Gary G
3734
OK, one more quick thought
Sometimes for me modularity is a good thing -- for instance, on the AP EOT, if I understand correctly the wonderful complications are all mounted atop the splendid 2120 ultra-thin automatic base movement. (I could be wrong here, in which case I will happily stand corrected!).
For me it's almost like getting two great movements for the price of one -- the 2120 is so acclaimed that it's a treat to have, and the EOT stack on top is, to me, a marvel as well.
And (perhaps unlike with chronos for some people?) given that the interface is simply about the transfer of power, I find it difficult to believe that there's any substantial performance loss relative to a fully integral design.
All for now,
Gary
Your thoughts, please? Integrated vs modular complications
Hi, One of the perennial "battles" among watch enthusiasts; indeed, among mechanical design enthusiasts of many categories - complex mechanical systems like deep sea explorer vehicles; multilevel complex electronics; even car mechanics and electronic syst...
case by case basis for me
theres no right or wrong for me, if the base movement has a powerful enough mainspring to drive a chronograph module, and the module is well designed and does not add to much height, then whats wrong with integrated? nothing in this case... crown/pusher a...
Teleological vs. Naturalistic Horology
Thomas, I consider the concerns about integrated vs. modular similar to the concerns about "in-house" vs. outsourced. Neither issue has any relevance to me as a buyer except as these issues may relate to purchase cost, maintenance and repair cost, resale ...
Honestly Thomas, I don't care, as long as it is well-made
and is reliable and does the job right. I do, however, care a lot about the debate regarding "in-house manufacturing" and "outsourced components". To me, that relates directly to the purity of the piece. Jon (Z3)
I don't get worked up about stuff like this, I guess.
I'd like a watch that works well -- keeps good time, functions as intended, and isn't going to spend as much time "in the shop" as on my wrist. As long as the watch is attractive to me, I could care less what anyone else thinks. Maybe I'm just a rube, but...
For folks interested in the broader topic of integrality vs. modularity...
Hey -- now there's a post title guaranteed to cure insomnia right there! Seriously, though, for those who are interested in this topic I strongly recommend the research and writing of Clayton Christensen, the HBS professor who is best known for his work o...
Interesting analogy to Clayton's work
Thanks for an interesting read! I think it mainly talks mainly about new innovations and new paradigms, where the requirement of the market, as well as the performance of the new innovation, are not always certain... In our case (for example, in the case ...
Good points, Jon
I reached some similar conclusions in my overnight reflections on this topic. Basically, even the responses so far to this thread suggest that when it comes to the "basic" chronograph, performance of both integral and modular solutions exceeds the mainstr...
OK, one more quick thought
Sometimes for me modularity is a good thing -- for instance, on the AP EOT, if I understand correctly the wonderful complications are all mounted atop the splendid 2120 ultra-thin automatic base movement. (I could be wrong here, in which case I will happi...
Hi Gary, points well taken!
I also appreciate Clay's views. I guess that's why there hasn't been too much complaints regarding the modular movements=) Thanks for your opinion, I found it enjoyable. Jon (Z3)
Excellent comments and references, Gary, thanks!
I really enjoyed this sub-thread and appreciate you taking the time to share it. Thanks! TM
My pleasure, Thomas!
It's great when the occasional opportunity presents itself for me to share ideas on a topic where I actually have some knowledge! Thanks for your note -- I'm very pleased that you liked the ideas. Best, Gary
Quality is the key.
TM, my perspective is theoretical given the limits of my specific knowledge of and experience with horological design and function, but as is my preference in so many other areas, I'll choose quality every time with respect to movements, and I don't belie...
As long as it is a AP.....
Either works for me. I must admit the Sonnerie is the most striking (no pun intended) watch I have ever seen. At the end of the day it is about quality of the product and customer service after the sale.
Personally I prefer dedicated chrono, dedicated perpetual, dedicated repeater
instead of complication cocktails - in terms of pricing, performance and reliability.
+1
My choice too. Of course a "well mixed cocktail" can be a fantastic machine. But ceteris paribus , a well designed and executed dedicated chrono beats the well designed and executed cocktail...for me.
Either one is fine by me...
Interesting points can be made for either integrated or modular. For me personally, it doesn't matter as long as it's reliable and accurate. Regards, ED-209
Both
Prefer integrated as I feel that in an idea world each caliber would be built with a specific finished piece in mind. Totally understand the attraction of modular however, from a commercial business viewpoint. And of course in for the after sales service ...