22-01-2008, 12:16 PM
taget inde fra timezone.com
to talk about because there are answers (and correct ones, at that) on both ends of the spectrum.
On the one hand, yes, the HUB44 is a modified Valjoux 7750. We all know that the 7750 is not a beautifully decorated or highly finished movement when it comes from the factory. Hublot modifies this movement in three ways for the standard steel or gold Big Bang:
1. They change the layout of the subdials from the normal 12,6,9 to the more pleasing 3,6,9.
2. They add a quick set date which is not normally included in the 7750
3. They increase the level of fit and finish substantially from the stock 7750.
I will make no comment or comparisons about what other manufacturers do to their 7750's, because the answer varies tremendously from brand to brand, and model to model.
I will say this unequivocally, The 7750 is one of the most robust movements ever designed. It is an absolute workhorse, strong, reliable and a great design.
Now, let's talk about the high end chronograph movements that are in Patek, Vacheron, Breguet, etc.... They are generally speaking one of two manufacturers: Lemania or Frederic Piguet. Both fine brands, highly finished and well regarded by us watch nuts. Column wheels in the better Lemanias and the Piguet, great finish, etc...
But at what cost?
1. Loss of reliability. Sorry to say, but the Piguet 1185 has a failure rate that is FAR FAR higher than the HUB44. The last fact I heard, from a Swatch Group executive, was that there were models approaching a 10% failure rate.
2. Higher price. No way around this, the high end movements cost more, and so drive the price up.
3. Higher repair cost. Pretty much any watchmaker can service a 7750, no matter what the manufacturer has done to it. Would I bring my 1185 or 2310 to Salvatore down on the corner who changes batteries most of the day? No way. So, you'll be in for a $750 factory cleaning that takes three or four months if it's a Breguet or Blancpain, make that a $2000 cleaning that takes 18 to 24 months if it's a Patek with a Lemania 2310.
By the way, the Royal Oak non-offshore uses a Piguet 1185, the same movement in the Blancpain Flyback or the Vacheron Overseas. But the Royal Oak Offshore uses a chrono module stacked on top (dial side) of a JLC automatic movement. Nice movement, and nice module, but no crown wheel in sight. And the date is sunken very low because of the module on top.
I am afraid every one of us has a different opinion on your question. I hope that I have added some facts to help you understand and decide.
to talk about because there are answers (and correct ones, at that) on both ends of the spectrum.
On the one hand, yes, the HUB44 is a modified Valjoux 7750. We all know that the 7750 is not a beautifully decorated or highly finished movement when it comes from the factory. Hublot modifies this movement in three ways for the standard steel or gold Big Bang:
1. They change the layout of the subdials from the normal 12,6,9 to the more pleasing 3,6,9.
2. They add a quick set date which is not normally included in the 7750
3. They increase the level of fit and finish substantially from the stock 7750.
I will make no comment or comparisons about what other manufacturers do to their 7750's, because the answer varies tremendously from brand to brand, and model to model.
I will say this unequivocally, The 7750 is one of the most robust movements ever designed. It is an absolute workhorse, strong, reliable and a great design.
Now, let's talk about the high end chronograph movements that are in Patek, Vacheron, Breguet, etc.... They are generally speaking one of two manufacturers: Lemania or Frederic Piguet. Both fine brands, highly finished and well regarded by us watch nuts. Column wheels in the better Lemanias and the Piguet, great finish, etc...
But at what cost?
1. Loss of reliability. Sorry to say, but the Piguet 1185 has a failure rate that is FAR FAR higher than the HUB44. The last fact I heard, from a Swatch Group executive, was that there were models approaching a 10% failure rate.
2. Higher price. No way around this, the high end movements cost more, and so drive the price up.
3. Higher repair cost. Pretty much any watchmaker can service a 7750, no matter what the manufacturer has done to it. Would I bring my 1185 or 2310 to Salvatore down on the corner who changes batteries most of the day? No way. So, you'll be in for a $750 factory cleaning that takes three or four months if it's a Breguet or Blancpain, make that a $2000 cleaning that takes 18 to 24 months if it's a Patek with a Lemania 2310.
By the way, the Royal Oak non-offshore uses a Piguet 1185, the same movement in the Blancpain Flyback or the Vacheron Overseas. But the Royal Oak Offshore uses a chrono module stacked on top (dial side) of a JLC automatic movement. Nice movement, and nice module, but no crown wheel in sight. And the date is sunken very low because of the module on top.
I am afraid every one of us has a different opinion on your question. I hope that I have added some facts to help you understand and decide.
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