An evolution, a sweet vacation and a milestone purchase

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

RG uses S screws and I do think it adds to the overall aesthetics of the watch. The S screw is supposed to allow the person to apply more force due to the "longer" line in the screw head

Very nice model Michael.

The stock pix don’t show the ‘s’ screws in a good way?

Your new one should look much better.

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by Greenp

Everything looks so good the pictures look computer generated!

Originally Posted by dauster

What an amazing thread have to look thru this part of the forum more often. Independents really have to be seen in person as the pictures don’t always do them justice.
Congratulations on an amazing timepiece- can’t wait for incoming post

Thank you!
Yes this forum is intriguing with many brands discussed here.

Originally Posted by Andad

Very nice model Michael.

The stock pix don’t show the ‘s’ screws in a good way?

Your new one should look much better.

Thanks!
Below is a closer picture of the S screws from their website. There are some valid concerns over the servicing of the watch by other watchmakers who do not have the tool to turn these special screws. I guess I will have to send my watch to RG for servicing.

IMG_20240215_165218_(800_x_1000_pixel).jpg

[agriculture&watches]

Huge Congratulations

[Gebbeth]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

My horological taste has evolved gradually over the years.

Up to the age of 39, I never care much for watches and I’m happy to wear the same Seiko 24 hours a day until it broke. I wasn’t even aware a watch can be serviced or repaired then, and a broken watch meant that I would get the next cheapest replacement from Seiko.

Something changed in my head when I was around 39. I could not explain what caused it but I fell in love with the Nautilus 5711. By association, I also began to like the other Patek models due to their history, complications and aesthetics, and over the next few years, went deep into the brand.

Then something switched again in early 2022. While still a big Patek fan, I developed a fondness for sharp inward angles in movements as they are sure signs of hand-finishing. I started to research madly into sharp inward angles and the more I dug into them, the more I yearned for them. In March 2022, my AD graciously placed an order on my behalf for a Voutilainen Vingt-8 which is scheduled for delivery in 2026. It was a big deal for me to have a bespoke handmade watch with sharp inward angles from a living legend. I look forward to 2026 for the delivery.

Besides Kari Voutilainen, I also learned that watches made by Philippe Dufour, Rexhep Rexhepi and Romain Gauthier have the highest level of hand-finishing. Not contented with just having the Vingt-8, I also wanted to add at least another piece from the pantheon of hand-finishing greats. During our recent vacation to Japan, while my wife is shopping, I went to an AD to place an order for the Romain Gauthier Insight Micro-Rotor (white gold) without seeing one in metal or trying one on. Thankfully the watch is still available for order and the delivery is estimated to be Q1 2024, which is not too bad compared to the Vingt-8. I chose the white enamel dial because I like how it looks with the blue hands. My wife commented I was beaming from ear to ear when I rejoined her. I still remember that “high” feeling to this day.

That aside, I find it incredible that a glorious watch like that could be purchased without a wait, compared to the known difficulties in getting a Simplicity or a RRCC. RG only makes 50-60 watches a year and I regard them as one of, if not, the most under-rated watchmakers in history. I’m aware Chanel has a minority stake in RG (just like FPJ) and RG the man relies on his team of in-house artisans to finish his watches. That said, PD is his mentor and that’s good enough for me.

Thanks for reading this long post. I will update as and when there are news to the delivery. Below are stock photos of the watch.

Attachment 1341070

Attachment 1341071

Congratulations. Fantastic work of art.

[kunlun]

Congrats! May we see the mock up for your coming Voutilainen? I'd like to see what dial you chose.

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by kunlun

Congrats! May we see the mock up for your coming Voutilainen? I'd like to see what dial you chose.

Thanks!

We haven't gotten to the mock-up yet. I have proposed platinum case, blue dial and some guilloche background designs for his consideration. Movement side, I have opted for Côtes de Genève instead of frosted. I will update the other Vingt-8 thread when I hear from Kari again.

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

Thanks!

We haven't gotten to the mock-up yet. I have proposed platinum case, blue dial and some guilloche background designs for his consideration. Movement side, I have opted for Côtes de Genève instead of frosted. I will update the other Vingt-8 thread when I hear from Kari again.

Ruthenium coating? I was planning for frosted gold but my friend has one and he convinced me to avoid it.

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by llngoc

Ruthenium coating? I was planning for frosted gold but my friend has one and he convinced me to avoid it.

I can't remember but I generally don't like plating on my watch.

[dchang81]

Originally Posted by llngoc

Ruthenium coating? I was planning for frosted gold but my friend has one and he convinced me to avoid it.

why did your friend convince you to avoid it? thought that was considered one of his signature finishes.

[brandrea]

Congratulations Michael. An outstanding addition to an already amazing collection

[Victorx88x]

Huge Congrats Michael!!!!

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by charger_vital

What a beautiful watch! Congrats on a very special piece.

Originally Posted by Gebbeth

Congratulations. Fantastic work of art.

Thank you!

Originally Posted by brandrea

Congratulations Michael. An outstanding addition to an already amazing collection

Thanks Brian!

Originally Posted by Victorx88x

Huge Congrats Michael!!!!

Thanks Victor!

[mps354]

That’s really an amazing pickup, congrats and thanks for sharing!

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by mps354

That’s really an amazing pickup, congrats and thanks for sharing!

Thank you!

[FrankNYC]

That is one classy piece! congrats!

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by MJaber

do message me your order details so I can track it and take pics for your while its being finished and assembly - this way you'll be able to document the creation of your timepiece.

PMed - appreciate your kind gesture.

Originally Posted by FrankNYC

That is one classy piece! congrats!

Thank you!

[denmanproject]

Incredible addition! huge congrats

[Moondoggy]

Superb

[7sins]

Absolutely stunning, congrats brother!

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by denmanproject

This connection is so cool, let’s hope Michael posts them here

He has given me the green light to post this pic. The blue base plate is customized. Please also visit his IG for more pics.

IMG_20230105_142123_(880_x_800_pixel).jpg

Originally Posted by Moondoggy

Superb

Thank you!

Originally Posted by 7sins

Absolutely stunning, congrats brother!

Thanks brother! This is a dream watch of mine.

[denmanproject]

Very nice!

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

He has given me the green light to post this pic. The blue base plate is customized. Please also visit his IG for more pics.
Thank you!
Thanks brother! This is a dream watch of mine.

SeXXXy

And it truly is your custom piece

[Justindo]

Congratulations. That's a gorgeous watch with superb finishing. Wear it in good health.

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by Justindo

Congratulations. That's a gorgeous watch with superb finishing. Wear it in good health.

Thank you!

[brandrea]

Awesome news Michael … nothing like an eagerly awaited incoming

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Awesome news Michael … nothing like an eagerly awaited incoming

It's also cool to see work-in-progress pictures. I will post them when I get them

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

It's also cool to see work-in-progress pictures. I will post them when I get them

Please do!!


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[subtona]

Well done Michael!

[dauster]

What an amazing thread have to look thru this part of the forum more often. Independents really have to be seen in person as the pictures don’t always do them justice.
Congratulations on an amazing timepiece- can’t wait for incoming post


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[Yobrooks]

Can't wait to see final piece on the wrist. Enjoy and congratulations in advance.

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