Horological Meandering

Greetings to all! I was back home for the past week, and to celebrate (and in observance of my recent addition of a Lange Datograph to my set of watches) we were able to gather five of the "NorCal Gang of 6" for a luncheon on Friday. The sixth member was ...  

All the " heavy trucks " Chronographs were here, at the exception of a notable one: The V.C ( Les Historiques, Malte or Patrimony, simple or with a perpetual calendar, one would have been at its place, here ). The K.V Chrono is suprising, not about the fi... 

I agree -- one of the members left his VC dress chrono at home -- would have added even more weight to the occasion. The GO was a watch I really hadn't known before, and I was impressed -- as you say, the price point relative to the Lange DS is quite appe... 

I was on the hunt for a Rattrapante, and mechanically speaking, the Lange DS is THE one to get. Two years ago, I had in mind to sell my Datograph to get a D.S. So, I decided to go in a shop to try it once again, with my Dato on the wrist. Honestly, I was ... 

Nice report, Gary. That's the first time I have thought of the Dato as dainty! Best, CaliforniaJed

That DS is stunning! The RG example that I saw in Seoul recently is more legible, but lacks the applied Romans -- both are great, IMHO. If they made a DS Dato, that would be mandatory for me! Best, Gary

That last Lange almost out me over the top. Great report and super pix

Normally I like to see food shots as well, but you are well and truly forgiven in view of this "feast for the eyes". In your photo, "PT DS and Dato side by side -- quite the combo..." is that a deliberate positioning of the respective hands? Only you woul... 

Maybe I did position the hands that way, and maybe I didn't Sorry for the absence of food shots -- we met at what I have always considered a local watering hole, which much to my surprise was recently awarded a Michelin star...good, tasty food, but not th... 

and great pieces. I got to play with a YG DS yesterday and came away very enamoured with the watch - I thought it would be unwearable for me but that is not the case, sure, it is big, but not outlandish. I was surprised at how much the second hand oscilla... 

I also found the whipping of the hands on the DS very interesting -- and cool. There's a lot going on with that watch! Best, Gary

Cheers PAt

I have two pieces in the pipeline now (a Kari and a Volker, God willing....) so I'm pretty sure that my very next piece won't be a Lange. There's also the "brand essence" argument to account for -- I don't want to make the error of rebuilding a collection... 

cheers PAt

I'm very happy to see some of Kari's chronograph: I am really in love with this one, more than the even more rare (the bicompax) he created several months ago (only 4 timepieces). Fx

...now if only I could capture a good photo of it! I'll have to ask the owner to let me borrow the watch and get it in some favorable light -- the absence of external AR coating and the curvature of the crystal make this a bear to get a clear shot of. For... 

Nothing to add, all has been said, and agree that only a V.C is missing to have the most desirable existing chronos, what a party! Matt

I too am sorry about the absence of VC -- the Patrimony, for me, is a real classic. I had the chance to check one out in PT in Geneva in January, and it's so elegant -- really a worthy member of the level of pieces we shared as a group last week. Best, Ga... 

Gary, thank you for posting this wonderful gtg of the renowned watches, and the owners. De Bethune Chrono is so impressive. Never knew they made one with Venus inside. Wow, again. Drooling worthy piece. Would love to see the back.... So many Lange - are y... 

After some of the photo spreads that you have presented of your friends' pieces, it would be an honor to spend time with you! You would most certainly be welcome, anytime. We had a great time -- it really is more about the people than the watches, but our... 

..we will definitely have a lot to talk about through the night Looking forward that oppotunity! Ken

That would be great! Best, Gary

This isn't the best shot, but it's all I have -- maybe I will have another chance sometime! Hope that helps, at least a little bit... Best, Gary...  

... best chrono movement ever made (as well as with Dato, old Longines, Minerva...) and I would love the modern pieces that have those vintage legendary movement inside. The price or the case metal is not important here - even the sub 10K pieces with thes... 

By the way, the DeBethune and the GO Split are both owned by the same tasteful fellow! Someone who obviously knows his watches... I will pass along your kind thoughts. Best, Gary

.. To read your posts Gary! What an interesting GTG! An amazing display of chronos! There is not a single one I believe not worthy in this group. Each have a very special place. Your group here always have the best on show! I've also been very impressed w... 

Even upon further reflection, I really liked that GO, as did other members of the group! I'm sorry that I didn't get a photo of the vintage Minerva, as it was also very cool. I never cease to marvel at the good taste of my friends -- I'm saving a fortune ... 

So you finally could find your own answer about whether the Double Split in PT is wearable or not ! Thanks for the pictures. Cheers, Mark

...that you are right -- the PT DS was easier to wear than I thought! It helped that the hole in the strap was at exactly the right point so that the fit was neither too tight nor too loose -- I have one PT watch (a Speake-Marin) that weighs at least as m... 

Beautiful gathering Gary! And you said five guys?! That's a lot of watch for 5 guys! I can say that chronograph is one of my favorite complication and to see all those beautiful chronographs all together is pure pleasure Thank you for sharing Gary! Best, ... 

And I only brought two watches, one of which didn't even appear in any of the pictures Best, Gary

Even with the sad fact that there are only 10 Pisa Datos. Thanks Gary! -- Richard.

...made even sadder by the fact that I recently passed on the opportunity to buy a Pisa -- which would have put 20 percent of the world supply at our lunch table. Oh well -- can't own everything! And I'm very happy indeed with my RG example. Best, Gary G

great post. What a wonderful group of guys and chronos. And perhaps my biggest honor yet in horology--being named your favorite wrist model!

I live in SF.

There is a pretty good set of watch events in the SF area, and the best thing to do is to start coming to some of the WIS events in the area. Once you get to know some of the folks, I'm sure that other invitations will follow... Best, Gary

...but however it is that you hold your wrist, it seems that the watches always end up in focus and without glare on the crystals! It also helps that you dress nicely and that whatever shirt you are wearing is crisp and with a clean looking cuff -- meanwh... 

chrnons are arguably the most interactive watch, short of a repeater. and this gathering is just so hororgasmic to me, being a chrono lover. didnt even know DB has/had a chrono in their line up....thats the piece that captures my attention most, and of co... 

"Those who are sick of the Double Split, are sick of life..." Indeed! That DB piece was a revelation to me as well. It is number 2, and comes (obviously) from the very early days of DB. The true story is that the central guilloche on that watch factored i... 

Thats not fair Gary, thank you for sharing all beautiful watches in one table, especially the DS really hitting on me. best, Eddy

...and have also worked very hard, to be able to buy these wonderful pieces! The best fortune for me has been to meet these great guys through our hobby. Best, Gary G

As a chrono fanatic, this is my post of the month! The range of pieces and the high level of quality is amazing. Thanks again for sharing.

Thanks for your comment -- motivates me to keep trying with these posts! Best, Gary

Your posts are always fun to read! The pics are great, you are very hard on yourself my friend. The watches are to die for! I cant wait until I reach your level. Thanks for sharing. Cheers SamEE

You are making me mad. There are some incredible pieces there. Dato is a firm favourite of mine and now that you have reminded me of the GO, I gotta look into this again

before, but never all at the same time. The chef of the restaurant must have been very jealous, because of "no" attention for the food Gary, we are all very happy/lucky that you got your Dato, because now we can enjoy your beauty and gorgeous comepetitors... 

The GTG must have been a fantastic experience. Thanks Gary for taking the time to show us. Regards Tony

Some of the most beautiful movements in the world. Thanks for sharing. Vte

By the way, do you have any photo of the solid back case for PISA Datograph? I've seen this watch before, but the owner had changed the solid case back to the display case back.

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Some awesome watches all in one place at the same time! Drooling! :)

What a great article. I trust that the meal was good, too. Thank you for sharing

Things have changed, especially regarding that double split over the years...