2011 Laco Special Edition Project - CASE BACK and FINISH

[Nalu]

I'd prefer the b-uhr style engraving to be on the inside of the caseback and whatever we choose (in German, as is appropriate) to be on the outside - No/50, Messbattery, WUS-SE, etc. I think any reference to a school or missile or research or SS location is not a good idea. Matte finish, solid caseback is the obvious choice. I'd like to see the FL text on the side of the watch, but will live with voting results.
In a separate but related issue, where are all the folks who were so enthusiastic about this project? I see 5 or 6 folks contributing ideas, but no others participating in the discussion.

[lukeaar]

I realise that the b-uhr engraving traditionally went on the inside of the caseback, for the majority of the 50 watches, the inside of the caseback will only be seen by their local watch makers when the movement's due for a service. I know that's how it will be with mine.

[lukeaar]

As for why there aren't many people contributing ideas, I think the project didn't go in the direction that some wanted, so they bailed. It is interesting to look at the number of views for each topic though. There must be a fair few 'lurkers' who are following closely but not saying anything. This may simply be because they're happy with the direction that we're taking it and they don't have anything to add (I hope this is what it is!).

[Uwe W.]

I'd prefer the b-uhr style engraving to be on the inside of the caseback and whatever we choose (in German, as is appropriate) to be on the outside - No/50, Messbattery, WUS-SE, etc. .

I realise that the b-uhr engraving traditionally went on the inside of the caseback, for the majority of the 50 watches, the inside of the caseback will only be seen by their local watch makers when the movement's due for a service. I know that's how it will be with mine.

I really appreciate the historical accuracy of putting the traditional engraving on the inside of the case back, but I have to agree with lukeaar that it would be a bit of a waste as it will be rarely seen.

Thanks for preparing that drawing Manera, but I'm really not in favour of seeing any type of script font being used. This was a military watch used as a measurement tool and scripted fonts - in my mind - smack of more elegant and delicate timepieces. However, as I mentioned it would be good to have at least three or four different designs available for voting.

In a separate but related issue, where are all the folks who were so enthusiastic about this project? I see 5 or 6 folks contributing ideas, but no others participating in the discussion.

As for why there aren't many people contributing ideas, I think the project didn't go in the direction that some wanted, so they bailed. It is interesting to look at the number of views for each topic though. There must be a fair few 'lurkers' who are following closely but not saying anything. This may simply be because they're happy with the direction that we're taking it and they don't have anything to add (I hope this is what it is!).

I think most were scared off by the initial projected cost of the watch and haven't been back to see if anything has changed. On the other hand, as was with the Proteus project watch, the majority of the donkey work was performed by a very small group of people. Although I would prefer to see more people involved, a smaller group does make the design process easier. Have no fear, many people - lurkers included - will want to buy a Messbatterie once we've finalized the design.

I've been meaning to update my signature line and when I get around to it I'll put in a blurb for this project to help spread awareness. If anyone has the time to put together a cool graphic for this project that could be used in a signature line, it would be appreciated. Please post it in the GENERAL DISCUSSION thread though.

[Janne]

I like Uwes suggestion on the caseback engraving, with some slight changes.

(I have already suggested which ones.) The font used should be the same font we used for the WUS LE in 2008.

I hope LACo can get the Laser engraving properly done the first time.

Side engraving - prefer none, but go with the majority.

I have a problem:
I am off to Arctic Norway for some hardcore fishing ( 2 weeks) with my son and will not have internet access, so it could be good if you could construct the poll before I go.

If is not ready, I will ask Dr Nalu to vote in my name .

[Uwe W.]

Side engraving - prefer none, but go with the majority.

I prefer none as well, but lately I've been wondering about having the LE number engraved there instead. Something simple like "27/50". My reasoning for not including the FL marking is simple; not all of the original Messbatterie watches came with it. Also, if we did use it I think it would just look obvious that we used the case from the 45 mm B-Uhr. With nothing there - or the LE number in its place - it would instantly differentiate itself from the normal production case.

I have a problem: I am off to Arctic Norway for some hardcore fishing

When are you leaving? You can always just post all of your preferences regarding this discussion before you leave and I'll make sure to include the options that most closely resemble your wishes...

[lukeaar]

I prefer none as well, but lately I've been wondering about having the LE number engraved there instead. Something simple like "27/50". My reasoning for not including the FL marking is simple; not all of the original Messbatterie watches came with it. Also, if we did use it I think it would just look obvious that we used the case from the 45 mm B-Uhr. With nothing there - or the LE number in its place - it would instantly differentiate itself from the normal production case.

Great idea.

[Janne]

Agree. Great idea.
I am leaving for the airport and check in about 15.00 Eastern US Time ( Miami time) next Friday 1 July. Arriving at destination (4 flights in progressively smaller planes, the last one a 8 seater STOL, plus 4 hours in a bus) Sunday late afternoon.
Might have time to throw a lure a couple of times in the water before bedtme.......Daylight 27/7 this time of year.

[MHe225]

In a separate but related issue, where are all the folks who were so enthusiastic about this project? I see 5 or 6 folks contributing ideas, but no others participating in the discussion.

As for why there aren't many people contributing ideas, I think the project didn't go in the direction that some wanted, so they bailed. It is interesting to look at the number of views for each topic though. There must be a fair few 'lurkers' who are following closely but not saying anything. This may simply be because they're happy with the direction that we're taking it and they don't have anything to add (I hope this is what it is!).

I think most were scared off by the initial projected cost of the watch and haven't been back to see if anything has changed. On the other hand, as was with the Proteus project watch, the majority of the donkey work was performed by a very small group of people. Although I would prefer to see more people involved, a smaller group does make the design process easier. Have no fear, many people - lurkers included - will want to buy a Messbatterie once we've finalized the design.

Funny you mention this; last week I was wondering how many people are still in and whether the number of contributors does indeed represent the number of buyers.

I feel that I should no longer contribute or vote because I have decided not to pursue this watch (as per my post on May 5). The initial price was indeed way more than I can stomach and given some of the decisions that have already been made, the watch is no longer appealing to me (at the current price level). Design by committee or consensus is a very interesting process and one is likely to end up with a product that satisfies or pleases no one completely - the price of the compromise.

I will continue to lurk; good luck with the design. It's coming together nicely (albeit not completely to my personal taste)

RonB

[Janne]

You are unfortunately totally wrong. The WUS/Laco LE we did in 2008 is still the best/most authentic re-creation made.

Many people do not know what they want, they will jump in and get it if they like the end result.
Maybe you will change your mind!