TimeTexas

Man, that sparkles like crazy with the diamond dust. Looks fantastic!

So from the Zoom call, it was a skeletonized dial with other different or deconstructed pieces layered setting the movement. That seems to be depicted in the first set of photos which shows individual hour markers and separate hour indices. The second set of stretched appears to indicate the little are slightly more curved but more interestingly, the split which is similar to the O1/RO case may originate from two different sections of the case separately. See the deconnected lug. Hard to say for sure, but the integration with the case seems different. The sketch of the ball and socket joint may be fair aesthetics, but could it also mean that there's some movement of the lugs allowed? Seems unlikely but it fits day "deconnected" which could show for some rotation. The last set is the movement which I'm still studying.

From Damiaen, they are working on a publication now for Holthinrichs Owners presenting the new Model. The plan sounds like it will come out in the next few weeks, sometime in May. Me: My Bank Account:

So, the next handmade piece that has come in is the Sergey Chutov Fortress 2. As expected, the craftsmanship and finishing on the Fortress 2 is higher than the Richard Day. Not to take away from the RD, part off the charm is the rustic, handmade feel of the watch. And its still very well done when considered in that context. Its clear his skills developed making telescopes translated to making watches. The Fortress is a more refined timepiece and, rightfully costs more. I actually think the Chutov is a good value at $2,000. One factor is that Sergey is in Russia compared to Richard in the UK which likely factors into the pricing to some extent. Based on the level of finishing, upgraded movement, including nice brush work on the movement, it is a well executed watch and a good deal for something done by hand. You don't have the sharp anglage or beveling or other flourishes, but what is there is done remarkably well. The textured gray dial is excellent and the applied, polished logo and the circular brushing on the surround looks great. Overall I'm very impressed and I do think the time spent to home his craft shows in the finishing and overall execution. The movement is certainly an upgrade, as well as the level of finishing. Knowing the quality of this and other handcrafted watches, including upgraded movements, I think the RDay is probably appropriately priced at $1000-1100. You are buying more than just the components of the watch, including the time spent creating a unique piece. Labor rates in the UK are different than in a Russia and the time spent building each piece by hand is a time consuming process. That said, if Richard is trying to build a brand, he may be better served keeping the price sub-$1000 to keep it as more of an impulse buy and build a customer base as he further refines his skills and makes some moderate improvements to move to the next level. But on the other hand, the people looking for hand-crafted watches like this likely aren't going to draw a distinction between $850-1,100 because the value is in the time spent and the unique nature of the timepiece and less about specifications and refinement. There aren't many options for handcrafted watches at that price point, but there is an increase in competition as you move into the $2,000 range. Either way, I understand that Richard has sold out of the first batch and is planning a second release. I'm interested to see what, if anything, he does differently the second time around. I'm also excited to see the refined Via Lactea from @Hrotsky next. The price for the Via Lactea is another level up from the Chutov at around $2,900. My expectations are extremely high. I've followed Alex's progress for many months and he has certainly invested in some tools, equipment, and also time to create an exceptional timepiece. But at the moment I'm really enjoying both timepieces that have arrived and both are impressive in their own right.

I think he offers something different in that you really can do a lot of customization in a sports watch which really isn't available right now, especially at that price point. There's definitely options at higher prices to customize pieces, but this seems like a great opportunity for people who aren't looking to spend $20k. And I can't begrudge someone for taking advantage of an opportunity. Nothing is guaranteed and is opportunity is knocking, open the door. I think this will definitely be a success.

So I'm only a couple chapters into this and it's incredibly well written. The imagery and descriptions are perfect and the historical discussion of time is fascinating. I bought it direct, not sure if there are any more available but it looks like it will be available on Amazon in about a month. Highly recommended!

Definitely some strong nature, human, and structural elements.

So in February of 2022, at I was looking to buy my Raw Ornament, I was able to spend a couple hours talking on Zoom with Michael and Damiaen. Michiel was very excited to show me a new project he was working on, with a deconstructed dial. Now that they have posted some sketches of the upcoming release that was the watch they were working on. Lots to digest here. Looks like a continuing evolution from the Raw Ornament to the Liminality Series but with even more exaggerated architectural elements. The sketch showing the lug connection clearly based on a ball and socket hip joint.

Marmalade Headshot is the winner. Can't argue with this.