Horological Meandering

It scares me to say that number! Anyway, I was looking at four pieces. Lange 1815 Annual Calendar in rose gold, Lange Saxonia thin, the first version with the cabochon dots in white gold, Patek 5127R and Credor Eichi ii in rose gold. Any thoughts? I'm lea... 

...the Lange Saxonia Annual Calendar. The manual movement of the 1815 is not ideal, and the dial (imho) is not a good design. I have seen both in person.

I have not seen it in person. I'll go over to Lange (I'm in N.Y.) and have a look. They moved by the way a few block south on Madison Avenue. I think 63rd stree The new place is very nice. They have watchmakers on site so when service is needed it doesn't... 

they're all great pieces. I'd probably lean Lange, a lot of beautiful options.

Me too. It's interesting how tastes change. Previously watches without a second hand bothered me. For some reason the Saxonia thin first version appeals to me very much now. When I put the annual calendar on the little kid inside me said I want I want I w... 

For now, the Lange options are nice, but the question is how each fits you. That point aside, I like AC functions a lot.

Yes, I know what you mean. There have been pieces I really like that don't feel comfortable on my wrist. The Richard Lange with the big sweep seconds hand for example. I have learned if I have to convince myself, I don't buy it. Both the AC and Sax thin f... 

As I remarked above, it's interesting how tastes change. In the past I wouldn't have considered this, but there is something about it that speaks to me now. I may be in the minority, but i prefer the one with the cabochon dots to the later version which i... 

I'm going to see one next week that is preowned but never worn. Looking forward.

If your eyesight permits, and assuming like everyone it will potential worsen as the years go by, then the Annual Calendar ! And then a simple Panerai for your 80th ! Joking aside, you have three simple watches in the selection and one of those (Eichi) pe... 

I do see your point. The Lange AC was just stunning to look at. Generally I do prefer time only pieces - more in line with my budget. Also the servicing is less costly. I prefer the Eichi in rose gold, it's warmer. By the way, I was in their flagship stor... 

This was 8-9 years ago but I believe the same people are making them in the same fashion, in the same atelier. Cazalea Painting the dials ...  

Thank you very much for the pictures. I'm looking forward to the opening of the new Grand Seiko boutique and they should have one there. Psyched to try it on.

Agreed. Though Lange is pretty special as well. The anglage on the Credor is amazing. If I remember correctly Phillipe Dufour advised using a certain kind of wood in the finishing. Another one of these "you could flip the watch over and wear it that way" ... 

Plus the finishing approach/style is all about discretion. A watch for yourself, which imo makes it so special..

I'm really looking forward to trying one on in a couple of months. The dials are different between the platinum and rose gold. The rose gold has dark charcoal hour markers as opposed to deep blue on the platinum. If I pull the trigger on this it will be t... 

about the rose gold version. That dial is to die for. The level of craftsmanship is mind blowing.

The beautiful 6119R … ...  

Yes, it is an absolutely beautiful piece! The movement is to die for. Or is it you've already died and gone to heaven? I also like very much the white gold version with the grey dial.

I'll be able to try on the white gold one on Monday or Tuesday. It is a beautiful watch inside and out. I have a friend who has a 5117G. The "clous de paris" I didn't find as nice as what you recommended. I'm not necessarily against a date on a watch. I k... 

That’s a special watch

Absolutely true. Grand Seiko is opening a new boutique here in New York just after the new year. They are going to have their top of the line pieces there. When I asked about getting one the flagship store said I had to pay in advance. I'd just have a har... 

I would say for me, it depends on the rest of your collection and lifestyle. Dress/sporty etc.

An interesting point. I'm sure collections have themes, For years I collected vintage watches, mostly Rolexes from the thirties and forties. They're gone now (to fund other watches and life stuff) and what remains is a 14k hooded bubbleback which has an u... 

Trival constraint at that age

Right, among other things. Right now I'm in excellent health (as far as I know) but we do notice changes as the number gets higher. I've always been physically active so that has to account for some of it. I have a student who is 87 in the early stages of... 

Degrading affects the choice you will select.

I just saw the Patek. Sharp but with a number of very light contact marks on the bezel. I think I'd rather pay more for one that was cleaner (although I might be making it sound worse than it is.) This one is unpolished which is a plus. imho the finishing... 

I vote for the Lange compared to the others. The rose gold version is elegant will fit any gentleman.

It sure is beautiful. I was going back and forth between the rose gold and white gold. To me the rose gold has a glow to it.

I'll be able to put the Credor on my wrist sometime in January or early February. Really looking forward to it. I've seen pictures like we all have but have never run into anyone who had one. I'm guessing that since I've seen only a couple offered for sal... 

A customized watch?

Aren't customized watches really expensive? I guess it depends. If you go with the major players it probably would be out of my price range. I was looking at the Grand Seiko slgh013 - supposed to be melting snow. Lovely dial. I asked the boutique if "hi b... 

Work with you within a budget. For that milestone, Kari comes to mind.

I'll look around. There's a fellow named J.N. Shapiro who is based in California who does magnificent dials, and he even has a watch in tantalum that's polished, like Journe's CB. Out of my price range. RGM watches are very nice, also made in the USA. The... 

I would save up, even though it might not arrive when you are 70.

I've saved some already, I could also sell a couple of pieces I have, but might have a bit of seller's remorse. But maybe not depending on the watch!