Making a $70,000 watch for $7,000

[@davidhunternyc1]

Beautiful work but on the Lyrique One, I don't understand why the number 8 is cut off. From a design perspective, it doesn't work, like scratching on a chalkboard. I would be best to move the minute dial down a bit, perfectly centered between the 8 and 9 o'clock position... BUT, I understand how that might not be possible. The position of the minute dial is determined by the movement. Moving the minute dial down just a few millimeters might not be possible without substantial change to the movement.

[@watchartsci]

The clipping of numbers is a design device. Take care, Bill

[@aleksandargogic9084]

Well done Bill, I hope you win GPHG award, that would be crown of your work . After so many educational videos you deserve it. Love all your work about horology, and teaching us not to follow just Brands… There is more in to this hobby than just following mainstream… Maybe time to start Watch company(neighborly advice) .. Hope I can join the group next time ….

[@watchartsci]

Aleksandar, if you want to get in on one of the projects, sign up on Pure Horology FB page. It would be great to have you. The last thing I want to do is to start a watch company! Take care, Bill

[@shanereid5663]

Wow, huge respect for you sharing your experience,I wish I was apart of this. I want to try and get some people together and make a watch.

[@watchartsci]

Shane, the 'Pure Horology' FB page is for organizing group creations. Take care, Bill

[@TimG--]

Well done ! Beautiful watch

[@watchartsci]

Hey Tim, thanks man! You're alway welcome to join one of our magical mystery tours... or so it seems. Take care, Bill

[@michaelcozens7537]

Many congratulations. A wonderful watch and an even better story.

[@watchartsci]

Michael, thanks man! Take care, Bill

[@gojagrover]

Thanks for explaining what goes into making a bespoke watch. I’m your brother and would trust you with $7000 to make a watch. Good to see others trusted you with their money as well. Congrats on the fine watch you and your group created.

[@watchartsci]

If anyone should know better it's you Bro! I don't like handling other people's money, but it's a chore that has to be done. Take care, Bill

[@perosa99]

Congratulations Bill. This was excellent and showcases that union makes strength. The story is remarkable, you got not only an outstanding watch but a story worth telling. Love to read it as well some day. I suspect this is just a start for Lyrique…

[@watchartsci]

When you want top quality and you don't have enough to pay for all the non-horology elements in watchmaking (marketing, dealer discount, etc) sometimes you need to find another route. Take care, Bill

[@obesetuna3164]

Hi Bill. It sounds like a great idea, so long as the up front payments were promptly received. Your graph is most interesting. In comparison, I wonder what the volume to average price ratio is at Seiko?

[@watchartsci]

You are quite right Tuna; such an undertaking is not for the weak-hearted or -minded. Lyrique will probably be going with about 100 subscribers per project. So work out the math for Seiko, Rolex, etc, and we are but a blip on the radar...but an affordable blip with hand-made craftsmanship and originality. Take care, Bill

[@albertocampesato1308]

Hi Bill. Amazing work. Follow u guys in some talks over the topic and I am pleasantly surprise of the result. Nice watch, nice detail of the watch and very nice choice for the case. Just one question, from where it come the choice of the subdial cutting the number & just leaving a small stroke. At first I was skeptical but together with the hand choice the dial sound quite balance and homogeneous. Very good work, chapeau. Love it.

[@watchartsci]

Alberto, we had a choice ... leave the 'stub' of the '8' or erase it. We chose to keep it as a 'beauty mark.' The hands were from a watch designed by Derek Pratt for Urban Jorgensen (See Reference 2 and Reference 3 - www.acollectedman.com/blogs/journal/derek-pratt-the-forgotten-watchmaker )We tried to choose excellence all along. Take care, Bill

[@cedshred1676]

Super interesting! I love the design, especially the movement. I‘ll keep my eye out on High Horology Lounge if you decide to do another subscription, I‘m definitely interested.

[@watchartsci]

Ced, the 'Pure Horology' fb page is where we do the planning. You are welcome to join on on our next project. Take care, Bill

[@theJade]

Fantastic watch. I love the information you're providing on how to start a working group to build a custom watch. Thanks for sharing.

[@watchartsci]

Hi Jade, keep in mind that any group can do it. The more collectors who work together in groups to create watches they want, the more it helps the real horological craftsmen and watchmakers. Take care, Bill

[@theJade]

@@watchartsci Agreed. I also joined the facebook group so we'll see what's happening there. Thanks!

[@brandonboyd_comedy]

I've been watching for about a year and finally decided to subscribe. Thank you so much for the content without all the "character".

[@watchartsci]

Thanks Brandon... I think. Content with no character? Welcome to the channel! Take care, Bill

[@brandonboyd_comedy]

@@watchartsciIt's a compliment, I prefer not to be yelled at or hear all the foul language other in this space have used to get attention.

[@watchartsci]

@@brandonboyd_comedy 😅I see Brandon. I don't see that having any place in watch collection either.

[@darioarro1708]

Incredible love, passion and dedication in each topic you comment on. Congratulations

[@watchartsci]

Hey Dario, maybe you can join us on a future project? Take care, Bill

[@beyond36horology]

Thanks for sharing the experience and process.

[@watchartsci]

My pleasure Beyond... Take care, Bill

[@RabidMortal1]

How can I learn about any future subscription opportunities?

[@watchartsci]

Rabid, go to the 'Pure Horology' FB page. That's where we plan subscriptions. Take care, Bill

[@kingflum]

This is incredible! Well done to all involved, and huge thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@watchartsci]

Thanks Faheem! Once we actually have one on our wrists, there will be more about it! Take care, Bill

[@mmuse54]

Will there be another production run? I would like to get on the list. I'm a subscriber, but somehow missed the boat :..(

[@watchartsci]

Jason, we use the Pure Horology FB page for starting new projects... keep an eye out on it. Take care, Bill

[@eugenejohnson7755]

How did you pick the name Lyrique? Is there a meaning behind it?

[@watchartsci]

It sounded nice, Eugene. Take care, Bill

[@eugenejohnson7755]

@@watchartsci You made a very good choice 👍

[@BCERTA]

Beautifull

[@watchartsci]

Thanks Boston! Take care, Bill

[@richardsims3847]

Not surprised it sold like hot cakes.Along with the value working with fellow aficionados must have been fun.Thanks for the usual education Bill.

[@watchartsci]

Spending time on the watch project resulted in spending less on so-so watches, Richard. It was fun in an exhausting sort of way. Take care, Bill

[@nickkind1]

Congratulations Bill, It is amazing: you really did a great job!

[@watchartsci]

Hey Nico, thanks man! Take care, Bill

[@Javi_C]

The more I see it the more beautiful it gets! Well done everyone!

[@watchartsci]

Javi, as last year's Grand Prix Picks award-winner ... you'd enjoy one of these projects. Take care, Bill

[@waffler5480]

y'all an enjoyable weekend

[@watchartsci]

Ok Waffler, and y'all hurry back! Take care, Bill

[@kojiattwood]

What an accomplishment; looking forward to seeing the 2nd Etude!

[@watchartsci]

Étude makes perfect, no, Koji? (I probably used the word incorrectly.). Take care, Bill

[@oatmongen4263]

Alas, my market is even smaller than the collectors market. A university student with virtually no funds to spare. But I can think about the watches, and what I would want to buy.

[@watchartsci]

Hey Oatmon, a university experience is too much fun to worry about watch collection. Enjoy your youth and being broke! Builds character. Take care, Bill

[@RafaelERyder]

Bill is absolutely right. I am close to 70 with a decent collection. I didn’t know what a watch was in college. You have the rest of your life. Don’t worry now.

[@TexpatOTG]

Very interesting story. Cheers

[@watchartsci]

Hey JR, thanks! I have a feeling your concerns about Vietnamese visa policies may have an impact in the long run. Take care, Bill

[@TexpatOTG]

@@watchartsci I am in Subic Philippines with Rea. Am very happy now. My latest video tells the wrap-up on the visa fiasco.

[@watchartsci]

@@TexpatOTG Great news! Will catch up on the videos!

[@arthurjackson277]

Bill the new watch is stunning. My hat is off to you and the team,

[@watchartsci]

Thanks Arthur. It's been a project and will end when we all have the watches on our wrists! Take care, Bill

[@joshuagutierrez335]

Impressive work and impressive results! This sounds like an extremely high-risk/high-reward proposition, though. Even if everyone involved in organizing the group buy is 100% trustworthy, all it takes is one person falling victim to a phishing scam and the money is gone. There's no backsies on wire transfers.

[@watchartsci]

Joshua, all of those things you mentioned kept me up at nigh.We used good security in our communication and with our banking, but anyone who undertakes this kind of organized purchase needs to be careful. But since peril is everywhere online; no one is perfectly save in any kind of watch transaction. Take care, Bill

[@RafaelERyder]

Bill: I cannot tell you how much impressed I am with what you have done. The Lyrique Etude One is beautiful. Is there one still around? If not count me in for Etude Two. Whatever watch is good for you is great for me! Cheers! Rafael.

[@clyde2801]

Contact Bill to see if anyone who bought spares will let go of one.

[@watchartsci]

Rafael, some may be available later this year and next year from members who bought more than one. To get on a list, go to Pure Horology FB page and sign up there. When a new project crops up, you can sign up for it. Take care, Bill

[@RafaelERyder]

@@watchartsci Will do. Thanks Bill.

[@RafaelERyder]

Thanks.

[@landov1412]

Amazing really. Would love to participate in a future endeavour!

[@watchartsci]

Lando, we plan projects on FB page 'Pure Horology'...you'd be welcome. Take care, Bill

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I had fun sitting on the sidelines rooting for you guys 🙏

[@watchartsci]

You're always fun to have around, Junior! Maybe one of these projects you can join us in! Take care, Bill

[@clydemills7088]

What a great accomplishment. I followed this early on. Well done.

[@watchartsci]

You're welcome to future projects Clyde! Take care, Bill

[@BoleDaPole]

This is all very complicated to be sure but the best things in life are not easy to achieve. It must've been quite the feeling finally putting that watch on your wrist after this whole process.

[@andrejensen7837]

This is a watch I want at a price I could have afforded .

[@watchartsci]

Check out how the "Breguet" was made for $87, Andre. Take care, Bill

[@rage8kage]

I love the hands

[@watchartsci]

Thanks Dr. B! Take care, Bill

[@jackmehoff9819]

Outstanding Bill!

[@watchartsci]

Hey Jack, thanks man! Take care, Bill

[@GEMSofGOD_com]

I think you together with DMT topology (imagine seeing 👽 in a perfect circle that becomes a tunnel to a continuum of black holes) have made me a watchmaker

[@watchartsci]

Interesting Mr. Kotove ... sort of like this? "If the outside world fell in ruins, one of us would be capable of building it up again, for mountain and stream, tree and leaf, root and blossom, all that is shaped by nature lies modelled in us - Hermann Hesse" ... DMT, who needs it? We got Hermann! Take ecare, Bill

[@clyde2801]

@@watchartsci You wear a beret, yet you appear to be a Hessian.

[@GEMSofGOD_com]

@@watchartsci "A surface separates inside from out and belongs no less to one than the other," so, yes, forests become our lungs, perfect parabola finds its dwelling in our chest, gravity builds all living creatures' skeletons very similar, a lot besides. We get close to packing a whole human being onto a wrist and unpacking it from a watch. And wrists and fingers are definitely there where world's creative edge is.

[@treykasia127]

Let's make an annual calendar!!!

[@watchartsci]

Trey, get a bunch of guys together, and go for it! You can use the FB page, "Pure Horology" for an incubator for your ideas! Take care, Bill

[@RollaArtis]

I thought that everyone knew..... The value of any Swiss wristwatch is in the Brand name on the dial, the rest is just the same as any other watch which anyone can make on the same machines anywhere.

[@watchartsci]

I guess we just didn't know any better RollaArtis and went with the best movement maker, the best case maker, best dial maker and best hand-maker ... it has been an adventure. Take care, Bill

[@relsanat7872]

Bill, you're incredible!

[@clyde2801]

Agreed. If Bill hadn't generously donated his time and expertise, the price would have likely doubled.

[@watchartsci]

...or been half!

[@watchartsci]

Rel, thanks man. Take care, Bill

[@clyde2801]

The trouble is with your Opportunity Market for Collectors with limited funds is that they will almost always be squeezed out by the more affluent. This has been going on since the Paul Newman Daytona auction; it's The Invasion of the Moneyed Snatchers.

[@watchartsci]

We collectors are a pretty hearty lot, Clyde, and we will always work to find a way to get excellence at a price we can afford. Have faith, bro! Take care, Bill

[@clyde2801]

@@watchartsci The trick is to postulate and anticipate so you'll end up at the front of the line.

[@AbdulRWatches]

Thanks Bill for the overview, the watch project showed us that knowledge can save us a lot of money. Also that we could get our dream watch with a reasonable price. The price/quality matrix is one of Lyrique strongest features. Cheers, Abdul

[@juniorjohnson5961]

👊

[@watchartsci]

Abul, tanks. I wanted to show that we weren't trying to develop a ringer for the Petite Aiguille GPHG group. We just wanted a great watch we could afford. Take care, Bill

[@brpugonlatour1636]

How do I buy the watch?

[@clyde2801]

9:37 It's a subscription watch, which means that they were all ordered by individual members. The only way to obtain one is to buy one from the individual members, assuming any of them want to sell their own individual watches or ordered extra pieces for that purpose. Contact Bill for details.

[@oatmongen4263]

@@clyde2801 I wouldn't be surprised if the first watch resells for at least 70k though.

[@watchartsci]

In addition to what the Rancher said, BrPugon, go to the 'Pure Horology' FB page and get in on the next project. Some of the current ones will be available from subscribers who bought more than one. We had none left over for general retail sale. Take care, Bill

[@clyde2801]

@@oatmongen4263 Who knows? The watch that inspired ours was the Dufour Simplicity 37, and it's now a million dollar plus watch. His dial maker also made ours, and our watch case is truly unique. A few of the Swiss suppliers wanted in on the project after learning about it, and it includes at least a couple of legendary watch makers.

[@luvspud1]

A perfect dress watch, makes me wish I had a spare seven grand kicking about.

[@watchartsci]

Hey Gerard, thanks man! Take care, Bill

[@gohawks2004]

A need one my friend 🥰

[@watchartsci]

Fernando, check out 'Pure Horology' FB page for group watch planning. Take care, Bill

[@jerrytan6215]

How about an Etude #2!

[@watchartsci]

We're finishing up E2 and working on Heure Zoulou and planning Heure Saunter, Jerry. Take care, Bill

[@sergeysamoilenko8070]

Amazing!

[@watchartsci]

Thanks Sergey!! Take care, Bill

[@connorwang3442]

Beauty

[@watchartsci]

Hey Conner, thanks man! Take care, Bill

[@hanboogman5756]

Hi Bill,

[@watchartsci]

Hi Han. Take care, Bill

[@microbakery9085]

Am so proud as part of this gang! I'm #5！

[@watchartsci]

Hey #5, glad you were! Take care, Bill

[@ivansmith4242]

The eternal question still pops up did you really make a 70000$ watch for 7000$ or did you just make a 7000$ watch or did you make a watch that you think should be 7000$ but the free market disagrees. Don’t get irritated just a thought guaranteed by freedom of expression. Thanks and good luck.

[@watchartsci]

If that's your eternal question, Ivan, the answer is,' no.' Take care, Bill

[@ivansmith4242]

@@watchartsci Ah yes! Though Rolex makes a 600$ watch that the free market says is worth over 10000$. I guess they just know how to brand and market. Or maybe people are just nuts eh?!

[@watchartsci]

@@ivansmith4242 Ivan, people aren't nuts... but I'm not so sure about watch collectors....

[@ivansmith4242]

@@watchartsci hey man watch collectors are people too!

[@watchartsci]

@@ivansmith4242 Since when?...

[@davey2363]

A fabulous idea. Well done. Rolex are a vulgarity only worn by the insecure.

[@watchartsci]

Davey, maybe you'd want to join us in one of our projects. Nothing against Rolex, now. They could have gone along with Patek and Swatch and stuffed silicon hairsprings in their watches, but they didn't. Take care, Bill