Firmitas, utilitas, venustas
“ Firmitas , utilitas , venustas ” (Firmness, commodity, delight) is the motto of Nouvelle Chronometrie , an independent brand founded by Noritaka Sakurai . Its first watch , called “ Montre Ordinaire ” (Ordinary watch) is nothing less than a tourbillon c...
It's complicated
On one hand I appreciate the transparency about sourcing, at the same time the side view of the case could be more elegant. My biggest issue is the price, 30 million yens is a hefty sum that would allow one to buy tourbillon models from many other brands....
As has already happened several times for other posts,
your answer makes me realize that, most of the time, I forget to look at the prices because I rarely approach watches as a potential customer. Most of the time I look at them only as a watch enthusiast. And this watch appeals to me (including the case pro...
Really really love it
Makes me remember how nice the Breguet 7147 is, and wish that Breguet made that watch a little smaller, and with a handwind movement! Obviously this watch is on another level but just as obviously, Breguet led the way. ...
Breguet led the way indeed, and what a wonderful way!
And the “Montre Ordinaire” is a truly beautiful way to revive this tradition. Best, Emmanuel
They're very thin indeed, but they might have a stronger presence in real life than on photos...
The watch would need to be seen in person. Best, Emmanuel
It's a bit thick and looks thicker than stated, but I really like it...
...but I like Breguet. For the past many years now there seems to be too many copycat watches...but if you're going to copy, do it from the master...
Way too derivative IMO
A brand should have its own unique aesthetic, to the point that I don't need to see a logo to know whose watch it is. Voutillainen is a great example of this with dress watches. You know its a kari piece without the logo there... Some cool ideas though fo...
You have a point, of course.
Yet, I still find this watch very appealing. And I can only note that a comparable model does not exist in the Breguet catalogue, which contains only front tourbillon models (which don't appeal to me, incidentally). So, very derivative, yes indeed. But al...
I think i have to agree with your opinion.
A beautiful and very good looking watch but what lacks is a bit of a own personality imo
Yes, it looks a bit too much like a Breguet rip-off,
but a comparable model does not exist in the Breguet catalogue, which contains only front tourbillons (which don't appeal to me, incidentally). So, I'm still quite happy that this one exists. Best, Emmanuel
While I love the look of this, classic elements throughout…
I too struggle with the concept. Are we not celebrating artisanal independent watchmakers or brands. We can do both, however, there is a clear distinction to me and one that seems to be glossed over all too often in today’s IG driven world. The days of di...
Thank you so much for sharing your detailed and valuable thoughts, Tim.
I completely understand what you mean here, and why this watch, as attractive as it might be, lacks some true individual identity and skill. This is very true and I can only agree with you. Thankfully, there are also sole watchmakers following the path yo...
Yes, Yosuke’s work looks to be superb.
I’ve not had the pleasure as yet of handling a piece from him. I hope to see one. Cheers, Tim