CR[Moderator]
3383
Opinions: Conversion of Lange Tourbillon PLM into Grieb & Benzinger "Blue Merit"...
May 05, 2014,10:58 AM
I'm curious what others think about this. I can't remember if I'm allowed to post links to articles/photos, and I'm having difficulty finding the Forum rules, but you can just search the Internet with just the 4 words grieb, benzinger, lange, and merit (just those 4 words).
Basically, G&B took the movement from a WG/blue dial Lange Tourbillon PLM (one of the originals, c.1994-98), skeletonized and heavily decorated it, and gave it a totally new case (bigger and in platinum) and very different, skeletonized dial. It's called the "Blue Merit" now.
You have to see the pics to understand what I'm talking about.
Personally, while I appreciate the extraordinary craftsmanship, skill, and engineering that G&B undertook to execute these modifications, I am saddened by a second execution: That of the original blue-dial Tourbillon PLM, a fine timepiece whose own life was sacrificed in the service of this effort. I keep thinking, "Did you guys really have to pick an ICONIC limited edition Lange to f**k with?" If the Tourbillon PLM wasn't both (1) iconic and (2) limited (let alone Lange's very first limited edition since the relaunch, etc.), then I might feel better about this. It seems almost sacrilegious.
To me, a much better decision would've been to modify a standard-production Lange that many found truly unappealing in its original form (the 115.021 comes to mind -- search for it and you'll see what I mean). THAT would show off G&B's skill level in way that doesn't invite controversy or criticism, though of course they'd receive less publicity/press.
What do others think?
[And GaryG, if you're reading this -- I very much appreciated your "enthusiast"(ic) remarks that I came across when reading up on this.]
Comments:
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What! Never seen this before, just the Patek mvmt recased and re worked
By: doubleup : May 5th, 2014-12:34
I think it is blasphemy personally. I like what they do and their watches have a certain (and one of a kind) look to them, so I like them in that regard. But what has been appealing and their niche so far is that they are of older, re-worked movements, no...
So here are my comments, so me it is a false good idea...
By: foversta : May 5th, 2014-12:43
At the beginning, the idea of the project may be seducing: the excellence of Lange combined with the artistic approach of G&B... why not? But this watch gives the proof that the most important in a watch, a 20 USD one or a 2M USD one is the coherence....
Agree on all parts
By: colton_d : May 5th, 2014-13:08
A shame to have sliced & diced one of the most storied (and original) LE's created by Lange. Something that immediately came to mind was 'timeliness'; why take a modern Lange and re-work it as such? I agree a regular edition model would have been bett...
Blue Sacrifice
By: Ares501 - Mr Green : May 5th, 2014-13:32
Honestly I'm interested what would the reactions be to this watch if we didn't knew blueprint for it :) Bad pun I know Sincerely Damjan
Blue Tourbillon PLM
By: foversta : May 5th, 2014-14:07
This is a true blue Tourbillon PLM! Fx ...
I know hence
By: Ares501 - Mr Green : May 5th, 2014-14:12
my comment Sincerely Damjan
The issue
By: Spellbound : May 5th, 2014-17:20
I think we all feel uncomfortable with this since we all would prefer to wear the original Lange Tourbillon PLM than the modified creation. It is like they have pimped a Ferrari GTO. Dean
I still prefer the original
By: tudorctin : May 6th, 2014-06:45
A lot of work involved but I don't think ALS was the right choice. Regards, Constantin
Doesn't bother me
By: wootwoot : May 6th, 2014-08:06
I don't particularly like the aesthetics of the result here, much prefer the original Lange, but it doesn't bother me that they "sacrificed" the original to do it. It's just a watch. Presumably Lange got paid for it; the buyer is free to do with it whatev...
Disguisting
By: tahoeblue : May 6th, 2014-09:57
What a terrible shame to sacrifice such a historically important and limited watch to manufacture this "Blue Merit," a name which adds further insult to injury. The result pays no respect to the original, and looks ridiculous. It takes a lot of planning a...
I agree CR,
By: BTWatchguy : May 6th, 2014-14:30
Why would anyone mess with such a masterpiece.
Not a fan...
By: aaronm : May 6th, 2014-15:48
Two main reasons, one specific, one general: specifically the case, on first glance, and possibly second, it looks like a Chronoswiss. Not a bad brand, but that shouldn't be my initial take of a >$100k custom watch Generally the style. I know that's wh...
Blech
By: senort75 : May 7th, 2014-08:33
This watch is not worth the merit of mentioning in the same breath as ALS...
Thanks, CR -- as you say I am already on the public record...
By: Gary G : May 9th, 2014-13:42
...with my negative views of this watch! I very much appreciate your mentioning it here, as my opinions have not changed. When I first saw this watch, I was reminded of the immortal words of William F. Buckley when asked about the writing of Hunter S. Tho...
So urgly
By: berceuse : May 11th, 2014-07:21
I'd say it's a ruin of fantastic watch and movement.
I don't mind putting my hand up...
By: andrewluff : May 22nd, 2014-01:47
I actually like it! I like the original too, but something different... well we all have our own taste and the way we like to see things. This is obviously the way that G&B saw this watch. For me it is the word platinum on the dial... I know it is the...
