2011 WUS Chinese Moonphase SE Project - DESIGN

[Oldheritage]

I like the blue rotor, blue hands would be nice as well. Perhaps the reference to WUS could be made by engraving the nice WUS logo on the rotor?

[watchdan]

Something like this?

Attachment 523744

I really don't like the Chinese numerals. Either Arabic or just markers as far as I am concerned. I could possibly see going with markers with a Chinese numeral at eight, but that might be silly as well.

[aron]

To compromise on Chinese numerals, could we maintain either Arabic numerals (my preference is still Ball Trainmaster style) or plain index markers but using Chinese numerals on the big date indicator like some Seikos?

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[Torsten]

The project seems to go in the right direction and I am exited about the outcome. Except for Chinese numerals.

[skywatch]

The project seems to go in the right direction and I am exited about the outcome. Except for Chinese numerals.

I agree. These examples are coming along nicely. I like the idea of the white Elysee with blue Arabic 9-12-3 numerals, blue metallic hands for $8, blue rotor, see-through caseback, decorated movement. The Chinese numerals really don't look right. Worth noting that they use Arabic numerals on Chinese domestic watches, not calligraphy. The 42mm case is OK, but I think I would personally prefer the 40mm M308S case. However, that would not be a deal-breaker at all. (The smaller case would visually bring the big date further up toward the 12 by 1mm, which could address some of those critiques about it looking too low.)

[MHe225]

Further update 28th September, 2011.

I called Thomas again and found out:

1. The CNMark case size is 42mm and the movement decoration will be similar to this prototype.
   There is an option to change the rotor colour to blue rose gold and have an laser-etched logo.
2. The M308S case can be adapted for use without the lug screws.
3. Blued steel hands would cost around USD8 per watch, but again there will be discrepancies in colouring.
4. With regard to some red on the dial, a red 12 would be possible.
   However, I don't like it very much and I believe it has little relevance to our watch.

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I keep coming back to the CNMark prototype; is that case still available / around?
Also, the layout of it's dial is almost perfect in my book and I wonder, why change a winner?

Colored rotor is indeed fabulous; I assume coloring would be accomplished through anodizing? Of note: many posters here talk about engraving text, numbers, etc in the rotor, whereas hked / thomas have mentioned laser-etching. That is a cheaper process, allows greater freedom and complexity in the design of whatever gets etched. The disadvantage is that it is not as deep as engraving (essentially just "burns" off the color) but I don't think that's an issue as the rotor is only visually (not physically) exposed

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Is the $8 quote f paint followed up by heat-treatment (blueing)? Do we have examples (macro-shots)?

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I myself am also not too hot on red accents on the dial, but a red second-hand could look uber-cool.

Same for the Chinese numerals. Initially, I liked the idea, but having seen several examples / mock-ups, they just don't look right / out of place. It's probably over the top for this watch.

RonB

[LCheapo]

Could somebody post dimensions for the CNmark and the 308 case? Mainly, is one of them thinner? Also, if a significant fraction here doesn't like chinese numerals, could we compromise on just markers/batons, like on the 308 dial?

[Chascomm]

Something like this?

Attachment 523744

Although I've been an opponent of Chinese numerals throughout this project, your proposal is the most convincing argument yet in favour of Chinese numerals. So while they're still not my first choice, if others are sold on the concept, then I'd like them best in a dial laid out exactly as you've done it here.

The Elysee style looks promising. It's very clean and I like the shape of the lugs. However it looks like it is rather large. I'd prefer a smaller case.

And...

Please NO chrono pushers for a calendar complication!

I mean it. Seriously, recessed pushers are far more aesthetically and functionally appropriate for this watch.

[blurrycloud]

Personally, i think the chinese numerals would give the watch something special
It clearly shows that this watch was chinese made, or has a chinese theme, even to non-WIS folks
It gives it a custom look, a limited edition look
Not a watch that you can get from anywhere

If you were to use just normal arabic numerals, it would just look like any other dress watch
Possibly something that you can get off a shop, nothing really special, customised or limited
Nothing to tie it to it being chinese made, other than maybe the movement?
Even that requires a little explanation to not WIS folks

We could open a new thread to vote on it
Between arabic numerals, chinese numerals, and just markers/batons

[the_old_curmudgeon]

Please NO chrono pushers for a calendar complication!

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