QUOTE(patryn33 @ Jul 24 2010, 04:32 AM)
I welcome PM! esp if U are willing to disclose the info!
Added on July 24, 2010, 5:07 amU have to pay german sales tax, to get around it I read is to get a Fedex account. It don't cost you to get a Fedex account.
its not hard getting discount on Mido, they are part of swatch group. I would imagine U can get ~25-30% of their watches. maybe still a little left to get a 2nd watch.. maybe a Stowa Antea or Archimede!
not many online store sell Mido, U should compare prices. Online are usually grey and U don't get Mido's warranty. anything wrong U got to ship it back to the online retailer.
mido runs on ETA 2897, an auto watch 42hr pwr res
that stowa is on Unitas 6498, its manual with 56hr pwr res on swan neck regular. don't really mean anything to U since U are not regulating the watch.
archimede is indeed cheaper, made by Ickler GmbH
http://www.ickler.de/English/DefaultE.htm I will go with Archimede. Stowa I like MO on Durowe 7440 movement, that cost more.
maybe this too?
http://www.steinhartwatches.de/index.php?i...3&Sel_ID=26#183d. freemont sapphire series is very dress. pwr res too and Breguet hands! nice thing is you can customize it!
http://www.dfreemontwatches.com/sapphire_series.htmI like this site, it exhibit varies level of decoration on these pocket watch movements, 6498
http://www.tourbywatches.com/shop/page/5?shop_param=No problem in sharing the sources.I will need to check with the group & makers if they are fine in welcoming new members/customers. The problem is these type of watches are not readily available & depends on the watchmaker finding the stock of old movements . I'll be happy to pm you once I receive such notification.
It usually works this way:-
1. The watch maker will send an e mail informing prospective customers ( who happen to be mutual friends ) that he's found a certain number of a certain type of movement with a brief write up on the history of the movement as well as his suggestions on what it can be fashioned into.
2. He will poll the said customers on their preferences & send another e mail with his suggested path forward, lead time & price. Some makers will require payment in stages ( payment by way of wire transfer or paypal) or a deposit before work is commenced ( usually a sum sufficient to cover the purchase of parts & materials )
3. Some individual requests may be catered for eg Breguet blued hands etc but there is little bespoke options especially where the case & dial is concerned given the costs in fabricating these items .
The whole process can be a lengthy one so patience is required. By way of an example a maker sent a message informing the group that he came across some old Breitling movements . The group will provide feedback etc . Consensus is vital as this affects the price of the finished product.
The group tends to be trusted individuals-the watch maker need to trust them to make payment and they the maker to ensure the movements supplied are authentic. There is little or no after sales warranty unless one is located in close proximity ( old movements can be a tad temperamental to say the least ). The big plus point is the flexible warranty care-if one happens to be in the locality & the watch maker is available, drop in & he will service or repair your watch in most instances free or for minimal costs , provided it doesn't involve the purchase of major parts.
Most of these makers tend to be collectors themselves & prefer not to sell to traders . This also means that they will not substitute non authentic parts where possible & it can be a while if the watch needs fixing while they source for parts.
The other option is to buy wrist watches which have been converted from pocket watches.
Results have been mixed on that front.
BTW Panerai owes its re-birth to the discovery of 100 old Rolex movements which have not been fabricated into watches in the 80's . Those pieces are now selling at USD$50,000 to $60,000 at auctions etc.
Hope this is helpful
Jul 24 2010, 01:26 AM
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about my budget, up to $1.2k. i guess i can narrow it down to either stowa or mido. 
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