Audemars Piguet

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...  

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... 

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 ... 

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'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... 

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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... 

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 ... 

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... 

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... 

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)

I really enjoyed this sub-thread and appreciate you taking the time to share it. Thanks! TM

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

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... 

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.

instead of complication cocktails - in terms of pricing, performance and reliability.

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.

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

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 ...