Finding Affordable High Horology #458

In many respect the concept of "High Horology" is a marketing one, but hyperbole aside the concept helps us focus on certain key elements of a watch—namely the horology that centers around the movement and aspects that may make the watch more accessible to our budgets. Let's see if we can put quality and affordability together.

[GrumblingForesight]

I get my dose of high horology by living vicariously through Bill’s videos as I sit and watch them with my silicon infused Black Bay Pro on my wrist :)

[AbdulRWatches]

Great selection Bill, Definitely makes one want to research more to find these hidden gems. Take care 👍🏽

[Nikolas-]

Thanks for the great video Bill.💙 I always look forward to your videos and always leave a like. Please keep it up. 🍀👍

[xpdchief]

You hit it out of the park again Bill. Buying the movement, what a great concept. I really like them all, with the exception of the AP. Although the movement is great, I can't overlook the shape of the case. Out of all the watches shown I'll have to be content with my Mad Red fume Moser Pioneer Center Seconds.
Best regards, Brian

[HRM.H]

The AP Millenary is incredibly underrated. One of the few AP's i would consider buying

[abdulsohu]

Hi Bill, you might have missed this as it was a followup to a reply you made to one of my comments: the Caliber VI is beautiful-- really mesmerizing and brings back the sight of old hand-made pocket watches with all the good hand-crafted detail levels! I appreciate your input on movement finishing as well. I always used to think Hektor is Lang und Heyne's bread and butter, but clearly the Friedrich and Georg and many others are to be reckoned with!

By the way, started binging this channel recently and since we're both based on East Coast, I was wondering if you meet up with local subscribers? Wondering if there is a better way to communicate from fellow horology fiends that isn't Youtube comments! :D Maybe you have a forum of sorts?

Finally, may I recommend a segment on movement finishing, kind of like the ranking episode you did, but catered specifically to the amount of hand-work and sheer hours put in!

[dbw]

Love your work & have a preposterous new year. I believe we all will.

[TheBlindSkwerl]

I'm going to keep my eyes open for one of those MG's. Thanks for the information, Bill!

[Roots-AndRoutes]

Hi Bill, I am your fan. I watch many videos of yours. I know you have so many watches. Do you have time to wear all? I am planning to buy Tag Heuer Monaco Gulf what is your suggestion

[axisskin]

Thanks, as usual very informative. have a blessed weekend

[wysiwyg]

Good morning Bill, as always your advise is spot on: Focus on the movement, and search for alternatives less flashy/new or discontinued versions. Do you know why most Grossmans have a pusher bottom at 4 O'clock? I noticed this in several of their listings for watches that look without complications. Thanks.

[mattilatvala]

That Audemars Millenary is a sure way to wear Audemars in London night life safely. 😆

[jimflynn]

Just managed to break my Patek with the 215 calibre, probably from overwinding even though I thought I was being careful. Not looking forward to the repair bill when I take it in!

[burrellthomson]

Hi Bill, I have a 1950 Patek P. Calatrava (manual wind). It is a beautiful watch, but not a modern size. I have never had it serviced as I don’t use it much, since it is not waterproof. However, it really needs to be serviced now and I simply cannot decide whether to return it to Patek P for servicing OR get it serviced locally. PP will do a superb job I feel sure - but it will be hugely expensive!

I wonder what you would do? Regards Nick

[h]

The Moritz Grossman ATUM Pure H is a watch that gives me a real rush. MG has reached the point where there is no longer any current unspoken inventory at MG dealers which reinforces MG as a true bespoke producer. As a newer brand, Christine Hutter has been a truly fantastic brand developer who set a consistent high horology course and stuck with it. MG has never flooded the market and the values of MG references are demonstrably secure. There are no bargain priced references coming out of the MG atelier in Glashutte but the value proposition that MG offers is second to none. Yes MG watches are nominally expensive but IMO they are comparative bargains given the quality of the horology and the overall execution of their watches. When one tries to think of watch company leaders who have built a world class watch company from scratch in the least amount of time without cutting corners (being dependent on third party movements), Christine Hutter is one of only a few people who come to mind and she has done it with great modesty and decorum. I am lucky enough to live part-time in a city which has one of her ADs and MG watches seen close up are the real deal.

[thatrandomduder]

Can you please share where you found that Grossmann deal? Thats the cheapest Ive seen by far! I too was resigned to the idea that MG would always be too expensive.

[andreasd]

interesting, the same movement but a different design and the price doubles. 😆

[obud]

Hi Bill👋These prices seem totally unrealistic, or are these prices without taxes?

[booksquotes]

Please mention affordable independent watchmakers 😊

[rfish]

I’m still not clear what makes a watch have high horology?