Whether a new watch is for me or not is a decision I make for myself. I’ll voice an opinion. I enjoy the discussions of the design and engineering aspects, particularly with the new Loco, as well as the business cases for choices and avenues to explore. People can and do have strong feelings about a given design. I get it. What annoys me is when I see someone’s comment where they describe something as a “shame” or “waste” when they didn’t get a specification they wanted. Really?! That kind of reaction categorically causes me to dismiss their point, regardless of how passionately expressed. It comes across as if they were personally targeted by this “offense” that failed to meet their expectations. Perhaps it is an English use compared to my American sensibilities.

Mostly I think the various responses have enlightened me. It does not matter if I agree. I’m more impressed by the Loco than I expected. I certainly like the idea of it. And I like how the brand is pushing forward with it and the Bel Canto.

Amor Vincit Omnia wrote: ↑Sat Apr 26, 2025 8:47 pm A similar argument could be made for the inclusion of high WR, or an automatic movement. The arguments for omitting those often seem to centre around saving weight and case thickness (correct me if I’m wrong there) but you could also make a case (excuse the pun) for an aesthetic consideration. A rotor would make that starkly beautiful caseback view into something very different.

I think the aesthetic was definitely one of the more important considerations by CW. Correct me if I’m wrong as I only watched the documentary once, but they did say that they specifically redesigned the movement and the caseback?

Steve, thanks for a very thought-provoking post, which I agree with. In turn it has led me to put down a few things that perhaps guide me when thinking about commenting on a new watch release, or indeed somebody else’s watch. In some ways I suppose they could be broadened more generally outside of watches and this forum as well:

1. Everyone has different tastes. Never criticize someone for liking a watch that you don't. The world would be a very boring place if we all liked the same thing.

2. Feel free to voice an opinion, even if it's not a positive one. But remember, if voicing a less-than-positive opinion, that it might be someone's pride and joy you are 'knocking', so be respectful and considerate in that opinion.

3. The world does not revolve around you. Companies are not obliged to create watches that you like (or can afford), even if you liked (or could afford) their watches in the past. So you have no right to be offended if you don't like one, several or any of their watches now or in the future.

4. There are too many nice watches in the world and never enough money to pay for them all. Companies making watches you don't like is actually a good thing.

5. It's nice to dream about what might have been ideal for you. Sometimes that means saying things like "I wish they did XYZ", without any real consideration (or knowledge) over cost, aesthetics or technical feasibility, and without it being a criticism of what has actually been produced.

On this specific release I’ve made a couple of posts saying I don’t like the Loco (for me personally). I’m very pleased for those that do like it. Do I mind that CW have produced a watch I don’t like? Of course not – I’m actually pleased as I don’t have a 13th space in my 12-slot CW box. Do I think it’s objectively a wonderful achievement that I hope gives CW continued success? Absolutely.

I also wrote I can understand the viewpoint that creating a movement with a 144-hour power reserve might have benefited from a PR indicator. That's more to the 'dreaming' point, where in my view one is perfectly free to throw out some 'wouldn't it be nice' thought, even though I know the reasons why it was considered but discounted. I do agree though that where the language moves from 'wouldn't it be nice' to 'they should have done', it can move to contravening my rule 3 above.

As to 'smelling the flowers'? We all sit and write on a forum with now over a million posts which (for the most part, notwithstanding nice pictures, drinks of the day, haikus etc.) relate to technologically-redundant mechanical timepieces. I think we're all lost on that point!!!

Steve, I know you are trying to provoke discussion, so here are my thoughts:

1. we are all watch enthusiasts, so of course we are going to critique the watch and dissect every aspect, whether we are qualified to do so or not. It's the same for fans of any hobby, sport, team or musical artiste, etc. As long as it is done respectfully, it adds to the liveliness of the forum. Plus, the forum is a useful tool for CW to assess the mood and views of a segment [yes, of course there are many more] of their potential customers.

2. many of us also want CW the watch company to do well, so when we see something that we feel could have been done better, we voice it out. I mean, it's not as if they are perfect in every decision taken and have never made a misstep before [ahem, the previous logo saga].

Like you, I'm in the 'admire without any desire to buy' stage of my watch journey. So it's fun to just talk about the new releases without wanting to buy anything.


[ADDED] Based on the latest Loupe, they are coming up with something that has Roman numerals. Your money might not be safe for much longer....

asqwerth wrote: ↑Sun Apr 27, 2025 3:29 am Based on the latest Loupe, they are coming up with something that has Roman numerals. Your money might not be safe for much longer....

I saw that and I’m interested in how the ducks line up on that one. I would need to be an Alliance member as it’s restricted to them. Yes, Romans are probably my favourite indices. If the other features are right (for me, of course) who knows?

asqwerth wrote: ↑Sun Apr 27, 2025 3:29 am Steve, …Based on the latest Loupe, they are coming up with something that has Roman numerals. Your money might not be safe for much longer....

…manages to be both ultra-modern and reassuringly traditional. If you’re a fan of old English watchmaking this is something you’ll love

I’m intrigued by this, too!