I like the OPUS 8. Not sure about all that other stuff, process, connectedness with the consumer, etc., but purely from looks and technical innovation (mostly the latter), I think this is easily in the top three or four that we've seen from Basel/SIHH this year. I didn't follow HWRT from the beginning, so I'm not really sure about that other stuff, but I think you guys are being a bit harsh on the final product. The look is a really cool throwback to the past, and the movement seems very interesting to say the least. From looks alone, this seems in line with the rest of the OPUS series. The previous seven to me have been a hit or miss in design. Some really cool, others not so much. But whatever the case, they've been different, and this is no exception. Anyways, here's one vote for the OPUS 8. If it'd been one-tenth of the price (and in my realm of possibilites), I'd seriously consider a purchase.
Johnny