Blancier custom made watches - any opinions?

[Pavel]

Just discovered this:
http://www.blancier.com/usa/blancier.php

I've liked it at the first sight, but do you think it is really that good as it looks? Any comments welcome.

[swanbourne]

$1788 for a steel case with what looks like a decorated Unitas. :shock:

Eddie

[rfrazier]

It is hard to tell. However, look at the difference between the balance cock and the main plate on the prettified versions of movement. That balance cock is pretty crude. The markings on it are pretty crude. It doesn't have a regulator arm extending up the balance cock. It would be nice to have a clearer picture of the movement.

Best wishes,
Bob

[BernardF]

They use a Russian Molnija pocket watch movement, a copy of a Cortebert, methinks.


Bernard

[rfrazier]

They use a Russian Molnija pocket watch movement, a copy of a Cortebert, methinks.


Bernard

Bernard, do you have a picture of this movement: "Minerva Naval Observatory Chronometer 1939"? If so, would you post a picture, please? (Definitely not a Russian copy of a pocket watch, methinks. ;))

Best wishes,
Bob

[BernardF]

They use a Russian Molnija pocket watch movement, a copy of a Cortebert, methinks.


Bernard

Bernard, do you have a picture of this movement: "Minerva Naval Observatory Chronometer 1939"? If so, would you post a picture, please? (Definitely not a Russian copy of a pocket watch, methinks. ;))

Best wishes,
Bob

Hi Bob,

It was the first "Watch of the Month" of the Millenium over at that other site's Minerva forum, I'll see whether I can retrieve it. Otherwise I'll try make some new scans. Just be warned, my qualities as a photographer are only exceeded by the quality of my camera... 8)

It's probably headed for the sales corner, BTW. It's just not geting the wrist time it deserves (sorry...)

Best regards,
Bernard

[Pavel]

They use a Russian Molnija pocket watch movement, a copy of a Cortebert, methinks.


Bernard

Bernard, do you have a picture of this movement: "Minerva Naval Observatory Chronometer 1939"? If so, would you post a picture, please? (Definitely not a Russian copy of a pocket watch, methinks. ;))

Best wishes,
Bob

Specifically the movement is what interests me. Here are more pictures:
http://www.lottermannundsoehne.de/e-shop/lottermann.htm

[rfrazier]

Specifically the movement is what interests me. Here are more pictures:
http://www.lottermannundsoehne.de/e-shop/lottermann.htm

Hey, if you like it go for it. :)

I ask myself why they don't finish the balance cock and escape wheel cock to the same standard as the main plate. The answer I give myself, tentative answer of course, is that it is a superficial prettying up of the top. Redoing the balance cock involves dissassembling the balance, or getting ahold of it before it is put together (e.g., as an ebauche).

Best wishes,
Bob

[ben4watches]

Just discovered this:
http://www.blancier.com/usa/blancier.php

I've liked it at the first sight, but do you think it is really that good as it looks? Any comments welcome.

For what is worth, I think its a load of old B#*+~!KS.

Had a little play and the total was near $3500, you can buy alot of proper watch for that.

Now lets see, a vintage 321 perhaps or a Pannie or a, stop it I can't take it any more, to many choices :lol:

Cheers,

Ben.

[radyo]

They use a Russian Molnija pocket watch movement, a copy of a Cortebert, methinks.


Bernard

Thinks you are correct Bernard.Found a scan of a Cortebert on the web some time ago, they do look very similar.

[ToddH]

They use a Russian Molnija pocket watch movement, a copy of a Cortebert, methinks.


Bernard

Bernard, do you have a picture of this movement: "Minerva Naval Observatory Chronometer 1939"? If so, would you post a picture, please? (Definitely not a Russian copy of a pocket watch, methinks. ;))

Best wishes,
Bob

Specifically the movement is what interests me. Here are more pictures:
http://www.lottermannundsoehne.de/e-shop/lottermann.htm

The Regulator looks pretty cool.