jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)
[Moderator]
14255
Traditional, manual winding, high end chronographs
The chronograph is my favorite complication by far. The measurement of time elapsed, the complexities behind their construction, especially the manual winding, traditional, horizontal coupling chronographs of the old days.... The beauty behind their architecture and for the haute horology brands, the artisanal hand finishing displayed on the plates, the screws, gears etc.
Here is a picture of the movement shots of my 3 chronographs.
From left to right: the Montblanc Villeret calibre 16.29 in my Montblanc 1858 Tachymeter Chronograph , the Lange Datograph , and the Montblanc Villeret calibre 13.21 of my Montblanc Villeret Chronograph grand feu enamel .
All 3 chronograph movements have movement places crafted in German silver - but the Lange has untreated German silver whereas the Villerets have Rhodium plated German silver. All 3 are highly finished by hand and generous with gold chatons and with beautiful bridges.
Montblanc Villeret calibre 16.29
Lange Datograph 
Montblanc Villeret calibre 13.21
Anyone else want to share their movement shots of their high end chronographs? I would love to see the JLC Duometre chronograph, the Lemania based chronos from RD, VC, PP, other Lange Datographs or Double Split, other Minervas or Montblanc Villerets, new in house chronos from VC or Patek, etc 
Looking forward to seeing more nicely finished manual chronograph pics here. I think you can understand why I am crazy about chronographs
Cheers
Robin
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Traditional, manual winding, high end chronographs
The chronograph is my favorite complication by far. The measurement of time elapsed, the complexities behind their construction, especially the manual winding, traditional, horizontal coupling chronographs of the old days.... The beauty behind their archi...
Lemania based PP and VC
Picture taken by Foversta but with my camera... The PP on the left is mine. ...
What a duo!
Fantastic shot . This is what I was looking for in this thread Thank you for sharing. I don\'t own either of this yet I can admire their beauty from your pic Cheers Robin
I would classify the JLC Duometre A Chronograph in this category.
The Lange Double Split as well, but certainly not the Patek and the VC, which are clearly a step below, in terms of decoration and or originality. Oooh yes, I well understand your madness for this kind of chronographs, my friend. The artistic dimension of...
I agree with some points Nico
But i will still put the VCs and PPs here if I place the Minervas here. Even as the MB moderator, I must be fair to say that the MB Villeret calibres 16.29 and 13.21 (Minerva calibres) whilst beautifully finished, are not high on innovation too. The JLC D...
Ow Nicolas,
Though I like the Duometer very much, there is a step between the Duometer's caliber finishing and the Patek (whether it is 27-70or the 29-535) or the Lemania based VC. The Duometer's is impressive in terms of light reflection from the upper bridges but t...
Here are a few of mine...
To Nicolas' point, perhaps not all at the same level. Still most are quite nice. Duometres Dato 5070 5960 UN Monopusher VC Les Historiques Patrimony ...
Oh boy Dave!
What a collection of fine chronos you have! Makes me feel like expanding mine I will take some years to get there. Your pics inspire me a lot! Thank you for sharing Cheers Robin
What a collection! How do you...
Rate the movement finish within your collection? Thanks for sharing. Best Stefan
I'll share
Our own PuristS Edition of the Chopard L.U.C 1963 Chronograph. My personal favorite. ...
I almost forgot about Chopard LUC's new manual wind chronograph!
Beautiful German silver plated . Great finishing here for sure Thanks for sharing these pics Jed! Cheers Robin
The Villeret Deveil's Tail....
Just the coolest thing ever - it's there because.....well because the watchmakers are able to pull it off! Dufour's horns + Villeret tail would be quite a site together in one movement=)
Indeed Chronographs are very appealing complications
After a long while comparing manual-wound chrono movements (this is something I'm willing to get as well so I've been very closely studying this field, among traditional brands), the Patek 29-535 is one of the most interesting, not only for the finishing ...
Thanks Mark for your insights and pics
Those Patek chronos are so beautiful!! I wish I can afford one soon Interesting point on the Duometre. I didn\'t realize the difference. Will try to see with a loupe next time in the JLC boutique Cheers Robin
Yes, tell us when you can
It is also about the difficulty to finish stright edges versus curved ones. Also when the curves are not regular or when they are so. This is still a question of details but I imagine when coming to these extent it is important as well as it is much more ...
I agree in terms of decoration
I was just mentionning the finishing and chamferring of the cams etc in the movements. But I don't wish to compare which is best or not as they are all great chrono representatives (and the Duometre is in a different style as less "opened"). I was just bo...
Beautiful photos, Robin.
I have to agree with some of the above (read "Nico"): the Montblancs are absolutely a step above the Lemanias of PP and VC. I would still hold out for the Lange as "best in show" (are you shocked?). And the Duometre is quite a lovely piece as well.
Lol not shocked at all
Well the Dato is hard to beat as the king of modern chronos in my books
Great topic and comparison.
Strictly from a beauty standpoint, the Dato is about impossible to beat. You must stare at these quite frequently!
Thank you :))
I must say I am very contented with my trio. Seeing some pics from other PuristS here of their VCs, Chopard LUCs or PPs etc gives me a lot of joy too That\'s why we share here Cheers Robin
Great pics bro
Beautiful movements! And what a trio! Personally, I think the Dato has got the nicest decorations. Regards, Ian
Very nice
My next ultra fine chrono has to be this Lang and Heyne... (not mine... yet). ...
Oh boy what a beauty!
There are some German watches which I need to learn more about Cheers Robin
Patek 5270 and 5204
Up close and very personal. No prizes for guessing which is which Kind regards, Gerald. ...
A Lemania must have a place in this
Especially when it is this well finished And certainly in history ... ...
Breath-takingingly beautiful....
.... But as usual, the Lange is a step above the rest in the visual domain. I can't think of any chronograph movement that matches it.
Some more nice chrono movements...
and even one automatic ;-)... Sister and brother from Glashütte: The both rattrapante Chronos from Lange and GO, both in Platinum: GO Senator Rattrapante Lange Double Split and here the Glashütte Original PanoRetroGraph, Cal. 60: Roger Dubuis RD 78; afaik...
The G.O doesn't seem to be at the same level of decoration than the Lange but...
What a watch! Thanks for adding it. Best, Nicolas
You have a very nice collection of chronographs.
It must drive you crazy choosing which one to wear every day.
What a feast!
You have the finest collection or highly finished chronos! Thank you for sharing these pics Cheers Robin
Fascinating chronograph movements
Congratulations to your nice collection. Pure beauty. Thanks for this interesting thread and the great photos.? Stefan
If anyone asks why finely finished manual winds chronos are the best eye candy...
...then I will simply link them to this post and your pics!
So many PuristS shared their fine chronos on this thread
Indeed this has become a fine chronograph movement thread Cheers Robin