jmousey
258
My only gripe with this (as well as many other) ref 96 homage, is the location of the seconds subdial
The 7001 caliber is simply too small for the case. The seconds subdial subsequently sits too close to the canon pinion and leaves too much blank space at the bottom. The lack of branding also throws off the balance somewhat on the top half. Would have been better to the size at 31-33mm. This is just a personal opinion.
Blancpain’s design by comparison addresses the above issues. It’s also a slightly small case made to look even smaller through stepped bezel. That being said, its elegance does rob the sporty and more robust feel of the original 96 design, which is more suited to today’s tastes.
HU-01 starting to arrive…
Really nice value from the Singaporean/Chinese brand Horologically Unique. Same Peseux 7001 ebauché as the BP, but certainly without the same level of finishing…. still, quite nice for the minimal cost. ...
I don’t know anything about Kikuchi Nakagawa, but the beveling on the hands, the sharpness of their tips, their “3D feel”, as well the more complex sunken subdial and the use of much finer printing …
The fine brushing on the dial surface, the highly raised numerals (which I assume are pad printed but could be engraved lacquer filled?) …. these elements alone make me think it’s a much more premium product. (Basing only on this one photo alone, not know...
You are correct!
The Kikuchi Nakagawa has been black polished extensively and is priced 20 times more than the HU-01. It uses a Vaucher 5401 movement. The numerals and hands are all hand made.
My only gripe with this (as well as many other) ref 96 homage, is the location of the seconds subdial
The 7001 caliber is simply too small for the case. The seconds subdial subsequently sits too close to the canon pinion and leaves too much blank space at the bottom. The lack of branding also throws off the balance somewhat on the top half. Would have bee...
totally agree with your comments, but who is going make a 32mm watch these days?
For most manufacturers, even 36mm is considered unisex :-(
