TimeTexas

Exciting news for the brand. Arcanaut has partnered with Collective Horology and watches are now available. Check it out at the link! https://shop.collectivehorology.com/collections/arcanaut

It seems every year I get busy right around Watches & Wonders. This year was no exception and I was actually sitting in hearings all week and unable to follow the action. After spending yesterday with family and re-introducing myself, I've finally started back through some of the releases. Unfortunately IG has been flooded with the incredibly terrible OP with balloons and puzzle pieces, along with nearly invisible changes to other models. Anyways, a few thoughts. Czapek has apparently been busy, at least busy designing. I'm still waiting for my Antarctique that I ordered 15 months ago. I'm happy to see that they are re-opening orders but it seems the ramping up of production is still ongoing. But their releases this year are flat out gorgeous. The standouts are the Revelation, the Titanium Dark Sector, and the S Sashiko. The Antarctique Revelation The Antarctique Titanium Dark Sector The Antarctique S Sashiko I really like the new Patek Calatrava I'm not usually a big fan of green and gold. I know I'm an outlier here, but especially yellow gold and a bright-ish green really looks awful in my opinion. That said, the Laurent Ferrier Classic Micro-Rotor in Evergreen and Rose Gold is absolutely delicious. After last years Ripples, I'm still not sure about having the subseconds at the 1:30 position. And that doesn't mean I don't like it there. I think I'm still processing it. I will say I do like the Academic more than the Black Tie I'll follow up later as I have more time but feel free to add your comments on any of the above or any of the Novelties from W&W.

No luck in the cock though. Still there.

Holy shit this is awesome.

Hard to say on the movement. Nothing in the photos really gives an indication. But the 3 arm hand is definitely interesting.

Agreed, definitely the way to go. This watch is so well designed and constructed. Really amazing. The dial is absolutely something else. Having trouble getting good shots of it though.

I'm not in a position to order one but I really like the signature. Had a bit of a Straum feel on the dial.

I'll ask if he'll let me share a couple shots after the zoom tonight here in the forum. Otherwise the official launch is Thursday. Clearly he's adding in something lumed.

Well it finally came in last week. Have been completely underwater with work so haven't been able to get any shots of it. But here's a couple quickies. Once I get better photos I'll pay those as well. @Arcanaut @Anders Brandt

Didn't spoil this a couple days ago when I got the email because it said not to share it, but now that he's promoting it on IG, it's probably safe. I don't know any details other than there's a new release being announced this week. Current owners have an opportunity to attend the virtual launch a couple days early. I don't be one to spoil it, but if I can I'll ask him if he minds if I post some screenshots of it. Hopefully so, but if not you'll just have to wait for the public announcement. I'm excited to see what is new. Having just got mine along with several other watches this past year, I probably won't be adding this to my collection but never say never.

Tracking this releae coming up in a couple weeks. IG teaser

Also should mention there will be some element of deconstruction coming. Not sure if that means the final release of the Ornament 1, a 3rd Liminality, or the new model slated for later in the year. I know they were working on that last year about this time when I first talked with them. They certainly don't shy away from trying different things which is why they're my favorite brand.

So a few weeks back, Holthinrichs ran a story on IG that had a design sketch. I didn't think too much about it, but obviously in hindsight I knew that was likely the preliminary snatches of the upcoming new model. I asked Damiaen about it and they posted another story today with the following sketches. Is seems they are going with even more dramatic and curvier lugs. They mentioned they were going for a more organic feel with the new piece. It also looks like the lugs will include some ribbing. Gotta say I'm pretty excited about the possibilities after seeing the sketches.

I posted this in the forum news as well, but figured it is worth having a discussion here about what this decision means and what's in store for the future. Its obviously a difficult situation for a small watchmaker to continue to support its bell-weather models while also providing new models and continuing to innovate. There's only so many watches they can make each year. But its definitely a risk. Those have been their primary models for several years and although I don't have the numbers, I'm guessing easily their best selling models. There's a chance they are shooting the goose that lays the golden egg. And moreso, the timing is during a period of uncertainty in the world and certainly the watch markets after a meteoric rise up through 2021. One major development during that time-frame is that independent watchmaking became much more visible and exposure increased for smaller independent brands. This bodes well for the long-term future, but economic insecurity in the near term could be an issue. Especially with an ever increasing amount of independent watchmakers competing for clients dollars. Obviously Michiel and the team are supremely confident in the decision and that to me is reason for excitement. I don't think they would take that step without having something in development that can step in and fill the void from stopping production on the Ornament 1 and Raw Ornament models. Michiel obviously has an incredible eye for design and has built a team along with @Damiaen that continues to show extreme creativity and increasingly skilled watchmaking. I know what they come out with will be exciting, creative, and different and I'll probably love it. I just hope it can gain widespread appeal and continue on as a key model to support the continued growth of the brand and company. Thoughts?

He's an incredible storyteller. Especially after a few drinks.

I know. I'm with ya. I don't regret any of my 2022 purchases, but I'm regretting spending all my funds.

Fantastic! That looks great. Sorry for the delay, been working on learning photography and neglecting the forum somewhat, but I'll make a post about this. Cheers!

I could go for that combo. Maybe they'd be willing to make that.

Awesome review! Those photos are As an aside, when I met James and Anders in New York back in October, James confided in our small group where the actual material came from for these dials. Apparently there's a small fountain right near where he lives. He noticed that some of the slate material was flaking off, so he "helped" the process along a little (possibly with a hammer) to get enough material to make the dials. Not sure the Homeowners Association would be all that thrilled with the D'Arc Matter!

Check out the Sarpaneva club for photos of the new releases.

I love this. The color variation in the Stardust is absolutely amazing! The hands on the Nostromo are awesome.

I thought I'd grabbed a screenshot of that story they posted but I can't find it.