LM-7 (PloProf) design thread 3

[fig enterprises]

I agree w/ guido the killer pimp

I like the new case/dial/bezel/HEV on the left and your alteration of the case right hand side proportions with exception:

Change the beveled edges to a small uniform bevel, a small radius bevel or none. The beveling as shown is not good at all IMHO.

[MitchSF]

Sorry, you're right about 296. I already told them to change the bezel grooves back to the way they were. I don't know how it ended up this way.

We are not trying to make a PloProf, but if the bezel lock idea works out, we'll see.

Mitch

[HK Shooter]

One more thing - we are looking into the possiblilty of making the button a bezel release button, rather than an HEV. Mitch

That would be fine with me. Since the HEV is not that useful anyway for most folks. Would you totally ditch the idea of an HEV then? Would the watch still be rated 1000m? What about just adding a Helium gas escape valve like the Rolex SD or Certina DS3? That won't show, but would still give you the high tech feeling & functionality.

[ksv123]

NO need to say sorry, we are all human. (at least most of us)

I am 100% on board with the bezel lock if it all pans out.

Sorry, you're right about 296. I already told them to change the bezel grooves back to the way they were. I don't know how it ended up this way.

We are not trying to make a PloProf, but if the bezel lock idea works out, we'll see.

Mitch

[bobbysamd]

We are not trying to make a PloProf, but if the bezel lock idea works out, we'll see.

I understand, and hope it does.

[JAD3703]

One more thing - we are looking into the possiblilty of making the button a bezel release button, rather than an HEV. So far we have found no patents on this design, in fact, it looks like Omega may have used a design from another watch, that was not patented. In any case, the two other PloProf patents for the case and crown were filed around 1968 and it does not look like they were renewed. Patents are not the issue even for the case or crown but that doesn't matter because we are not doing anything even close.

The questions are at this point, do we want to do this, is it feasable, and what will it cost? I'll have answers on the last two, when I return.

Mitch

Mitch,

That would be good, if it can be made to work. As HK Shooter mentioned, any chance of a subdued (flush with case) HEV being put in?

James

[Cowbiker]

Ksv123 on point again.

296 looks to be the perfect hue.

Also, regarding the HEV, isn't it a passive item, ie no user manipulation required, just a one way valve that vents upon pressure build up?

I like the PloProf's button profile if you one doesn't need to touch it, even it doubles as a push button bezel unlook.

[bobbysamd]

Pantone 296 looks good to me, too.

As far as the He release valve, I believe there was an earlier comment that many watch companies install them primarily to attract mainstream (non WIS) customers. Isn't the LM-7 appealing to more of a niche audience that knows watches and understands the He valve isn't all that necessary? See some of the above comments. Therefore, the valve may be unnecessary for the LM-7. Just more food for thought. Mine will never go deeper than my kitchen sink!

[55Kingpin]

The new CAD looks good to me. I like the date window as is. I'm not concerned about the color of the face. Either blue works for me.

I like the HEV, but would settle for the bezel lock. If the watch can do both....that's even better! Maybe the red crown can be the bezel lock and the above mentioned "low-profile" helium release valve can be incorporated on some other part of the case.

[Joerg Dorr]

Mitch,
wow, I would definitley prefer a bezel release button. I can live with each decision, but in fact there is no need for a HEV. 1. Only a few people will make saturation dives and that's the only reason for a HEV. 2. every hole in a case is a possible point of failure (leaking). But again, whatever you decide I am sure I will love this extraordinary watch and I have the greatest respect for your work and enthusiasm.
Joerg