WPS / Purists Special Watches Collection
Collection

WPS / Purists Special Watches Collection

By cazalea · Jul 30, 2020 · 42 replies
cazalea
WPS member · Horological Meandering forum
42 replies6707 views15 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 🔗

In a captivating retrospective, forum member cazalea invites the community to revisit a unique chapter in WatchProSite's history: the special edition watches created for its visitors over the past 10-15 years. This post highlights three distinct timepieces from his personal collection, offering an intimate look at their design, technical intricacies, and the fascinating stories behind their development and occasional challenges. His detailed account provides invaluable context for understanding these rare community collaborations.

This site never got the bug to become a Hodinkee, but over the last 10-15 years some special editions were released for WPS visitors. I have only 3 but there were at least 8-10 in total. Here are mine.



Moving from right to left, I'll describe them

2011 P10 Paul Gerber Triple Rotor



If you look very closely at the dial you will see the word Purists engraved in the center. 
You will also see some bleeding of the black lume on the outer rim. There were some "issues" making the first copies of the dial, and Paul included an extra dial and date ring with each watch. 
Maybe it's time to swap the new one in.



Black Lume



The "black" lume is actually blue when activated



My watch used to have yellow gold rotors but it was recalled and refitted with platinum for better winding performance.




2011 St Gallen ABR

This watch was designed by a doctor, for doctors (coronavirus foresight?). 
It can be sterilized, the silicone straps slide on and off, the kit includes cleaning tools, etc.




Water resistance of at least 6 inches as shown here (actually its 100M)






The 4-armed second hand was intended to offer convience in taking a patient's pulse. In fact it became a small nightmare because the hand(s) have to be set EXACTLY flat so none of the arms touch the crystal. Mine and a number of others were recalled for running too slow, which turned out to be an interference issue. The choices for a solution were (1) press the hand on tighter/lower (not good), (2) raise the glass (impossible), (3) increase the height above the dial by machining the case differently, etc etc.

I used to have 15 of 178 and now I have 51 of 178, so it was a new case, in my case.







P15 Zenith Chronometro

No issues to report on this beauty






Nice El Primero movement wtih some silicon escapement bits.



It came with several straps and buckles including the NATO which is the one I prefer. I only wish they'd included a Bulgari-style wrap, as shown below:



I used to wear this belt whenever I wore the Zenith but my wife thought I was being too precious...

Cazalea



Key Points from the Discussion

Advertisement
The Discussion
RE
redcorals
Jul 30, 2020

P10 APRO was a special piece. I realize though it's prob easier to work with smaller independents. [nt]

AM
amanico
Jul 30, 2020

I am not sure about that MBF being part of the P 10 pieces, though...

BA
batholith
Jul 30, 2020

It would be great if Purists did another at some point. I'd certainly be interested.

CA
cazalea
Jul 30, 2020

I think Max allowed us one But I am not sure Mike

CA
cazalea
Jul 30, 2020

unless they are making no sales at all

RE
redcorals
Jul 30, 2020

Gradually raising prices every yr. No one wants inventory or hustle for sales. Some are giving the illusion of scarcity -50ltd for each regional variation wud still be 500 pieces in all. But creates the right hype. there are now more than 6k Daytona listed for sale. Irrespective, we should focus on what is achievable.

Advertisement

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Horological Meandering forum with 42 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →