Independents

...or, more specifically, from his brother, Michael Vyskocil.

Over the past year or so, I have been corresponding with Michael approximately once each two months to check in, provide encouragement, and see what progress has been made.  The last couple of updates have focused primarily on dial development, which has apparently been not without its challenges.  The experiment with enamel dial-making seems to be on hold for now, and as it turns out some of the original dials with that lovely cream color have turned out not to be color-stable, so that specific technique cannot be used.

The most recent dial incarnation is a bit more "modern" in appearance, at least to my eye, and features a knurled look on the majority of the background of the dial.  Two finishes are currently being done: the lighter palladium and darker rhodium, with two marker types: blued steel and white gold.

Michael was kind enough to send two photos -- I have re-touched them a bit to reduce the glare caused by reflections off of the crystals, and present them here:

As you can see, these are still prototypes (among other things the markers are mismatched on the darker dial) but I think they give a good sense of what we might expect the first finished examples to look like.  I was also very interested to see what look like deployant buckles in the background!

If I were getting a white metal watch, I think I'd lean toward the darker dial.  The semi-bad news for me is that when I ordered the watch I specified a YG case (seemed to me that it was very much in keeping with the "classical" look of the piece) and I'm not sure that either of these dials will do the trick.  The original cream/eggshell dial version (which turned out not to be color stable) is pretty much exactly what I would love to have, and the good news is that Volker continues to work on developing a dial in that palette.

In any case (no pun intended), it's good to see something that looks like a cased-up watch with dial and hands!  My hope is that Michael will have further news on movement completion soon, and that some of the patient early buyers will soon be receiving their watches.  I love anticipation as much as the next guy, but for some of the very early folks on the list, it's about time!

All the best,

Gary G

First of all, I do hope that everything is ok for Volker.

About the dials, I have to confess that I much prefer the original one. But if it was too complicated to produce and  if these last ones allow to release the watch more easily...

Thanks a lot Gary for the news.

Fx


This message has been edited by foversta on 2012-09-15 23:50:18

In the ideal world (especially for me with the YG case) I'd end up with something close to the original dial design -- flat background, ivory color.  But, at the end of the day it has to be possible to produce the watch!

All the best, as always,

Gary

No message body

Nice to read the update and nice to hear that they are progressing.  I think the darker dial looks very nice but with RG I think I go with you on the lighter version.  The blue hands are also nice looking too on this dial.

On the dials, the report from Michael is that the current design is "replicable" by Volker (which I take to mean that he can produce a significant number with quality that meets his standards). 

We'll see when my piece arrives, but I am definitely still looking forward to it!

Best,

Gary

Let's hope the watch materialises soon for you Gary.

Regards,
Richard.

Well, Larry Seiden always says that the greatest watch in the world is the one that is incoming, which must make this watch truly spectacular by now!  I have not lost hope -- and it is good to see that things appear to be coming together.

Best,

Gary

Can it really be THAT hard? Maybe so.

Cheers,
pplater.

Which is "how hard can it be?"  Applies to all sorts of things, from delivering a complete room service order, to illuminating one's turn signals before turning, to being thorough in documenting work.

I do suspect that making a watch from scratch is considerably more difficult than any of the above!  However, at this point one hopes that Volker has all of the needed elements in hand.  Might be well if those "on the list" started to reinforce with him, with some vigor, the idea that it's time for Volker to put his head down and turn out a volume of finished product.

Will there still be imperfections (at least as seen by a perfectionist)?  Almost certainly so -- but in the world of indies it is not at all uncommon to get some completed watches out into the real world hoping that all will be just right but prepared to make some running improvements based on user experience.  My early Antiqua just had some pretty fundamental work done to the calendar mechanism and support structure for the movement (which in turn required internal case modifications) as part of its recent service, based on improvements that Vianney discovered over the intervening years; some of the PSM Thalassas (mine included) had an overbanking/galloping issue that Peter was able to resolve quite quickly; when I send my Observatoire in for servicing there are a few minor cosmetic things that I will want to have addressed; and so on... 

Best,

Gary

 

..and the 'beta product' has a certain charm of its own, does it not? Better a watch on the wrist that is 99% there than a 100% watch never delivered.

As has been amply documented by you, peanut shells can have only a beneficial polishing effect on a watch case -- minor scratches on mine notwithstanding

I am actually referring to a few nits (state of polish on the tips of the hands, a couple of screw slots) on the interior of the case that I assume can be easily addressed...

Time to see some VAs in the metal!

Best,

Gary

. . . and please, keep us in the loop.  

I was thinking of you as I put together this quick report -- looking forward to sharing the VA upon its arrival...

Best,

Gary

quixotic journey.  I was on the waitlist some 4 or so years ago (which I believe was over 3 years into the trek), but have now dropped off.  I'm not sure we'll ever see the likes of a project like this again anytime soon.

Can't wait to see scans of the timepiece as finally approved and delivered by VV.

Until then, will follow these posts and enjoy the scans as they are released.

Darren

I am still drawn in by the romance of the quest! 

Best,

Gary G

e

Looked as if he had made strong progress on the movement as of four months ago -- I agree that it would be more buoying to see photos/video of a fully finished and regulated movement than of dials...

what is the hurdle(s) to progress to the finishing of the movement?
I would ask what progressed in this four months if it not bother you.

Thank you very much for your report.

...what the remaining hurdles are to finishing the movement.  The last photos I received of a movement looked remarkably complete and well-finished, with only a few items (the cover plate to the fine adjustment mechanism was one of them) seeming to be missing.

I don't like to bother Michael too much -- I was expecting that he would give me a report on the progress with the movement, but when he did not I didn't go back to him for more information.  Perhaps now I can do so -- I would certainly like to hear any news on the movement myself.

Best,

Gary G

Well, I think, and I hope Volker is a perfectionist. Sometimes too much, though.
I imagine (this is only I can do) that developing totally new movement might be tremendously tough for one person......
As long as I know, even JLC, of course, one of the most technically skilled watch constructor,  takes several years to get rid of all defection of 975. 

Hope Volker is fine, and of course, I will wait unti he is persuaded himself that VA is ready to deliver.

Hey Gary,

It is good to see more progress coming from the "phantom" watchmaker who never seems to get things done!

Well, i am not even on the list so lucky you! Do share with us this precious when it finally, if ever, comes!

Tschuss

Stephen

Gary -

The watches could be ordered in any of the usual metals, including YG, rose, red, and white gold, and PT.  Two sizes -- 38mm and 40mm. 

jokes aside, signs are encouraging...thanks for the update

A compliment in my book.

thought what i would've desired more to see deep update on the movement that would help better to reflect some comfort on buyers end, so it all started as a concept watch with a concept movement which took TOO LONG behind the scene to come out not ready but with some update on it with my due respect and appreciation i wonder what sort of damage this can leave in the future for the creator and his brand... hope not much yet i hope more for a soon release 

...on movement progress and hope to be able to post soon -- I am hopeful of hearing from him sometime this coming week.

Best,

Gary