amanico
[JLC Moderator]
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Geophysic / Chronometre Royal: The common point.
Here is something I wanted to post since a very long time.
I waited for the opportunity to play with a Chronometre Royal, to raise a question:
Which is the best: To make a great movement, or to finish it?
Here, the picture of the P 478 / BWSBr:
And here, the same movement, with a dfferent code name ( P 1008 / BS ) and a different finishing, used by Vacheron Constantin for the Chronomètre Royal:
Of course the movement is more important than the finishing, as you can't finish what doesn't exist.
We can regret that the JLC movement doesn't have the same level of finish, but we also have ot bear in mind that the Geophysic was marketed as a toolwatch for scientists and adventurers, who needed an amagnetic and very accurate watch, while the Vacheron was playing on the luxury field.
I will come back to these 2 watches, by the way, but for now, enjoy the picstures of this movement.
Best,
Nicolas
More posts:
Geophysic / Chronometre Royal: The common point.
Here is something I wanted to post since a very long time. I waited for the opportunity to play with a Chronometre Royal, to raise a question: Which is the best: To make a great movement, or to finish it? Here, the picture of the P 478 / BWSBr: And here, ...
Finish is, somehow important when ...
The watch has a transparent case back. Otherwise is something that only my watchmaker will enjoy, not me. Considering that I'm a little paranoid with magnetism and transparent case back ... for me is just a nice to have. About the two movement under discu...
There is much more work on the VC.
On the JLC, you have a plate and a big bridge. While on the VC, the bridges and platre are re worked, hence this feeling. As for the importance of a finished movement protected or hidden by a solid case back, I tend to disagree. I am always happy ot know ...
I like where you are going with this,Vlad
This is a good and interesting topic. Of course, LeCoultre and VC have a shared history, no? It is interesting to see the movement so differently finished in these two watches. Like you, even if there is a solid caseback, I like knowing that what is hidde...
Yes, shared history, as JLC didn't only provided this movement to VC.
I like the movement of the Geophysic a lot, as you know. And of course, Vacheron didn't make a mistake when choosing it for the Chronometre Royal, whose finish is existing, when it is " rougher " on the JLC. Though, I like that the JLC is rougher, as it i...
Hi Nico, what i like about the VC is that...
You see more of the movement. With the geophysic, is it because of protection. With that kind of a design, i dont really see how finishing plays a part because the whole thing looks industrial to begin with. Maybe a maltese cross somewhere in there would ...
Because the bridge and the plate have been reworked by VC.
Hence you have more to see on the Chronometre Royal movement. It is not only the perlage and the Cotes De Genève. My heart goes for the JLC for another reason: There are no white metal Chronometres Royaux. Plus the fact that I love the sotry behind the JL...
both are awesome watches and the calibre 478 is a legend
Well both are awesome watches. The calibre 478 was one of the very best ever jlc hand wound movements ever made and was a strong competitor of the iwc cal 89 and the later omega 30t2 variants. The 478 ticking in my vintage jlc is +2 sec per day accurate a...
The movements you can find in the triple dates are also something.
And really eye catching, too. You are absolutely right about the Cal 920. JLC was the Watchmaker's watchmakers, at this time. Best, Nicolas
Right in the heart
Good aim, Nico! You know I love all the variations, and personally I find a unique charm to each of these 12.5 ligne movements, regardless of finish. The more common variety demonstrate great industrial design: adaptability, durability, serviceability, ec...
That is an useful montage, Steve.
The 4 brothers together. The curious detail you raised, which also raises a question, is that the 478 is less finished than the superb 479 ( housed in the WWW ) and than the not less appealing 488 ( housed in the Mark 11 ), while the Geophysic was less a ...
"To make a great movement, or to finish it?"
Well, I would say - to make the movement! After that you have always the option to decorate it or not... ;) Thank you for sharing these pics! The work VC made is really stunning! Best, my friend Blomman
counter question
"What do the greatest brands call themselves...'watch manufacturers' or 'watch decorateurs'?"
Beautiful mouvement indeed.....
The finishing and "re-designing" (for lack of a better word) of the Vacheron Constantin version is superb! Thank you for these lovely pictures. Cheers Francois
Thx in kind return !.. Also re-stumbled over this fact of synchrony.. As such nice to know..
.. without being qualified enough, an interesting fact; wasn't aware of this/these links between VC & JLC and the repercussions thereby. Love both, the time-pieces & the finish, but as rightly said here, the beauty of the finishing was remarkable; but if ...
Very interesting comparison Nicolas ...
... One is for a scientist and the other one for a king, no doubt there are differences :-) Personally, I'll be a happy scientist with the Geophysic on my wrist ;-) All the best, Etienne
