Anordain Model 3 dilemma
My latest watch dilemma just came in my inbox this morning, as I now have an opportunity to reserve a build slot with Anordain for some time in 2023. I've got 3 days to decide whether to put down a non-refundable deposit (350 GBP) in order to secure my place on the waitlist. Waitlist methodology aside, they also just so happened to release these teasers of their Model 3 yesterday (those sneaky devils!) New textured dials, and a beautiful new case shape, which appeals to me greatly (even moreso than their Model 1 or 2). 39mm dial and 46mm L2L stated specs. The estimated pricing for their Model 3 is starting at 3000 GBP.
Do you guys think this Model 3 is worth that price? I have no idea about movement details, or what the actual final designs/colors will look like, but I've also been seriously eyeing the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403, which is in the same price point.
What I appreciate most about Anordain is that they genuinely strike me as a brand that is truly focused on the artistry of watchmaking, who are pushing the boundaries of enameling, and are creating some really unique and handsome pieces. I've also heard great things about their customer service. The Model 3 strikes me as a baby Grand Seiko, tho that does make me wonder if I would ultimately be happier just saving a bit longer and getting a GS instead.
On the other hand, my gut feel is that the Oris would provide better value for the money (hard to beat a 5-day in-house movement with a 10 year warranty) with an equally appealing design (to me). Any thoughts on which of the two you guys would choose? Curious to know whether you think the Anordain seems too dressy for more casual wear, as I feel the Oris might better fit in with my idea of more every-day occasions. Also open to any suggestions for other pieces in that price range that I should consider. Thanks all!
Just another watch enthusiast driving his wife crazy talking her ear off about the latest watch releases.
OP, for the same price, given how strong the USD is at the moment, you can pick up a spring drive GS for roughly that price!
https://www.chrono24.com/grandseiko/seiko--grand-seiko-heritage-collection-spring-drive-sbga373-new--id20022574.htm
OP, for the same price, given how strong the USD is at the moment, you can pick up a spring drive GS for roughly that price!
https://www.chrono24.com/grandseiko/seiko--grand-seiko-heritage-collection-spring-drive-sbga373-new--id20022574.htm
You make a compelling point…might have to seriously peruse the GS options on Chrono24. Thanks for the suggestion!
I was tortured about that decision on taking a build slot as well, but have just let the application window slide past yesterday.
Ultimately talked myself out of it:
@HotWatchChick69 the 373 is a sick value in USD, your dollar is crushing it these days. That dial is one of the hardest to produce, the 44GS case looks killer, and that heat blued second hand pops. Great suggestion 👍
I think it would be worth the deposit if you are in the market for a new watch. Would be very tough to get at release otherwise. I think it's an easy win over the Oris, and I agree that the Model 3 case seems leaps and bounds above models 1 and 2.
I was tortured about that decision on taking a build slot as well, but have just let the application window slide past yesterday.
Ultimately talked myself out of it:
@HotWatchChick69 the 373 is a sick value in USD, your dollar is crushing it these days. That dial is one of the hardest to produce, the 44GS case looks killer, and that heat blued second hand pops. Great suggestion 👍
Yea, the biggest issue I have is that I don't feel super comfortable about putting down a deposit with Anordain simply for the opportunity to buy a watch from them, not knowing what they'll actually have when the build period comes up.
I peeped your Grand Mori (gorgeous watch btw!), and I have a Kurono Toki, tho it's not an equivalent enamel dial for fair comparison with the Anordain. However, it does make me question whether or not the Toki and Anordain would occupy too much of the same spot in my watch box (I only need one dress watch, and I have no plans of letting the Toki go), hence my debate as to how dressy the Anordain will be (tough to say not knowing what it'll actually look like in final form!).
I've always looked at more of the HAQ offerings from GS due to price, but a spring drive would be a very tempting alternative! Thanks for the comment...I might find myself in the same boat as you and let the deposit window slide by (tho I might seriously kick myself once I get a chance to see some Anordains in person at Windup next week). Their timing seriously couldn't be worse! 😭
I think it would be worth the deposit if you are in the market for a new watch. Would be very tough to get at release otherwise. I think it's an easy win over the Oris, and I agree that the Model 3 case seems leaps and bounds above models 1 and 2.
That's what makes it so tough...let the opportunity slide by and it might be years before I can get a crack at them again (other than maybe second hand). I'd probably pick the latest build slot available in 2023 to give the most time to see what they end up producing for that Model 3, but I fear that it'll end up looking too dressy for what I'm looking for. The Grand Seikos with similar dials have more of a sports watch vibe to me as opposed to dress watch.
That's what makes it so tough...let the opportunity slide by and it might be years before I can get a crack at them again (other than maybe second hand). I'd probably pick the latest build slot available in 2023 to give the most time to see what they end up producing for that Model 3, but I fear that it'll end up looking too dressy for what I'm looking for. The Grand Seikos with similar dials have more of a sports watch vibe to me as opposed to dress watch.
Valid concerns! Hopefully they release more press in the next couple of days to help with the decision
Thank you...I think you've hit the nail on the head as to why I feel so conflicted. The value prop for that price really isn't easy for me to justify for basically a really nice dial (and assumed craftsmanship). At least with GS, I feel like you get both amazing dials, craftsmanship, and movement as a whole package for the price.
I'm probably just getting caught up in the excitement of finally having a chance of acquiring one of Anordain's watches, which as a brand, I've admired for a while. But the prices that they were asking for with their earlier models isn't what's being proposed for the Model 3 (which granted, definitely looks more appealing to me), but it's a pretty steep increase for "better dial work."
No argument about a second hand Breguet Classique being more than 2x an Anordain, tho I think it's a bit too "classical" (for the lack of a better word) for my personal taste. Appreciate hearing your thoughts!
Valid concerns! Hopefully they release more press in the next couple of days to help with the decision
I'm not holding my breath...Anordain is usually pretty slow with the PR. I'm leaning more towards letting this opportunity pass, but I'll take the full 3 days to mull over it lol.
Personally I don’t do pre-orders and won’t commit to buying something sight unseen. There are and always will be other watches. That doesn’t mean the Anordain won’t ultimately be a great watch. I’m just not a risk taker for that kind of Bread.
Personally I don’t do pre-orders and won’t commit to buying something sight unseen. There are and always will be other watches. That doesn’t mean the Anordain won’t ultimately be a great watch. I’m just not a risk taker for that kind of Bread.
I hear ya on that. I do like their other models (especially their fume dials), which if the Model 3 didnt turn out to be to my taste, I could always purchase instead. But not knowing the exact colors tha’d be available even for their other models really does make it more risky.
I've had the same email and sadly I'm going to let it lapse. When I joined the waiting list they were offering a truly bespoke service where you could choose any dial, case finish and model combination, but they've changed that now, presumably so that they can increase their production capacity.
I absolutely fell in love with the fume dial model 2, but they now only offer the model 2 in four rather bland colours, with no fume option (because they're now bizarrely labelling the model 2 as their field watch). Such a pity.
I also think they're a bit sneaky releasing those model 3 teasers - which look great but don't really give a proper sense of how the watch will look, and no mention of movement/colour/finishing options - on the same day that they've emailed a bunch of us saying we've got 3 days to pay the deposit or forfeit our place on the list.
For all of that, I'm going to have to move on from Anordain :(
I've had the same email and sadly I'm going to let it lapse. When I joined the waiting list they were offering a truly bespoke service where you could choose any dial, case finish and model combination, but they've changed that now, presumably so that they can increase their production capacity.
I absolutely fell in love with the fume dial model 2, but they now only offer the model 2 in four rather bland colours, with no fume option (because they're now bizarrely labelling the model 2 as their field watch). Such a pity.
I also think they're a bit sneaky releasing those model 3 teasers - which look great but don't really give a proper sense of how the watch will look, and no mention of movement/colour/finishing options - on the same day that they've emailed a bunch of us saying we've got 3 days to pay the deposit or forfeit our place on the list.
For all of that, I'm going to have to move on from Anordain :(
💯 This. My exact feelings, and sadly I’ll be doing the same.
3 weeks later, I received the email today and confirmed my slot for 2025 Q2... (there were 65 slots available for this time 10 minutes ago, now only 37).
The deposit isn't for a specific model or dial, so I'll have time to confirm that in the next 2.5 years. 🤣 It might also give the company time to rethink the available models and dials, and maybe even increase production (e.g. the company recently added an experienced enamelist from Ukraine).
A lot can change in a few years, but I believe the product will still be desirable (at least to me), so it's worth the investment. Maybe not for everyone, though.