Half Price for an Exceptional Horology Grail: The Saga of a Watch Purchase

Watch Collection is often a matter of establishing and maintaining friendly connections and the capacity of trust. This video examines an actual case of obtaining a piece of Exceptional Horology at an unexpected price from an unexpected source because of good watch collection relationships.

[@abbywallace5154]

This is nearly the only watch channel where I feel like I’m learning something anymore. What a beautiful piece and completely unknown to me before now! Congratulations to you.

[@watchartsci]

Hi Abby, thanks.What I try and do is to find something interesting about watches ... and then share it. I was very fortunate in finding and getting a Lang & Heyne that I could (barely) afford and also liked! Kindest regards, Bill

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

I’m with you. Many other channels, while sometimes entertaining, are mostly the same stuff over and over. Bill is the only one showing watches I’ve never heard about.

[@thomashendrick6711]

What an amazingly unique story you gave to all of us youtuber watch fans, every where around the world to enjoy, thank you very, very much Mr. Bill !;]

[@watchartsci]

My pleasure Thomas! Take care, Bill

[@rezasoheil]

Absolutely great talk Bill, Thanks

[@watchartsci]

Hey Reza, thanks man! Cheers, Bill

[@blueshirtbuddah1665]

What a fantastic watch! I love all of the handcrafted details. Congratulations Bill! Enjoy it and wear it in good health!

[@watchartsci]

Hi Bruce! You met Marco Lang in NYC at the WatchTime Show, didn't you? (Got your tickets for the next NYC WatchTime Show 2019? www.cvent.com/events/watchtime-new-york-2019/registration-2fe2ad3dffe64ebbaa5ac408ff474285.aspx?fqp=true - use EARLYBIRDNY for a $10 discount) Kindest regards, Bill

[@ForbinColossus]

@15:12 Love the reveal of the diamond close up. You may have to wear this beauty backwards to see that 'living' movement (the dial looks great too)

[@watchartsci]

Hi FC ... thanks! I've often considered wearing it movement-side up! Cheers, Bill

[@amintaslneto]

Wow, I'm late on this video Bill. So happy to see you've got this beauty without any major issue. Yes, the Middle East is not the easiest place to make business in the world but things usually go well there mainly around the luxury industry. These guys have been dealing with gold and other luxury items for ages and don't want to let their reputation drop. Hence it's safe to work with these folks within the Gulf area. Well, the most important thing is that at the end of the day now you've a great story to tell about this piece which what excites me most on watch collecting! Wear it in good health my friend!!! Best, Amintas

[@watchartsci]

Hey Amintas thanks man! The watch has proved to be everything I had hoped-and I enjoy looking at the front and back...with that trigonal bridge that reveals most of the movement. Kindest regards, Bill

[@MarcJ2]

Good morning, what a fascinating story, loved it. I think I figured out why this lady called the watch Dresden 10. On the back of the watch there are two engravings, on the left, Land & Heyne Dresden & on the right, F II 10”. This lady took the Dresden from the first engraving and 10 from the second one and made a shorter name called “Dresden 10”. This is what I mean by irresistible deal. I wish one of these days you receive another phone call like this but this time, for two L & H Georg watches & I hope your remember me for one of them 😊, best regards, Marc!

[@watchartsci]

Hey Marc. There're lots of good deals out there. Spend time learning all about watches and you'll see them right under your nose. Take care, Bill

[@apars78]

Beautiful watch; Congratulations Bill !

[@watchartsci]

Hey Apar! Thanks man! What's your next watch going to be like? Kindest regards, Bill

[@apars78]

@@watchartsci I am looking around, as of now few on my my list Zenith Elite 6150( blue dial twin barrel), JLC master geographic, GO senator excellence or the one one which you like, a lange and sohne 1815; Pascal Coyon caught my eye yesterday( wow what a finish); Do you have any recommendations dual time zone/traveller watches?

[@watchartsci]

Definitely Apar: you can find some great buys on Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Hémisphères-not only dual time and date, but also dual day/night indicators and you can set the times in 1/2 hour offset countries like India. New for around $8k ( www.chrono24.com/parmigianifleurier/tonda-pfc2310001400--id10170528.htm _, but you could find a great deal on a used one. Another one I have is the Zenith Elite GMT. Keeps perfect time ... automatic from the 90s ... blue dial. Cheers, Bill

[@apars78]

@@watchartsci Thanks bill, will keep an eye on these too. Adding them to my list

[@mcm367]

Congrats, Bill. What an adventure it was getting this beautiful piece.

[@watchartsci]

Hey Matt, where's the fun without a little adventure? Cheers, bill

[@rasherbilbo452]

Nice catch. Congratulations on an excellent acquisition.

[@watchartsci]

Hi Rasher, thanks man! I have it on now ... it's a joy to wear and look at ... on both sides! Cheers, Bill

[@southnc63]

Congrats, Bill. Happy everything worked out for you. I never knew there was a Frederich II series - thought it was only III. Always learn something new. Enjoy it. - Adam

[@watchartsci]

Hi Adam!, like you I somehow missed the Friedrich II, but it's been on the site all along...good thing too since I prefer the Arabic over the Roman numerals. Like you, I'm always learning. Kindest regards, Bill

[@andy4969]

Sweet watch. Congrats Bill! Had never heard of Lang & Heyne until seeing them at the WatchTime NY show last October. My friend and I were both completely blown away.

[@watchartsci]

Hi Any, thanks man. Yes, they are incredible watches. I've already signed up for the WatchTime NY show for October ... both the cocktail party/dinner and the Saturday show. Really enjoy those! I hope to see you there. Cheers, Bill

[@AbdulRWatches]

Thanks for the great video Bill! sometimes what seems to be a shady source might be the best deal out there, especially for such special niche watches. I think one of the best countries to buy pre-owned luxury watches would be the Arab Gulf, they consume a lot of watches, and they also like to change their items regularly so deals could be found down there.

[@watchartsci]

Hi Abdul, indeed there are lots of watch lovers in that region. Getting it from there to here, though, can be daunting! Cheers, Bill

[@AbdulRWatches]

@@watchartsci Totally agree, it might be easier flying there and getting the watch in some instance due to import taxes and other delivery costs.

[@watchartsci]

It sounds like more fun too!! Cheers, Bill

[@jameswong6590]

What a gorgeous watch Bill! Congratulations! Love the story.

[@watchartsci]

Hey James! Thanks man! What are you thinking of getting? Cheers, Bill

[@jameswong6590]

@@watchartsci I am tying to control myself. Please don't temp me.

[@watchartsci]

@@jameswong6590 Moi?

[@jameswong6590]

@@watchartsci Lol

[@philbunt3870]

Gorgeous watch, enjoy!!

[@watchartsci]

Hey Phil, thanks man! Cheers, Bill

[@JohnDoe-ub8fq]

According to Ablogtowarch: "The materials and production cost per screw prior to any finishing at all, costs Lang & Heyne about one euro each. One-euro screws are then transformed by first a quality control check and then careful flat and angled polishing. Lang & Heyne produces a few screw sizes in-house and some of them are then flame-blued for additional color and aesthetic design. After screws are hand-polished one at a time, they can then be blued, but they have already been handled by a trained person for almost an hour". Article also stated, they polish that little screw for 40 minutes!!!!

[@watchartsci]

Hey John Doe, yes, these are very special watches. With all the craftsmanship that goes into one of these watches when you break it down, even the smallest parts are very expensive. Even with gold, the works by the watchmaker drives up the price. Kindest regards, Bill

[@abbywallace5154]

Simply incredible.

[@nrs6956]

A connoisseur's approach going from macro to micro!

[@watchartsci]

Why thank you n Sokach! I didn't realize that! Cheers, Bill

[@timweatherill3738]

Thanks for the truly interesting sharing of your fascinating watch locating experience. I am a firm believer of being kind and decent not only within our circle of watch-people (I call us Horophiles, because it is accurate and a wee bit naughty at the same time), but also to people in general, as far as one can reasonably be without crossing over into nuttiness. I have to add, I think that is one massively superb watch, Bill! Good find!

[@watchartsci]

Hey Time, thanks man. Kindest regards Bill

[@e11even_05]

Beautiful watch Bill. Congrats.

[@watchartsci]

Hey Beel, thanks man! Cheers, Bill

[@eugenejohnson7755]

HI Bill, gorgeous watch. How much is this watch now if you buy it from an AD?

[@watchartsci]

Hi Eugene. $27,500. Take care, Bill

[@eddiedevonrex2308]

Congratulations mr Bill, great find, I am told the Dubai watch week is exceptional and find some watches

[@watchartsci]

Hey Eddie, yes from what I heard Dubai watch week was as big as SIHH but with greater diversity. Take care, Mr. Bill!

[@fkurcik]

Very nice piece. Does it have the hacking function?

[@watchartsci]

Hi Frantisek, it has what is called a 'second stop' but I don't know (and hope that) it doesn't work like typical 'hacking.' In hacking, you have a brake applied to the balance wheel. From what I can see through my loupe, when I pull out the stem, a lever interrupts the balance wheel by blocking one of the balance weights rather than adding pressure directly to the balance wheel like an old fashioned stage coach brake. On a lot of watches I've seen hacking done like a stage coach brake-about the only thing that can be done when there are no balance weights. Patek Philippe (and some other brands) do not use hacking since Patek watch engineers have pointed out that by slamming a brake on the balance wheel is not good for the movement system. Check out these links for more information: www.lang-und-heyne.de/en/manufacture/philosophy/ , www.lang-und-heyne.de/en/models/friedrich-ii/ Kindest regards, Bill

[@nssomething8370]

Congratulations Bill!

[@watchartsci]

NSsomething, thanks man! Cheers, Bill

[@richardteevan4480]

Congrats nice of joe!! ;-) 50% shoootttt I am negotiating a custom I have not finalized metal - ) Gold rose- white or Platinum) and once I do will try to do the price justice. I bumped the FPJ up as it came in at a good Price so pushed mine back. Congrats a beautiful watch, i love it!!!

[@watchartsci]

Thanks Richard! You're getting an L&H customized?! Which model or caliber? So what's happening with your FPJ? Or are you getting another one? Sounds like you've been busy!! Cheers, Bill

[@richardteevan4480]

PS- the point of being respectful, good relations, is VERY important. No need for all the negative stuff that is a virtual worlds issue in all watch groups these days

[@watchartsci]

The trolls wonder why no one contacts them with good watch buys ... that's easy to explain! Cheers, Bill

[@marcuscopley6929]

Incredible engineering,it’s not a watch maker I’ve heard of. I wonder how the gold gear train will hold up over time. Thanks for another interesting vid ,your research into the more obscure end of our hobby is always intriguing. Best wishes Bill

[@watchartsci]

Hello Marcus, I've wondered the same thing about the gold gears. Lang & Heyne only make around 50 or so watches annually, and each one is a masterpiece if mine is any to judge by. It's good to have a watch by an actual watchmaker you can meet! Kindest regards, Bill

[@BobbyLegs]

Congrats Bill. I have really developed a fascination with German watches thanks to you and a friend of mine. I love your recent video of 4 German watches under 4K. I’m looking at purchasing a Sinn 903 at the end of this year. I want a chronograph, a German watch and I love the look. The price range is right for me. What are your thoughts on the watch? Your honest opinion would be appreciated. My feeling don’t get easily hurt.

[@watchartsci]

Hi Robert, thanks man! One of my favorite watches I hope to trip over someday is the Sinn-Dialed Heuer 1550 SG Bundeswehr! (www.roverhaven.com/the-rover-haven-blog/2016/3/6/sinn-dialed-heuer-1550-sg-bundeswehr) Other than that, I don't know too much about Sinn. The movement, an SW 500, is a Sellita alternative to the ETA/Valjoux 7750. I know that the 7750 has a great reputation, but I don't know much about the SW 500. If I were you I'd find out. At one point, under contract with ETA, Sellita was making all kinds of movements to help ETA meet their production demands. So, the SW 500 may be a pretty decent replacement for the Valjoux 7750 or even a tweaked improvement. Check it out, and while I too like the looks, it's what's under the hood that counts. Be sure to let me know what you find out! Cheers, Bill

[@BobbyLegs]

WatchArtSci thanks for the advice. I will look into the movement further!

[@deancollins8229]

A beautiful watch Bill !

[@watchartsci]

Hey Dean, thanks man! Kindest regards, Bill

[@wachend]

Hello Mr. Sanders, I remember one of your videos was about unboxing a watch with its 12 o'clock mark on the normal 1 or 2 o'clock position, and you called it a driver's watch. Which watch is that? And which video? Also, I'm thinking of buying a Longines Avigation A-7 1935, which is similar to that driver's watch you reviewed. What's your opinion over this Longines? Thanks

[@watchartsci]

Hi Dennis, you're talking about the Vacheron Constantin Historiques 1921- Here's the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGi2dWhsi9VniZo As for the Longines Avigation A-7 1935; I like it. It's got an upscale ETA movement that was made for Longines, I believe. Cheers, Bill

[@wachend]

@@watchartsci Thank you very much for the quick response, Mr. Sanders. It's very helpful. I came across a few friends who didn't like the Longines A-7 1935, which made me question why. But I think I still like it.

[@watchartsci]

Dennis, collect watches for you; not them. Chers, Bill

[@wachend]

Thank you, sir, for and advice, and all the unique contents you created.

[@inkhaurt5812]

Congratulations, Bill! What's next after the L&H? Have you set your eyes on something particular?

[@watchartsci]

Hi Inkhaurt, thanks man! Well, the Christiaan van der Klaauw Ceres 1974 was not planned but a welcome addition; so, I'm gong to enjoy the L&H and the CVDK for now ... scanning the radar to see what's what and thinking of thinning the herd. Cheers, Bill

[@dodgefree1400]

We'd love to see it running ! Real mechanical art there.

[@watchartsci]

Hi Patrick! I'll see if I can get a video clip to show it ticking away! Kindest regards, Bill

[@eusupporter8438]

Lang & Heyne, No. 10 what a great wonderful watch, congratulation sir 👍 👍 👍

[@watchartsci]

Thank you EU! The No. 10 is the 10th Friedrich II made by Lang & Heyne. By the way, after Heyne left L&H, he became the top movement designer at Nomos Glashütte and helped develop the DUW series of movements. Cheers, Bill

[@jamiesavery1973]

Nice little story on the timepieces journey

[@watchartsci]

Thanks Jamie! Kindest regards, Bill

[@GizmoTNL]

I think it is quite interesting that they use “Made in Saxony” instead of “Made in Germany”. So they are using a State name (Dresden is the capital city of the Free State of Saxony). Do you know any other brands which do this?

[@watchartsci]

Hi Gizmo, on my watch, the only place named is 'Dresden.' On FP Journe watches, if there's any "Made in ..." at all, it's "Made in Geneva," which is FPJ's way of thumbing his nose at the big deal made about having 'Swiss Made' on a watch. Cheers, Bill

[@GizmoTNL]

@@watchartsci Hi Bill, at 10:14 the L&H watch is shown with "Made in Saxony" on the dial. "Made in Geneva" can refer to the city or the canton. L&H is based in Radeberg, Saxony and FPJ in the city of Geneva itself. So I think L&H's specific take on it might be unique. But there are similarities as L&H doesn't use "Made in Germany" and FPJ doesn't use "Swiss Made". Thanks, Marc

[@eusupporter8438]

Made in Saxony. This has nothing to do with watches. It can't be compared with anything in Switzerland or anywhere. Saxony calls itself "Freistaat Sachsen (Free State of Saxony)", same as Bavaria calls itself "Freistaat Bayern (Free State of Bavaria)". This way they underline there special place in the fedaration. (Federal Republic of Germany)

[@watchartsci]

Gizmo!! You are right! On my own wrist, I didn't see it, but after looking carefully, it's "Made in Saxony!" printed along the bottom of the dial. Thanks man! Cheers, Bill

[@cedarcanoe]

Great great watch. Ever since you started talking about Lang und Heyne, I was sold for them. Congrats

[@watchartsci]

Hi Erik thanks man! They only make about 50 watches a year and so they're not well-known, and I was lucky to find one I could afford. What have you been collecting lately? You've obtained some interesting watches yourself if memory serves me. Cheers, Bill

[@johngentile6814]

I can appreciate the craftsmanship of this watch, but sure seems a lot to pay for a simple design.

[@watchartsci]

Hi John, I'm sure a lot of people think the same thing. Appreciating the elegant simplicity of the movement and the whole concept of elegance in simplicity isn't for everyone. Kindest regards, Bill

[@samadrid6321]

Lange & Hayne true grail watches.

[@watchartsci]

Hi Ryvr, yes, every single one they make is a masterpiece and they make so few. There's almost nothing on the pre-owned market, and I just got very lucky! It's good to keep contacts and in contact with fellow watch collectors. Kindest regards, Bill