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By: MTF (registered) PM
Posts: 3485 |
Post POSITIVE Opus 8 comments
Apr 11 2008,06:43 AM
Dear PuristS,
I invite those who like the Opus 8 to post their opinions and reasons in this sub-thread. By the Law of Statisitics, there must be at least one member in this sample. This would be a rough measure or straw poll.
Regards, MTF |
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By: Ronald Held (registered) PM
Posts: 1639 |
is it a positive comment to say that...
Apr 11 2008,06:56 AM I appreciate digital quartz watches? |
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By: CL (registered) PM
Posts: 357 |
I actually don't mind...
Apr 11 2008,08:14 AM
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By: Jack Forster (registered) PM
Posts: 4375 |
LOL, I can't afford it either. . .
Apr 11 2008,08:32 AM
. . . but that's never stopped me from having an opinion before and it ain't gonna stop me now ;-) . |
By: Jack Forster (registered) PM
Posts: 4375 |
I feel a bit the odd man out. . .
Apr 11 2008,08:31 AM
. . . both here and elsewhere as for reasons which I understand intellectually but which don't resonate for me emotionally so many seem to be initially horrified at Opus 8! I'm not sure what about it has drawn so much fire. A slide operated mechano-digital watch seems like a pretty cool piece of kit to me, and as I remarked to Dr. Cheong by email it's not as if the appropriation of pop culture forms for high craft/art purposes is exactly unheard of; it happens in fashion (constantly) it's been a mainstay of the work of artists from Duchamp to Jeff Koons to Robert Rauschenberg, Lichtenstein, Jasper Johns, Warhol, et cetera ad nauseam. As a strategy in the abstract, in fact, it's so deeply interwoven into the fabric of the evolution of design forms as to be a commonplace, so I don't have it in me to dislike the watch on the basis of its general strategy of formal appropriation. |
By: MTF (registered) PM
Posts: 3485 |
By any other name
Apr 11 2008,09:32 AM
Jack my Friend, HWRT is a victim of its own successful past. If any other non-great Name had brought this out, it would probably be opinion-neutral i.e. equal % of protractors and detractors. There may even have been some polite applause for the fancy mechanical mimicry of a $350,000 Casio G-Shock We are all fully aware of the danger of quick volatility. That is why I advocate a measured and tempered opinion when in writing mode. But my "measured and tempered" opinion was of disappointment too. The impression that I got from the punters (including myself) is that people are upset because of the perceived drop at HWRT in: 1) "Love 'n Heart" 2) Process of high horology 3) Great Works So.....just lacking in the 3 Ps then: People, Process & Product.
I agree with you that all Opuses have had their supporters and detractors in varying proportions - remember 2 and 7?.......rather not. But, at least Opus 1 - 7 were all done AND presented with respect paid to the 3 Ps. Opus 8 was kinda sprung on us without personal touch. When one buys a $350,000 watch, one has to connect with the watchmaker, his boss, the office cleaner, the office cleaner's mother-in-law....whoever.....it's a team effort that springs from the leadership of a visionary from conception to birth. I love it when the cleaning-lady claims that she is part of the quality control team because she keeps the watchmaker's floorspace tidy. It is not a corporate press conference or committee to design a camel........it's a presentation of an OPUS; it's got to have love built-in. But isn't any publicity good publicity? It's better than no reaction to some of the other offerings at Basel, eh? Maybe HWRT can come back from 2 successive disappointments in Opus 7 and 8..... Regards, MTF This message has been edited by MTF on 2008-04-11 09:34:38 |
By: Jack Forster (registered) PM
Posts: 4375 |
OK, your points are all well taken. . .
Apr 11 2008,11:15 AM
. . . but (didn't you know a 'but' was coming) your critiques seem to be a criticism of PR lapses, not criticisms of the watch itself. . . and this is not to say, by the way, that at that price point (or for that matter any luxury price point- if I am spending 15K USD on a stainless steel sports watch from AP or PP I had damned well better feel the cleaning lady's emotional committment too |
By: MTF (registered) PM
Posts: 3485 |
An American analogy
Apr 11 2008,13:35 PM
It's NOT about Public Relations but more about Relationship with your buying Public and your own product.....on a personal level. At that price-point, you really, really want to be close to both. On American Idol ®, contestants get voted off, not solely on their voice (pitch, timbre, control) but on their song choice, image and connection with the audience....."Keep it real, dawg", as one judge puts it. Apart from the loopy one in the middle chair, the judges always stress that even the great American public can detect when a contestant is "genuine" and produces a "whole package". So, any critique is mainly about the watch in the context of it's target audience i.e. people with $350,000 AND expectations of an "Opus". If it were priced at $3,500 as a new brand X, there would not be much controversy. People who like the fad or novelty of design would buy it and it would not register on the "radar" for the rest i.e. it's kinda like the watches we see in street markets everywhere - Ueno (Tokyo), Canal St (NYC), The Bund (Shanghai) or Temple St (HK). But the moment you venture amongst the Gods, claiming to have captured an ethereal Opus in your reticulum, you'd better have substance or you will be voted off the show (Quod erat demonstratum). In the luxury goods business, you're selling the whole package. You may not have virgin thighs that roll out your Habana cigar or Swiss elves poising your watch-balance but customers want to feel that the products look and feel like they could have been made that way. I've even had collectors tell me that they don't mind spotting tiny flaws in the polishing on a Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx watch (that sells mainly on the quality of finishing) because, then, they knew for sure that it was a hand-polished watch! So, the connection with the People as well as the Process makes the Product or.......even makes up for the Product. Bottom line: It's a critique about the watch.....mainly. Regards, MTF |
By: Jack Forster (registered) PM
Posts: 4375 |
I do understand your point, I'm just not sure I agree with the conclusion. . .
Apr 11 2008,13:54 PM
. . . well, more specifically, I'm not sure that I'm willing to dismiss the watch's technical and design merits to a significant extent on the basis of a perceived lack of emotional comittment on the part of its designer and on the part of HWRT- for one thing I'm not, having watched the announcement unfold from the sidelines , in a position to evaluate the extent to which HWRT did or did not do a good job of crafting a sense of emotional connection with the process of the creation of Opus 8. Your critique also presupposes an idealized concept of what, at its best, the Opus series represents and while it's true they are ideally aspirational objects in every possible sense of the word, the reality is that they have been very much a mixed bag, with some dramatic successes (which by the way were reviled by many, quite vitriolically, at first) but also some relatively uninteresting pieces and one very conspicuous no show (so far.) |
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By: maxbliss888 (registered) PM
Posts: 34 |
Time will tell
Apr 14 2008,00:19 AM I agree totally that Time should be given before throwing in the towel... |
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By: loujo (registered) PM
Posts: 212 |
Not that I like the look of the watch, but is it any worse than the stillborn Opus 3?
Apr 11 2008,10:34 AM
My understanding is that Opus 8 is still a mechanical watch mimicing digital. That's pretty crazy stuff. Look at Opus 3. It is one of the ugliest watches I have ever seen, but everyone was going gaga (is it the right spelling?) over it. I don't see why we can accept O3 but not O8. Actually I personally wouldn't mind having a watch like this if I can actually afford it, which will be NEVER. cheers, John |
By: MTF (registered) PM
Posts: 3485 |
So: Is this a positive vote?
Apr 11 2008,13:39 PM
Sir, You did not like th look and asked a double-negative question in the title. But inside the posting, you also said you would not mind a watch like this .....if you could afford it. So, is this a positive vote for the watch IF it were cheaper and not Opus-price? Regards, MF |
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By: loujo (registered) PM
Posts: 212 |
It is definitely positive
Apr 14 2008,13:34 PM
Although I don't like the look that much but I appreciate the mechanical sophistication. Just like Opus 3, I would love to own one but again out of my budget even if it ever becomes available. I agree with Mike that Opus 2 and 4 are two of the most beautiful creations, but their methods of telling time are more traditional. |
By: bernard cheong (registered) PM
Posts: 5538 |
The reason why I accepted O3 is is the mechanical sophistication
Apr 11 2008,16:42 PM
and the concept of its instantaneous 7 whip type design that is more difficult than a Grande Sonnorie or similar to one in execution. Secondary to that...is that it used a 19th century numeric display from Cartier. Note that it is REALLY taking all the kig's horses and all the kig's men to put it together...and yet they can't...even now at Renaud and Papi..a team is working full time on O3..and still???? This is already the second engineering team that worked on O 3. When I first saw O 3...it was the realisation that it was above a grande sonnorie in detail..and that it as 55,000...I regreted now ordering 10 pieces..today, I ain't making the same mistake....I saw MBF3, and I ordered 2. I saw O 8...I walked away. In o 8...a pulsar type dusplay with a glass/crystal cover with a manually operated slide is tacky. There are almost 100 of these "designs" with poor mechanical movts, but no hand operated display of rubies, but rotating discs...going for $30 a pop. Fossil, Guess, and tons of vintage. In other words..the O 3 had 2 ferrari engines driving 4 wheels front and back in a vintage bugatti body...the O 8..is a corolla with a ferrari engine. But...this is a personal thing. Also a 10 month gestation is to me a rather rushed decision. Now..the positive point..it is unusual watch for 2008..and tat's all. This message has been edited by bernard cheong on 2008-04-11 16:55:44 This message has been edited by bernard cheong on 2008-04-11 17:01:06 |
By: Jack Forster (registered) PM
Posts: 4375 |
Which is why, if I may, you should at least give O8 a fighting chance. . .
Apr 11 2008,18:25 PM
"There are almost 100 of these "designs" with poor mechanical movts, but
no hand operated display of rubies, but rotating discs...going for $30
a pop." |
By: bernard cheong (registered) PM
Posts: 5538 |
I understand. However, in luxury and Haute Degamme...
Apr 11 2008,19:56 PM
I see the Opus 8 as a failure of HWRT's exec staff, to demonstrate an understanding of their creations and history. Having a GOOD COMPLEX movt is a part and sometimes only a small part, of the product. YES. To watch conneussers like us...a movt is a BIG thing..part part of broader vision is the entire product's message. Which is why...a Cartier or a Panerai with a basic movt suceeds. A NUBEO suceeds. MBF suceeds. The message in Opus 8 is (to me), a movt housed in a case that does not measure up to Haute horology..it is no doubt an attempt to do a throw back to the 60s...I again say..a throwback to the 60s..I can choose a Mercedes as an example, or I can choose a Toyota Corolla....if I had to choose a Toyota..I would have chosen the 2000 sports Toyota ( seen and driven by Connery in You Only Live Twice). |
By: Jack Forster (registered) PM
Posts: 4375 |
I understand your point but I think the notion of a "history" for. . .
Apr 12 2008,07:05 AM
. . . the Opus series is a bit misleading. |
By: raphmeister (registered) PM
Posts: 99 |
only posting cause it was referenced and
Apr 13 2008,06:48 AM
to me it is a gorgeous car |
By: bernard cheong (registered) PM
Posts: 5538 |
Raphmeister..thank you. Now, I must show you a NUBEO.
Apr 13 2008,08:47 AM
You undertstand whetre I come from. The Toyota...that is THE car for a GOOD example ..Yes?
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By: raphmeister (registered) PM
Posts: 99 |
u're most welcome...
Apr 13 2008,09:21 AM
toyota is a good example yes... and it goes back to things that should look the way they should look. |
By: mkt33 (registered) PM
Posts: 1328 |
There you go using the "U" word to describe watches :-)
Apr 11 2008,17:16 PM
Like it or not the design of the Opus 3 was inspired eventhough to this point the watch is undelivered. I wonder if the customers who have a down payment on the Opus 3 will take an Opus 8 instead? I like the mechanical engineering behind the Opus 8. Could it be that while trying to perfect the mechanics of the Opus 3 that this was one of the possible solutions? Either way I would like to see if the mechanism works and is reliable enough for everyday wear. I'll grant that HW achieved the technical half of the formula with the Opus 8. Everyone will have their own opinion on this but designwise I feel that the Opus 8 a complete swing and miss. Finding inspiration from the past is one thing but what design twist does the "Opus" 8 have that sets it apart? Isn't the Opus series supposed to combine the best of innovation with high art? Perhaps I just don't have a pulse on current pop culture/art First and foremost Harry Winston, as a brand, sells beauty and elegance. Opus 2 and Opus 4 I think hit the right note. Technically complicated (not cutting edge) and balanced by the beautiful craftsmanship.
Cheers, Mike |
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By: transhi100 (registered) PM
Posts: 9 |
OK, I'll bite, from a purely design and technical standpoint...
Apr 11 2008,15:05 PM
I like the OPUS 8. Not sure about all that other stuff, process, connectedness with the consumer, etc., but purely from looks and technical innovation (mostly the latter), I think this is easily in the top three or four that we've seen from Basel/SIHH this year. I didn't follow HWRT from the beginning, so I'm not really sure about that other stuff, but I think you guys are being a bit harsh on the final product. The look is a really cool throwback to the past, and the movement seems very interesting to say the least. From looks alone, this seems in line with the rest of the OPUS series. The previous seven to me have been a hit or miss in design. Some really cool, others not so much. But whatever the case, they've been different, and this is no exception. Anyways, here's one vote for the OPUS 8. If it'd been one-tenth of the price (and in my realm of possibilites), I'd seriously consider a purchase. Johnny |
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By: ling5hk (registered) PM
Posts: 193 |
Having heard both sides' arguments, I now come to a conclusion that...
Apr 12 2008,07:10 AM
if and only if this watch is a failure, there is only one man on earth will make it a success - Mr. Patrizzi. To me, I will buy if HW give me 90% discount on the list price. Regards Ling
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By: MTF (registered) PM
Posts: 3485 |
So - you like this watch but at $35k price?
Apr 12 2008,09:11 AM
Ling, Have you valued this Opus 8 at $35k? Is that how much it looks like it's worth to you? This is important because it values the design and novelty movement at 10% of the asking price. All the dealers who have to take on inventory are interested in target customer feedback; and you spend 50% of your considerable disposable income on watches. So your feedback is very important for your region.
Regards, MTF |
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By: ling5hk (registered) PM
Posts: 193 |
MTF, I don't particularly like or hate this watch.
Apr 12 2008,16:31 PM
This watch is just like a newly born baby. It still has long way to go. You will never know whether it will one day become a doctor or lawyer or engineer or securities dealer or CEO of a PLC or PuristS'forum moderator or fisherman or farmer or conman or convict or otherwise. My point is, it is unfair to HW to just dismiss this watch now. To me, this watch has fulfilled the criteria as a family memebr of Opus that is, uniqueness, innovation and very expensive. However, I verily believe it is over priced, IMHO. What effort has been put in to produce that watch is important to me but who is the human being that "touch" it is not the main considering factor to me. Some collectors have been very passionate to Opus series. It is understood. Opus series should be very expensive. It is fine to be expensive but i want to know why it deserves that price. I must qualify that I am not a big fan of HW and Opus, so for this Opus 8, 35K is the price that I will pay now unless HW can convince me otherwise and provide more information about this watch in order to change my mind. Again, this is not a lousy watch even though it may appear so in some bionic eyes. Who knows, this little duckling may turn into a swan in future and deserves more praises than criticsim. Regards Ling
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By: MTF (registered) PM
Posts: 3485 |
I agree - wait and see...... but for now
Apr 13 2008,00:20 AM
we need to know why it's priced so high like Opus 5 or more. Regards, MTF |
By: damien (registered) PM
Posts: 48 |
thanks for the thought provoking discussion, guys
Apr 13 2008,08:38 AM my apologies if i' dumbing this down but it seems op8 could be the watch world's campbell soup ala warhol. |
By: bernard cheong (registered) PM
Posts: 5538 |
Warhol..and I own ONE of his iconic works..so i speak from a "position"
Apr 13 2008,08:54 AM
If Warhol had done his work TODAY..I won't buy one..not because he won't be the forst..but because between 1965 and 2001...several men would have thrown up work that would have created a rift similar to his..and in watch making...they HAVE ALREADY DONE IT....Fossil, Halter, Diesel, Urwerk, Swatch...you have got the idea and the point correct 100%. Opus 8 is NOT new. here is no "rehash" or Warholian design....it is lazy work. |
By: Jack Forster (registered) PM
Posts: 4375 |
Bernard, show me, please. . .
Apr 13 2008,12:45 PM
. . . another mechanical watch that uses this type of mechanical implementation of the time display and which quotes formally vintage LCD/LED cases. |
By: bernard cheong (registered) PM
Posts: 5538 |
Don't fret..It is my personal taste. No dogma or lecture room facts here.
Apr 13 2008,15:32 PM
But at Watchismo's galleries...many inspiring works can be found. Watch designers should be like us humans...we take both good and bad comments with some salt...it's only a watch. I hope they can be a sport. I admire your defence of this product. If there is some sensitive issue here...my apologies....let see what HWRT has to say for themselves. It's not like telling someone that her child has lymphoma. I will stop criticising the Opus 8 ...for a while. There are too many good watches to share about....all this bad and good "talk" is just about there. I wonder how many readers here know that by clicking on our names..they can see the number of hits on our posts..and that the NUBEO post has already overtaken the Harry Winston Opus 8 post in 7 hours.
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By: amanico (registered) PM
Posts: 6728 |
MTF, do you believe in miracles? LOL [nt]
Apr 13 2008,02:08 AM No message body |
By: MTF (registered) PM
Posts: 3485 |
Just being fair asking for positive comments......(nt)
Apr 14 2008,09:23 AM
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By: blanz161 (registered) PM
Posts: 7 |
THANK YOU !! I LOVE SO MUCH TO GENERATE DEBATE
Apr 17 2008,00:46 AM
Thank You very much, particulary Mr. CHEONG |
By: AndrewD (registered) PM
Posts: 373 |
I mightn’t love it, but I am glad it was created
Apr 17 2008,06:54 AM
Dear Frédéric,
Thankyou for your comments and for the Opus 8!
I was one of those who had an immediate negative reaction to the Opus 8. I must say, however, that it has been one of the few pieces from the recent watch fairs that has really stuck in my mind and I find myself contemplating not only the watch itself, but my strong reaction to it as I go about the more mundane activities of life.
I can’t say that I have changed my mind about the design, but the concept is certainly fascinating. It may be that it takes the horological world some time to ‘catch up’ with the meaning and significance of this piece.
Best wishes,
Andrew |
By: Jack Forster (registered) PM
Posts: 4375 |
Dear M. Garinaud, it is very kind of you to share your feelings. . .
Apr 19 2008,10:14 AM
. . .with this forum! I think it took great courage and vision to create this watch, which does not pander to well established parameters of taste but really challenges us. |
By: Horolographer (registered) PM
Posts: 1366 |
Melvyn, I like the watch so much that....
Apr 26 2008,01:58 AM
I will be waiting for Seiko or Citizen version to come out. ;-) Maybe alternatively a Fossil or DKNY as well. |