Franck Muller

[BrewsterBear]

I've long been a fan of the less flashy Casablanca style watches and I may consider one as a secondhand purchase in the not too distant. How are they viewed in the watch community? Are their movements any good?

[yeti]

Also curious to hear; I believe the more basic uncomplicated ones use ETA movements, never looked into what the complicated ones are based on or if indeed are in-house. Saw a basic Casablabca preowned on Bond St and didn't feel 'in the know' enough to purchase it...

'Master of Complications' is quite the boast!

[Lunablack]

yeti said:

'Master of Complications' is quite the boast!

Albeit a fair boast

http://youtu.be/1rVgwSyLnSo

[yeti]

Lunablack said:

yeti said:

'Master of Complications' is quite the boast!

Albeit a fair boast

http://youtu.be/1rVgwSyLnSo

That's a very special piece

But whereas every JLC for example has been made in house from top to bottom, start to finish, have the base Casablancas etc? That's my only point. But I'm a JLC fanboy

[okgo]

Very cool video.

Any other brands top that for impressive watch assembly video?

[yeti]

okgo said:

Very cool video.

Any other brands top that for impressive watch assembly video?

I havent really looked on Youtube - but if not, then they're missing a trick. That makes me want to go out and buy it even though I can't afford it!

[eyebeebe]

Let's call my taste individual, but my next big purchase is going to be a second hand colour dreams crazy hours. I think the movement in it is fantastic. Shame it will be a couple of years before I can justify it.

[BrewsterBear]

Thanks for the replies. I've seen a couple I like secondhand that sold for 50% of RRP new. I'll hold out until I see one I really want come up, but I do like them.

[MarsellusWallace]

I've got a King Conquistador Chrono with a full diamond case.I bought it new but massively discounted.Its around 4 years old now but I still love it as much as the day I bought it.Its an impressive piece,looks rubbish on photos but amazing in the flesh and never fails to attract comments.I know it's going to depreciate like a fat man falling off a tower block so I've worked on its resale value being zero so I'm not disappointed if I come to sell it again(I've wrote the purchase price off in my mind)
FM is an acquired taste and not for everyone but Im a big fan.

[kazste]

eyebeebe said:

Let's call my taste individual, but my next big purchase is going to be a second hand colour dreams crazy hours. I think the movement in it is fantastic. Shame it will be a couple of years before I can justify it.

Have you tried one on, I bought mine after falling in love with the idea but every time I wear it it feels cheaper. Not sure if mine is the only version but mine is black faced squareish oval version. Not saying don't buy as a fascinating watch just make sure you know what you're getting.

As for the quality of the brand see above for my view, they make some beautiful pieces but have always found things which would annoy me in the long term. But this is a personal view and I pulled out of the purchase a a freelancer once because of the clock so I am a little special!!

[fluffnik]

eyebeebe said:

Let's call my taste individual, but my next big purchase is going to be a second hand colour dreams crazy hours. I think the movement in it is fantastic. Shame it will be a couple of years before I can justify it.

That's the one I fancy too!

[Don1]

I have a crazy hours - it's a stunning thing. A real privilege to wear.

[tomw2000]

I have a Casablanca 8885 C CC DT, which I got for Christmas in 2007.

I'm not a huge fan of the colourful, 'showy' FMs and for me, this model was a little 'quieter'.

I like the 'art deco-ness' styling of it and it really is a chunky presence on the wrist.

Thing is, I've hardly ever worn it. That's not because I hate it, I've just not gelled with it.

My plan is to sell/ part-ex it against something else I reckon. Probably....difficult call as wife bought it me as a gift...(I have all boxes and paperwork).

[andy tims]

Theo Paphitis likes them. Nuff said - I'm out.

[tomw2000]

Shuddit Tims

[toohuge]

I have always admired the FM line of watches and I will have a crazy hours at some point, really cool watches.

I have always been impressed with the finish and quality of the pieces and 2nd hand they make a good buy, but I would recommend buying to keep rather than the view of retained value.

Chris

[PJ S]

tomw2000 said:

I have a Casablanca 8885 C CC DT, which I got for Christmas in 2007.

Thing is, I've hardly ever worn it. That's not because I hate it, I've just not gelled with it.

My plan is to sell/ part-ex it against something else I reckon. Probably....difficult call as wife bought it me as a gift...(I have all boxes and paperwork).

Time to man up chap, and tell the wife.
I would've thought she'd be more upset at the fact you rarely wear it, rather than changing it to something you will wear more often.
Would you be annoyed if the fancy handbag you bought her was left in the wardrobe or swapped for one she uses regularly?
Whatever you replace it with, will still retain the same sentiment, albeit in a different form – but it'll still be considered as what she gave you.

[tomw2000]

When the time comes, if you can relay those same sentiments to her that'd be great thanks

Already discussed. It's the only one I'm 'allowed' to let go.

[tcant]

I have a Franck Muller Transamerica SR2000 Bi Retro and it has the most amazing dial, that coupled with the bi retrograde second hands make it a stunner in my book!

[Don1]

That's really cool.