne Richard Lange. This discussion explores the philosophy behind appreciating understated horological masterpieces.
Have you ever wondered why we can be appealed by such simple watches while brands and independent watchmakers launch so many complicated designs if not watches?
I won't pretend to have true answers but I have an opinion.
Vintage time
Wrap a pure sublime design on a powerful engine, on a fantastic calibre and you get a winning combination. A Patek Philippe 5098 or a A. Lange & Söhne Richard Lange would be my easiest picks for this incarnation of simplicity. Did I write simplicity, or Simplicity? Well you see what I mean……. A modern Geophysique would be such too!
Quite probably my absolute favourite car
I chose these pictures from Steve McQueen's friend William Claxton as they nicely illustrate a perfect combination of elegance, even if sometimes of casual elegance, and coolness, a touch of simple perfection.
I must confess that I'm more and more tired by the too many (IMVHO) over-designed watches overly full of their emptiness!
Have an eye inside
Even if I can appreciate like you and like you can imagine some less simple watches (I will show a new one soon 
) I realize that the watches I appreciate on the long term are the one with really interesting calibres, be they on the outside show stoppers or not!
These two watches share a typical bridge design from the Vallee de Joux! The Master Ultra Thin still show such a design, like the Reverso GT calibre 822!
Simple elegant efficiency
I repeat myself but I hope to see someday a new JLC watch with a comparable calibre and a central second hand.
Comments
I've understood that the supposed best reason not to re-issue the Geophysique is the defined small size of the original watch. I totally disagree in fact with this supposition. Please look at the picture below and tell me if the watch looks too small for my wrist? A Geophysique is slightly larger than this one.
Small? No! Perfect.
On the contrary I would not ask for a re-edition of a pocket watch as I don't believe to any market for such a watch today, but a new larger "Geophysique" calibre could also be used in a dressier (and larger than the Geophysique) watch that could take some aesthetical hints from this pocket watch.
3, 9, 12 again
For once the bridge finish should be as nice as this one, sharp and ambitious, showing a kind of "natural" design harmoniously exhibiting the wheels!
We miss this kind of design
Who could seriously resist to such angles below? Who wouldn't want to hide such a beauty below an understated dial?
The natural design of calibres
This is basically what the Geophysique was, a dream engine in an easy watch ! The 250 GT Lusso would be my car pendant!
I hope to get your support.
Cheers
Dje
I agree wholeheartedly DJE. I prefer understated too. And one of the things that made me jump at an MUT was the plaudits given by those far more knowledgeable than me to its "engine". And I admit I really enjoy looking into the motor for a few seconds before I put it on, or after I take it off. I'd post some pics of the lovely Cal849 to illustrate, but others have posted far better pics than I can manage with my basic camera! Best, DJE
Whoops, I signed off with your sig!! I've been awake too long today, it's time for bed for me! Best, J.
Hi, I'm still thinking of getting one, but with the multiplication of versions, it's getting hard to choose! The 34mm platinum would be the best, the 34mm in pink gold is very close! The 34mm and 38mm in steel are very nice choices too (and more affordable) ! My current choice could easily be the 38mm in pink gold with chocolate dial limited edition! just don't have the funds for it by now! Cheers Dje
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