Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Watchrap 2.0 - MIA or RIP

And so I forlornly click on my link for Watchrap 2.0 and it repeats the same depressing message. "Watchrap is closed until further notice." And then, I always click on my saved login details, just in case, in hope....... "No access privilege groups are currently available." I guess only 'The 38' or so of us out there have even noticed or are concerned. I'm sure most have contacted TM, as I have, only to hear the grave news that the code of silence was broken - that what happens in Watchrap stays in Watchrap. Thus Watchrap 2.0 has been suspended until it can determined how to operate it successfully; maybe never to reopen. So we wait.

Watchrap was the last place on earth where one could discuss the finer points of everything from aesthetics to the nuances of drawing and locking angles of escapements without the incessant noisy drivel that plagues nigh on every other watch site. Oft accused of elitism, it was in fact a most inclusive watch discussion board if you gave it a chance.

It is a cliche but appropriate to state that you don't realise you're living in a golden age until it has passed and we became complacent and took Watchrap for granted. It could only get better couldn't it? And then suddenly -disaster- the last oasis of horology was taken from us.

Monday, November 03, 2008

SIHH 2009 - JLC Navy SEAL Diver

So what could it be? Well, having already 'done' Polaris and knowing there isn't enough space for three crowns with full compression keys; (half keys were adopted on the chronograph for this reason.)  How about they relaunch the Memovox Deep Sea Alarm? But with two changes:
1 Rotating conventional diving bezel - like the current JLC diver.  Good idea.
2 Ruin yet another otherwise good looking JLC watch with the stupid compression keys.  Bad idea.




Sunday, November 02, 2008

JLC Polaris - Final Comment

Buried down in the comments on the last Polaris article, you will find something I received this morning from 'Yves'.  I assume this to be from JLC France head Yves Meylan but who knows.....

Nobody ever discredited your 2004 inspiration; it was simply not the right timing for the watch, for JLC and for the market.

Your inspiration was based on a JLC watch that is part of JLC patrimony, so even if your designs were published in 2004, nonetheless this piece is propriety of JLC

The 3 people that made this idea a project have never claimed to be the owner of any designs and material. However, extensive researches and works were carried to be in details as precise as possible to the original versions.

The idea of re-introducing a Polaris was made due to several converging circumstances (growing appreciation of Vintage watches, Heritage Gallery, JLC diving patrimony etc…) with respect to managing JLC marketing, budget and product development strategy, thus leading to further analysis and ending in a triumphant project.

You may feel let down, but all it falls down to, at the time you never presented a satisfactory proposal outlining the benefits and or motivations which could have led to a proposed project.

In the end all that matters is that all watches and Polaris enthusiasts are given an opportunity to acquire an accurate re-edition of a legendary JLC piece.

You ought to know that your 2004 inspiration and support was noted!

Don’t be left out, get one too ;-)
YVES


Yves, JLC,  Thanks very much for your visit here.  Well you know I didn't think it was possible to submit a proposal directly to JLC.  It's not my job.  In fact, in 2004, as I said above, I had the response from Mr Lambert that "JLC don't repeat themselves."  Thus, I thought my hopes were lost.  But afterall, here we are with the Polaris finally arriving and that, as you say, is the most important thing.    

Chapeau à tout le monde à JLC.

Velociphile