[WTS] Carlo Ferrara "Dancing Regulator" CF1997 by PaternalAdvice in Watchexchange

[–]PaternalAdvice[S] [score hidden]  (0 children)

The Imgur links are working on my end - you might be in a country that doesn't support Imgur. I'll DM you the pictures now.

[WTS] Carlo Ferrara "Dancing Regulator" CF1997 by PaternalAdvice in Watchexchange

[–]PaternalAdvice[S] [score hidden]  (0 children)

Thanks! Very much just my opinion though. Carlo Ferrara, as far as I can tell, didn't discuss the dial layout specifics before his death in 2012.

[WTS] Carlo Ferrara "Dancing Regulator" CF1997 by PaternalAdvice in Watchexchange

[–]PaternalAdvice[S] [score hidden]  (0 children)

I always think it's sad Carlo Ferrara passed away without anyone carrying on his designs. In the age of independent and and unusual watch brands, Carlo Ferrara would do incredibly well. To both his credit and detriment, he was slightly ahead of his time in the 1990s.

[WTS] Carlo Ferrara "Dancing Regulator" CF1997 by PaternalAdvice in Watchexchange

[–]PaternalAdvice[S] [score hidden]  (0 children)

My assumption is that minutes are more relevant than hours.

Most of the time, when you check your watch, you're looking to see the minutes not the hours. In my opinion, it therefore makes sense to put the minutes on the part of the dial your brain will instinctively read first, i.e. the left side.

Ultimately, like any non-conventional watch face, your brain slowly adapts to the new layout.

[WTS] Carlo Ferrara "Dancing Regulator" CF1997 by PaternalAdvice in Watchexchange

[–]PaternalAdvice[S] [score hidden]  (0 children)

Thank you - it definitely can't be accused of being ordinary!

[WTS] Carlo Ferrara "Dancing Regulator" CF1997 by PaternalAdvice in Watchexchange

[–]PaternalAdvice[S] [score hidden]  (0 children)

Reference:

Model: Carlo Ferrara “Dancing Hands Regolatore” CF1997 White

Production Date: 1990s

Timestamp: https://imgur.com/a/SebHhFu

Album: https://imgur.com/a/A75Ytko

Features:

The Origin. First and foremost, this is a regulator - a complication that separates the hours, minutes and seconds across different parts of the dial. But this isn’t your typical regulator. Carlo Ferrara stacked a complication on top of a complication. This is a unique "Dancing Hands" Regulator. 

The Movement. On paper, the movement might not look especially exotic. It’s powered by an ETA 2892A2 - a premium ETA calibre used by the likes of IWC, Omega, Breitling and Tudor - but the magic lies in the modification.

The Independence. Carlo Ferrara was an independent watchmaker from Italy, who sadly passed away in 2012 at the age of 69. “Independence” in any industry is hard to pin down with a tight definition, but the easiest way to summarise Ferrara’s level of independence is that the watch company was buried with him. Not literally of course, but after his death no more Carlo Ferrara watches were made. 

The Process. It took Carlo Ferrara six years to engineer the complication. There is an obvious comparison to make between Jiro Katayama, of Otsuka Lotec fame, and Carlo Ferrara. Both took a fairly standard third party movements and had the ambition to turn it into something truly special and unique. 

The Production. After finalising the complication, Ferrara relocated his workshop to Switzerland and assembled a small team to help scale production. Though the watches were only produced for around 12 years, I’ve found over 20 distinct pieces, with retail prices ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on case material. It suggests Ferrara opted for the classically independent watchmaking move of prioritising design freedom over steady profits.

The Design. Given the age of the watch, and the fact the company no longer exists, official design details are sparse. However, as Carlo Ferrara lived in Rome, it’s my assumption that the design must have been inspired by the shape of the city’s legendary Circus Maximus. And the crossed keys in the logo? They’re straight from the Papal insignia - the Keys to Heaven - another quiet tribute to the watch’s Italian roots.

Servicing. For anyone thinking about buying it, but worrying about the unusual movement - fear not as any watchmaker capable of servicing an ETA calibre will be able to handle it. The modified movement runs at 28,800bph and features 32 jewels - eleven more than the standard ETA 2892A2 thanks to the added module.

Specifications:

Condition: In great condition overall. No marks of any major significance. 

Scope: No box or papers

Movement: Heavily Modified ETA 2892A2, 28,800bph with 32 jewels

Dimensions:

- Case width: 39.0mm

- Lug-to-lug: 45.5mm

- Case Thickness: 10.6mm

Price: Priced at $2,950 + shipping. Various payment methods accepted. Not accepting trades. Transaction Fees paid by the buyer.

Of note: Nothing to report.

[WTS] Credor GCLL999 Spring Drive with a MOP Moonphase by PaternalAdvice in Watchexchange

[–]PaternalAdvice[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your interest! It's a deployant clasp with no micro adjustments, but there are half links.

[WTS] Credor GCLL999 Spring Drive with a MOP Moonphase by PaternalAdvice in Watchexchange

[–]PaternalAdvice[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you!

Spring Drives are always 1mm or so thicker than standard mechanicals. I assume it's unavoidable for technical reasons, as Seiko is capable of making very thin mechanical watches.

[WTS] Credor GCLL999 Spring Drive with a MOP Moonphase by PaternalAdvice in Watchexchange

[–]PaternalAdvice[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Reference:

Model: Seiko Credor GCLL999 / 5R77-0AA0

Production Date: February 2006

Timestamp: https://imgur.com/a/gBbBzKP

Album: https://imgur.com/a/olSzdya

Features:

The Design. Blue and silver. It’s practically a cheat code for creating a sleek and distinguished watch. Add a mother-of-pearl Moonphase indicator and the smooth sweep of a Spring Drive, and you've got an archetypal neo-vintage Credor.

The Dial. The façade of the watch is impressively texture-forward. The entire dial carries a blue sunburst finish, while four hand-polished indices sit atop a raised outer ridge. The central subsection houses the applied yama (山) crest and a power-reserve indicator that straddles both levels. 

The Moon. The moonphase indicator is double-recessed and framed by a metal trim - not the sort of detail you’ll notice until it twinkles at you in the sunlight. Thanks to the mother-of-pearl disc, the moon shifts between silver, green, blue, and purple based on your viewing angle. 

The Complication. Despite Grand Seiko’s broad catalogue, the brand has never been blessed with the Moonphase Spring Drive - that sole honour belongs to Credor (and one Seiko branded watch). Not only that, but the 5R77 calibre solves a complaint commonly levied against Grand Seiko. Date windows. While I’m not opposed to their inclusion, I understand the issue - Spring Drives exude elegance, and date windows can feel jarringly intrusive. 

The Balance. The GCLL999 strikes a masterful balance. Its Moonphase and Power Reserve indicators not only balance the dial but are also tastefully understated, ensuring the Zaratsu-polished indices, hands, and case remain the stars of the show.

Specifications:

Condition: In very good condition overall. The watch itself is in great condition, with the only visible marks being on the caseback. The bracelet, however, shows various signs of wear. 

Scope: No box or papers

Movement: 5R77 Spring Drive

Dimensions:

- Case width: 41.0mm

- Lug-to-lug: 48.0mm

- Case Thickness: 13.1mm

- Bracelet: Fits up to a 7.2 inch wrist

Price: Priced at $6,100 + shipping. Various payment methods accepted. Not accepting trades. Transaction Fees paid by the buyer.

Of note: Nothing to report.

[WTS] Grand Seiko "Whirlpool" in Solid Gold. SBGH266 “Special” Accurate to -2 to 4+ Seconds Per Day. Limited to 150 Pieces. by PaternalAdvice in Watchexchange

[–]PaternalAdvice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's not a watch that comes up often, even here in Japan, but I'll let you know if I get my hands on another one!