New pics of Jean-Baptiste Viot's chronometer

Dec 12, 2011,13:11 PM
 

During the latest Salon Belles Montres in Paris, I took some fresh pics of the Chronometer by Jean-Baptiste Viot I already presented here two years ago. But this time, the watch had its final YG case!

Two years later, I still love this watch. Of course, it is a very special one. It is not original because it embodies a true passion for the traditional watchmaking. But it is different.

The absence of dial (and I would almost add of a mainplate) allowed to Jean-Baptiste to create a movement which has the same care of detail, the same intriguing beauty on both sides. There is no dial side and bridges side. Both sides have bridges.

The concept behind the watch is to make it very easy to be fixed, serviced, adjusted even in 25 years. It is the reason why the movement is simple and at the same time full of horological tricks.

Like any real chronometer,  the key part of the watch is its regulating organ. And it is beautiful. First of all, you will notice that the balance wheel is visible front side. Secondly, you will see the very original adjusting system on the back side.

Case has a 38mm diameter which is perfect in this context. Movement has a 32mm diameter so it really fills the case!

The watch is very difficult to shoot due to the glass shape:







I love this large balance wheel:




This watch uses incablocs  which was not the case of the prototype. Of course, the client can make the choice to have them or not.



A true French watch? No! A true Parisian one!

wink







Thanks to Jean-Baptiste for his warm welcome during the Salon Belles Montres.

Fx

This message has been edited by foversta on 2011-12-12 13:12:22

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I will always remember my first encounter with JB Viot.

 
 By: amanico : December 12th, 2011-13:31
In a small cafĂ©, near a court of Justice, just before pleading a case... I saw someone with a strange watch on the wrist. He noticed I was intrigued, and we started to speak. He showed me the watch, a proto. A few weeks ago, we chatted on the phone, and h... 

You have to see it in the metal Nicolas.

 
 By: foversta : December 13th, 2011-13:31
The pictured watch was about to be delivered to his happy owner. That's the trouble with independant watchmakers. I remember the similar story with Dufour. They can only show customers' watches... because they don't have their own. Hopefully, JB has his p... 

I saw it in the metal during the Salon des Belles Montres.

 
 By: amanico : December 13th, 2011-13:34
But couldn't take pics, as it was too crowdy. Each year I wonder why I'm here, by the way. Best, Nicolas.

Wow--this is a really wonderful watch!

 
 By: expwmbat : December 12th, 2011-14:02
I would love to find out more about it and the maker. Does he take orders? What else is there to know? Cheers, Daniel

Daniel, I will send you a PM. [nt]

 
 By: foversta : December 13th, 2011-13:27
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Thank you

 
 By: expwmbat : December 13th, 2011-14:20
I did a little poking around and found earlier information on the maker and watch--it's a terrific project and exactly the kind of work that I like best. Unfortunately, as with most of these things, it appears that the cost of such a watch will be well be... 

Still in love with it

 
 By: aldossari_faisal : December 12th, 2011-16:44
from the first time it got posted in here till the moment im writing this down i got my attention caught by this beauty...i would love to see it in metal one day ... though its 38 it wears a bit smaller if im not mistaken ...from what you are saying the c... 

Yes Faisal.

 
 By: foversta : December 13th, 2011-13:27
For example, one ordered a PT with YG lugs. Or something like this. Fx

I 1st heard this from a friend

 
 By: BluNotte : December 12th, 2011-19:11
Who have it ordered in Platinum. Very nice piece and glad to see it materialising! Thanks Stephen

I still think about this piece from your very first article on it.

 
 By: dxboon : December 13th, 2011-07:09
It has so much charm, and I love the blued elements in the movement. I think this piece and the Roger Smith Series 2 Open Dial would make a fun "set" of sorts. I would love to see this watch in the flesh. Cheers, Daos

You are talking about this one Daos?

 
 By: foversta : December 13th, 2011-13:34
And you are right! There is a similar spirit in both watches. But one is very french... and the other one very english! Fx...  

This is another

 
 By: aldossari_faisal : December 13th, 2011-14:42
Charm and if im to put three watches together i would say Tuscar, RS and JBV watches are an absolute naked beauty . Faisal

Good idea of a topic ! [nt]

 
 By: foversta : December 13th, 2011-15:35
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Ill be looking forward to it :D [nt]

 
 By: aldossari_faisal : December 14th, 2011-01:48
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thats a great point...defining the "frenchness" of a Viot and "englishness" of the Smith

 
 By: Hororgasm : December 14th, 2011-13:53
I am seriously thinking of ordering one, and thanks for your advice earlier. if the JBV can have the RW Smith"s chapter ring....that might be it for me!! best, Horo

:-) I love this watch!

 
 By: dxboon : December 16th, 2011-11:16
I would like to have this one, a One Hertz, a Habring 2 foudroyante, a McGonigle tourbillon, the new MB&F (Cannot wait to handle this one in person!)...what am I missing? Daos

Wow, super cool.

 
 By: VMM : December 13th, 2011-09:50
Lots of blue, and some mates here know that I like it. Gorgeous movement, love it. Thanks. Vte

Thanks Vicente ! [nt]

 
 By: foversta : December 13th, 2011-13:34
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