Independents

bernard cheong
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1) derivatives/evolutions and 2) the black obelisk from Stan Kubrick

I am now in Freaking Jakarta at 1045am, the shops are closed, and it's Hari Raya. I woke up at 4am to fly here.

I read this post from SJX.

This is a GREAT post with relevant points. Everyone knows I like Opus projects 3 and 5 and 6 (if I could afford the 6).

I don't wanna repeat SJX words. I agree with him on all points. If I could humbly add to them I would, but I am about to make statements beyond my status as a non engineer or even a curator of art. But for what I am worth, here is what I feel:

(1) At this moment, I am alot like most people. I cannot afford an MBF4.

(2) Unlike most people, I am DETERMINED to buy one, and own it, and keep it in my heirlooms for a purpose. I believe it is one of thos black obelisks or rectangular thing that Stanley Kubrick placed in 2001 to change monkeys to men. There are VERY few such objects. They are ALWAYS, without fail, unrecognised until a hundred years later in retrospect. Gyrotourbillons, grand complications, repeaters, tourbillons, they are not black obelisks...they may cost more...they have more "status", but historically...a multidimensional timepiece with the same multidimensional cross section that extends to the inside...that's a first.

The Parmigiani is not the same...that watch is a flat watch made thick, pulled into an accordion, and shows off it's complication...and I love the watch. Will I save up to buy it? No.

(3) The HM4 is also creating a new lead edge, not a leading edge, but a new edge. This edge can spread in several ways. It will certainly allow lower entry bars with a watch like sJX's mention of hte TREAD1.

The most important edge, to me, has ALWAYS been the removal of the bar called "exclusivity". This is strange! I want to own exclusive things, but not things which exclude because of PRICE!!! I want to have watchmaking become an intellectual and academic exclusive edge....that's what will make watch collecting similar to say..(commercially) the apppreciation of the way a shoe is made, or a good suit, (engineering) the way people admire aircraft, even if they don't own one, or a cello or violin, even if they are not buying one.

The point is: The MBF4 will, like the Antiqua and the Opus 3, complete the arrival of the black slab of marble, the femur thrown into the air will become a hammer...and the mental tools for creation will begin.

Now...I am all for the Grand Seiko, Dufour and Laurent Fleurier and Greubel Forsey and everyone there....in fact, I am saving up right now to buy a Diavolo from UN, which may now seem tame. But, I see them as relevant, and I see my collection as a museum in a box...

There are not many collections that can be kept in boxes, and remain portable...certainly not wine or art.

The HM4, is something that will allow the "box" of watches to become a fascinating treasure trove of golden and platinum and steel machines of art...people can meet, compare, discuss, enjoy, exchange...

Doesn't that just beat the crap out of collecting stamps? AND....the CPF (chick pulling factor) coexists with the nerdy "Chuck" factor as well.

Maybe I should get some sleep first, and rant more later!!!

But..save up, buy something relevant like the MBF4, or the Freak! Or a Laurent Fleurier, for the sake of having the last of the best traditional watches made in 2010 and after...it's actually cool.

(3)

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