SJX
[Purist]
8540
Exclusivity as an excuse?
Outside of Japan, few people own a Grand Seiko, and even fewer own more than one. So that puts me in an exclusive club. Grand Seiko is certainly not exclusive because of price, it is so because of the intellectual barrier - snobbishness perhaps - that is an obstacle to its being more recognised.
It is a satisfying feeling to be part of an exclusive club. But perhaps exclusivity is being used as an excuse to explain unpopularity or lack of recognition. If it is never popular or recognised, it is exclusive forever, but to what end aside from self-gratification?
If a tree falls in the forest and no one see it, does it really fall?
If a watch is exclusive and no one wants it, is it really exclusive?
- SJX
This message has been edited by SJX on 2010-09-10 07:32:52
Some thoughts on the Horological Machine No. 4 from MB&F
The Horological Machine No. 4 is the most radical creation from Maximilian Busser, which is saying a lot given his track record. And based on anecdotal evidence gathering from collectors and potential buyers, the MB&F HM4 Thunderbolt has certainly elicite...
Thanks SJX
nice post and such hot shots not only in the content but the quality as well . i do appreciate the HM4 to the maximum but i cant see it on my wrist unlike HM2 SV , or HM3 frog . Faisal
SJX thanks for the superb pix
Looks like it is only for the super "extremist" ....LOL
Incredible
I really have to see that watch in the flesh. Looking very attractive. GEO
Part 2: Launch of HM4 in Singapore
Max was in town to launch the HM4 a few weeks ago, together with retailer The Hour Glass. Several launch events were held, so as to keep each event small and personal. There were many MB&F owners amongst the guests, and also many with exotic rides. Ma...
Your great shots of this piece...
will cause me many a sleepless nights to come. Have seen this in the metal and must say was quite impressed. BUT unable to commit to either buy or not right on the spot like prior experience with earlier machines. Could the two "normal" looking dials that...
I disagree. I think the MB&F HM4 is similar in form
to the Parmigiani Bugatti watches. Agree that it looks like a pod-racer model, or I was more inclined to think of it as a tail fin light from a 59 Cadillac. Thunderbolt is more a term from that era - to my mind in any case. Great photos SJX Andrew H
You've got it.... Cadillac tail lights !
I can't wait to see the HM4 in the metal. Up 'til now I love the shots of the watch itself, but on the wrist... is it a wrist mounted infusion machine? Don
Here are some wristshots.
I met Max in Geneva, more to come later ! The HM4 on my wrist (pic taken by Max): Fr.Xavier...
whatever one feels
whether its pushing the boundaries and those who think its revolutionary or those who subscibe to an more "traditional" 2 dimensional interface approach to horology, i think one can safely say one and all or a vast majority would agree that its like a pie...
1) derivatives/evolutions and 2) the black obelisk from Stan Kubrick
I am now in Freaking Jakarta at 1045am, the shops are closed, and it's Hari Raya. I woke up at 4am to fly here. I read this post from SJX. This is a GREAT post with relevant points. Everyone knows I like Opus projects 3 and 5 and 6 (if I could afford the ...
Why does the MBF4 remove exclusivity? Because:
LESS expensive watches will be soon available, to the general public, that LOOK and HAVE the aesthetics of the HM4. What will remain is only the exclusivity of PRICE and STATUS...that's OK. Anyone is free to buy..say... an LV trunk or just a box. But the ...
2 beautyful posts
Thanks bernard. You make some really excellent points of explaining the importance and the "why's" of this piece. Very intersting posts that I will bookmark. Christian
Thanks Christian, I am bookmarking them too...must be the lack of sleep
I don't think I can recognise myself writting like that...I was being honest, and tired.
Bernard, I can't really rebut what you have said!
Let time determine whether you are right or wrong about the new edge and exclusivity of MBF4. The test is 5 years - I think it is long enough. The time starts NOW! Regards Ling
Bernard, just at the point when I think you completely lost it...
you post something that makes brutal sense, something enlightening, something of pure intellectual beauty. I just love you for that. Thanks for yet another eye-opener! Magnus
great posts Bernard...
very interesting points and I can certainly see your point... I will not be able to affort this piece but I can see its place in horology. great report SJX
Exclusivity as an excuse?
Outside of Japan, few people own a Grand Seiko, and even fewer own more than one. So that puts me in an exclusive club. Grand Seiko is certainly not exclusive because of price, it is so because of the intellectual barrier - snobbishness perhaps - that is ...
Honestly.... I think your belief
in GS makes it intellectually desirable. So I feel that it has to do with whom championing the brand. You and Bernard both have very positive impact to a brand as you both are passionately honest *CL
Kudos to you .....
always a treat to read your thoughts Inspiring and useful in many ways more than just this hobby. Thank you. *CL
More on the "Black Monoliths"...maybe important if you are considering a big purchase
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) was a landmark, science fiction classic, coincidentally, and it prophetically showed the influence that computers would have in our future lives. Director Stanley Kubrick's work is a profound film (a Rorschach blot). Spectacul...
I am ready to make the plunge, but...
am afraid there will be more variations/modificiation to the watch in the future ala HM2 and HM3. cen@macau
Mama told me not to come
I'm hearing that Randy Newman song... 'this is the strangest party that has ever been...' And THIS??? Is.
Interesting thoughts, SJX.
I must admit that I don't always "get" MB&F's designs, and they are in general a bit too avant garde for my taste. However, I applaud their efforts in pushing the boundaries of what we call "the watch." Without pioneers like MB&F I think the indus...
Thanks a lot SJX for the comprehensive post.
I met Max in Geneva so I will also prepare something. Fr.Xavier