Spangles - Dr. Tabby
5595
I appreciate the vote of confidence!
And the discussion is both sharp and relevant. I agree that a well sized watch is very nice. Breguet has a few thin dress watches, their basic 7147 is around 7.5mm thick, 40mm across.
In this case...the case size is due to the double impulse movement. They couldn't get it any smaller--Sham1 asked!
It's two gear trains to give us that marvelous truly oil-free, truly all-direct impluse escapement. So, at least the movement more than fits the case here, but you are right 42mm is on the limit. Keep in mind, this is not a dress watch, but rather a more robust English notion of a "gentleman's watch" unostentatious, with with high quality in every aspect that speaks for itself.
Unfortunately, it seems the market wants 42mm and above watches still. FPJ's 38mm watches didn't sell, so now they have 40mm and 42mm for their main line and some sport watches reach 44mm. The trend has capped a bit, but 38mm dress watches will be a bit rare ongoing.
Meanwhile, I have an old 36mm dress chrono on now. Just as you say, it's a lovely size and the fact it's a size out of fashion just makes it easier to purchase one!
Is this madness? When there isn't a live picture of the watch you're waiting for: Charles Frodsham edition.
The Chas Frodsham Double Impulse Chronometer Wristwatch comes in a few metal and dial variations. But the one I've ordered has no live pictures on the web I can find, so I've clumsily made my own on my phone... Here is the Arabic numeral dial with 22k col...
Firstly
allow me to congratulate you on your forthcoming Charles Frodsham, a very special watch indeed. I did post something on this a while back and this watch ticked all the right boxes for me apart from its 42mm case. I loved the watch to the extent where I tr...
Always glad to hear your thoughts.
When I finally have the pleasure of meeting you, I'll expect a 2m tall, ripplingly muscled leopard in an immaculate suit, picking his teeth with the carved penis bone of a lion. That's my imagined portrait. You're certainly right about the Frodsham, it is...
I was in stitches for a few minutes! :-)
I think I need to correct your perception of me to a 1.5 metre overweight midget with poor dress sense and a hairstyle all gone wrong impersonating a walk resembling Donald Duck! The 22 carat yellow gold model is unique in the industry. May I ask how long...
But still a leopard!
Someone on IG commented that the waiting list is 5 years, but that may not be accurate. It was 3 years as of last summer, so it may not be inaccurate, either. The RWS is extraordinary and even for a watch to be mentioned in the same breath is an honor. Ce...
Oh wow!
Obviously two contrasting styles to drive a watch and both originating from the same man, the great George Daniels. If they made the Frodsham in 40mm, I would be sending my money over!
I wish they could make 40mm as well, even if 42mm will definitely fit my wrist!
They are also very open and honest (in all things) that due to materials and work costs going up over 5 years, prices will go up a bit.
Yes they told me that too
when I met them a few years back and I believe prices have gone up once since the watches were released. Hopefully, they will produce another watch one day at 40mm or smaller. I love their ethos and direction.
Thank you for posting these photos
Mechanically interesting. Nothing superfluous. Congratulations on your choice.
That's for sure!
I don't think there's another high end watch where the hour and minute hands are exactly the same length (from a 19th century CF pocketwatch design). And the movement has never been used in a wristwatch before.
That dial choice
indeed my favorite. Love how the Roman's are done. A brand I do not know, but I am really digging. Can't wait to see finished product.
Oh my! Mr Tabby, that’s a stunning piece! I am so jealous! 😆
Wear in good health! I am so excited for you! 🥂 Jen
I agree with your combination...
...as it mirrors mine if I were to get this. The rolled gold is a very cool concept and I don't know why others don't offer it...and the Romans are classy. My only concern is the size. While I don't have a small wrist, 42mm seems very large for such an el...
I appreciate the vote of confidence!
And the discussion is both sharp and relevant. I agree that a well sized watch is very nice. Breguet has a few thin dress watches, their basic 7147 is around 7.5mm thick, 40mm across. In this case...the case size is due to the double impulse movement. The...
I'm curious what people think of the movement finishing on this
The dial, hands, and case look terrific. The black polished 3-spoke balance bridge is great as well. However, the lack of anglage and polished countersyncs for the jewels strikes me as a little odd. Is this just part of the traditional English finishing s...
Yes, it's not in the Swiss style we are used to.
Roger W Smith's (and George Daniels') watches are in a similar style, lacking in anglage for the mainplates and only used as an accent. Although, as you can see, RWS does use polished countersinks. GD talked a bit about it in his books. As a P.S. when the...
Very interesting, and I do like the fact that the movement looks completely different from anything else out there!
Looking forward to seeing your review once you get it!
There's literally no other watch in production like it and no wristwatch has ever had this escapement.
I'm looking forward to it, too! Thanks for your interest.
I’m looking forward to this one.
I hope to see it in the metal, even if you have to leave it on a table and stand 6 feet away! More seriously I feel this is a watch (for me) that must be seen in the metal to understand and appreciate it.
Thanks for your kind words!
It's a strange watch that doesn't play by the same rules as a Dufour, for example, at all. It really is something that I think George Daniels would have approved of (and he did, as he got to see a prototype before he passed). People often remark that the ...
Congratulations on a fantastic piece!
Loving the change in color of the numerals on the dial when view angle changes. The highlight of the watch would definitely be the movement, in particular the escapement. Can't say I'm not envious that you have this piece! Regards, Laba
Many thanks Laba!
The "blued" hands and markers are purple in the British style, should be fun to see. I think this watch appeals to people who have an interest in escapements.
My oh my - what a sublime watch
Congratulations on a truly beautiful timepiece. I would also choose the 22k case and would take quite some time to choose between Arabic and Roman numerals. You simply cannot go wrong.
No, this not madness (ok, perhaps a little bit ;-)), it is rather
pure addiction! Many congrats for this marvel. When will you get it? Best Thomas
I'll add a few more pictures from IG that I've found,
with thanks to the people who've shared them A unique dial with Arabic language numerals This is the first one sold From SJX Also SJX ...