An evolution, a sweet vacation and a milestone purchase

[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.

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