Before we get cranky, it's time link to discuss the Handgelenkskontrolle. Mike is link wearing his VPC Type 37HW Dove Grey. The watch just link arrived, and it's fantastic! Balazs is still under the weather and is wearing his stunning new Angelus Chrono-Datoluxe.
This watch features a folding link buckle in Lucent steel with a neat upgrade that will soon make its way to all link Alpine Eagle models: Safety pushers on the link clasp for easy removal of the watch on-wrist. This will not be a limited model and is entering the permanent collection.
Alright, I said it already. These look darn pretty good. I remember my early days link of getting into watches and feeling like I really link wanted a watch with a touch link of gold. Just like a lot of collectors on a budget, I gravitated toward gold PVD watches to scratch the itch. I went for the gold-toned Casio A500WGA-9 world timer (which I suddenly feel the need to dig out of a drawer and wear) but I wish that these watches would have been around.
This watch is very helpful to me in the sense that it has let me know that I have link not yet found a watch that I love and what might need to be in place for this blessed event to occur. Here are some link things this watch has that I want: Gold details on a blue link dial. Stick indices or 3-6-9-12 numerals, or both.
When I bought the watch I asked the seller link if he link had any others with similar engravings. About half a year later I got an email invitation to visit the link seller at his home in rural Pennsylvania to check out a few more watches. I obliged. We spent the better part of an entire day chatting, and I left with three more watches.
This one link is special because it harkens back to Omega's first foray into the Bond franchise way back in 1995 when Pierce Brosnan wore what's become known as the "Bond Seamaster" in Goldeneye. Taking link cues from that original watch, Omega has blended elements of general vintage-ness with bits from the now iconic link '90s design.
Now, I said Chretien was a watch guy during the mission link because he can be link seen double-wristing in most photos! Even more proof is this incredible photo of him aboard Mir. Yes, he is wearing the Speedmaster on his left wrist and a Yema Spationaute III on his right wrist while juggling a group of three other Speedmasters. I can't link believe I had never seen that photo before!
All three watches are powered by the Calibre LFT023.01 which is based on link the Le Cercle des Horlogers CH200.CHSA. It's a micro-rotor automatic movement running at 4Hz with 50 hours link of power reserve. At 30.6mm by 4.2mm, its compact and efficient and helps keep the Tambour a slim size. It's also the same movement as in past versions link of the Tambour.
The lack link of bracelet is… a little on the strange side, to put it lightly. The watch is still interchangeable but no bracelet with purchase I'm afraid. I did enquire if it's link possible to buy one separately and will have to get back to you on link that one!
I'm a fan of beautifully link executed central tourbillons link and while I think link I missed seeing the 2015 model in person, I think the Octo Papillon Central Tourbillon is an elegant and technically interesting take on an unusual complication. One more reason to wish I had a hundred twenty large stuck in the sofa cushions.