Gary G
3734
Numbers as I know them
A friend and fellow waiting list participant tells me that as of the most recent update (which was apparenly some time ago, so must be taken with a grain of salt) there were 36 watches formally assigned to 5 initial batches, and another 22 serial numbers possibly allocated. Serial numbers run from 0 to 99, but few above 50 appear to be reserved.
From the other set of recent photos it looks as if Volker is trying to complete an initial group of 12 sets of plates/bridges. The data from a while ago suggest that at least for some watches many of the other parts have already been made, although with the changes in the movement design it may have been necessary to re-make some of these.
So...how many watches can Volker finish in a year? If we use historical rates, we know the answer -- but let's be more optimistic. A VH Antiqua takes 900 hours of labor to make -- if the VA takes this much, then we're talking 3 per year (ugh). I don't know how many Simplicities Mr. Dufour turns out in a year, but I'm guessing 20 or so -- in that case, Volker could burn through his total potential order backlog in something like 3 years (better). In addition, Volker may have lots of parts already good to go, so the first batches of watches may move more quickly once the bridge finishing bottleneck is eased (even better). And, while Volker's finishing work seems to be of a good standard, ultra-finishing is not part of the VA ethos, so time will likely be saved there (great!).
I don't have any knowledge of how many people may have cancelled orders over the past several years, or whether that was even possible -- so I don't really know what the backlog is at this point. So, lots and lots of uncertainty about timing at this point -- all that is clear is that when n is non-zero for delivered, functioning watches we will be able to get better fix!
That's at least as much as I know...
Best,
Gary G
Volker update
As I typed the title above, I was reminded of PPlater's recent post in which he referred to my "sighing" about Volker and the VA. That's not sighing -- it's excited breathing at the prospect of (eventual) delivery of my watch! I received an informative me...
Great news! Congrats!
Nice to hear the Vyskocil project is getting to the exciting end of things! Hopefully it won't be long until we see the VA through your camera lens, Gary There's no doubt Volker's watch is one of the most anticipated watch ever, and I think all eyes will ...
I remain hopeful, Sidney
Volker has experienced a number of barriers, and to be honest he has perhaps not always been forthright about the true condition of things in his workshop, but I am hopeful that Michael's presence is allowing Volker to focus on watchmaking and that we wil...
Excited breathing?...
After this long, it's probably more like hyperventilation! The language of that message, Gary, is eerily reminiscent of the language of the messages emanating from VV in 2005. May your antici................................................pation be reward...
Yeah, I know...
...but sometimes you've just gotta believe! I find Michael to be quite forthright, and prefer to extend the benefit of the doubt, even when all prior deadlines have long been blown. If Volker can actually start delivering, even a couple of pieces, it will...
This is what you call the foreplay......
impatiently waiting for the climax! Hopefully in time for X'mas Gary? F
Volker VA
Im so happy. The clock with the number five will be my timekeeper. ;-)) Enrico
What a great first post, Enrico!
First of all, welcome here! I hope that you will become an active participant in the forum, now that you have started. Now that you have joined in, we will hope to hear about further progress and delivery of your watch, see photographs, etc. Again, welcom...
Congratulations, and welcome!...
Hopefully we will see more of you (and #5!) around here. Cheers, pplater.
Good news
Good news from Michael and Volker Vyskocil ... ;-) [URL=http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/62/mg5996ji.jpg/] [/URL] Best regards Enrico...
Good news indeed!
Thanks for posting this -- it is great to see continuing progress from Nettetal. I hope that your watch will be completed soon! Best, Gary G
Fingers crossed, Stephen
I am really eager for this tale to come to a happy ending, and this watch will be a real treasure for me... Best, Gary G
Can't wait to finally see a finished piece....
At one time I was on the waiting list for one ov VV's timepieces, but that was many moons ago and I suspect that list has fallen by the wayside. I love both the front and back of this watch, and the historic wait for its completion makes it even more lege...
My guess...
...is that if you did not send a deposit and select a movement number, you are not on the list. Perhaps once VV works through his backlog (which I'm guessing will take quite a while) he may re-open the subscription. My best info is that he may have had at...
Thanks for the information Gary....
I was under the impression that the first run would be only 12 watches - was it increased at some point to 100? If it is 100, that's wonderful news for those interested in purchasing one, although that will take quite an effort to work through the full su...
Numbers as I know them
A friend and fellow waiting list participant tells me that as of the most recent update (which was apparenly some time ago, so must be taken with a grain of salt) there were 36 watches formally assigned to 5 initial batches, and another 22 serial numbers ...
I always looked forward to this day...
and I am still sure that this will be one if the most personal and uncompromised watches ever built. And all this without a crazy design. Yes, that's possible! Cheers, Magnus
We shall see!
Magnus -- great to hear from you. I have been a Volker supporter all along, and continued to fly the flag when some others had perhaps folded theirs, so will be delighted when this comes to pass. That said, almost-finished plates do not quite make a finis...
Not only that...
he only stop once HE himself is satisfied! This I really appreciate! Magnus
I think that at one point he should stop satisfying himself and try to satisfy his
clients and the best would be to actually deliver a watch
You would know!
I would dearly love to see one of these on your wrist -- soon... Best, Gary
Back into future...
I can understand your feelings, Alex, but just imagine yourself in 1 to 2 years with a no compromise watch in your hand, and then think back to these days... I guess you will smile forever! Magnus
5th to order and chose a special serial number
in 2004.............but still no watch Some people have jumped the queue.... Regards, MTF
Hmm...
Given that no watches have been delivered, and #5 is the only one that is visibly being worked on at the moment, not sure how you have concluded that there are queue jumpers -- do you have info we don't? I can assure you that as far as I know I'm just as ...
Serial numbers are not related to pecking order
Gary, The orders were taken from 2004 and early clients were allowed to specific their 'lucky' numbers for the serial numbers, as well as nearly every imaginable customisation variant of case, dial, hands and movement. That slows down production as it is ...
I'm aware of that, MTF
...it wasn't just the very early subscribers, as I was given my choice of the remaining available numbers at the time I ordered and selected a "lucky" one of my own. Same with choice of case, dial, and hands, and at one point in the long correspondence ov...
Spooky fluke of probability?
I delivered a special PuristS 10th watch recently to a lady who wears gent's size watches. We had never met before and in conversation, she mentioned a watch that was ordered whilst she was pregnant and that child is now about to start at primary school !...
Keeping the faith, and dynamics of a thin market...
I believe! I believe! Hey -- at this point, it's worth staying in just to see what will happen next -- and as I often say, when these watches actually arrive it will be the greatest watch story, ever. As for your coincidence, that's pretty cool. Not 100 p...
"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience" Raphl Emerson
share this with your lady friend...from pregnancy to school going...thats nature pace. best, Horo
Nice parts, Gary.
In any event, Volker has created history in watchmaking. Eventually, Volker timepiece will always be remembered. Regards Ling
one can turn to the saints...St Monica and/or St Isidore the Labourer
St Monica for the virtue of patience.......OR St Isidore the Labourer for work diligence on the part of Volker I recommend both.... Best, Horo...
Numbers
Foreplay huh? or is that four-play for four years of waiting? or would that make mine five-play? As for the numbers, this is what I understand. I was on a "wait list" actually for his NEXT watch since they were not taking orders for anymore. After being i...
My exact experience
...right down to the message from Heidi letting me know that someone had backed out and I could take up the slot. My message from earlier this year suggesting that I should expect delivery between April and June was from Volker, not Michael -- I'm seeing ...
Numbers part 2
Being from HK and Asia, I tried to choose a bunch of numbers with 8 in it. so naturally I tried numbers such as 80, 88, 82, 83, 86 etc etc but these were taken as was 68, 78 etc. Eventually I plumped for 98 I think. I think that the estimate of 50 watches...
I also await....
a Volker Vyskocil masterpiece! I am in the initial 5 and have waited for quite a long time. Hope springs eternal and we shall see when the initial pieces begin appearing. Volker's attention to detail may interfere with future development but this first ba...