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Outstanding customer service.
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Satisfaction is
guaranteed
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Prompt response to warranty work..
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Packages are shipped on the same day in most cases.
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We acknowledge the receipt
of your order immediately via email.
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We ship via Priority insured
mail or FedEx
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All watches are gift boxed
ready for giving.
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International
orders go by Global Express
*Additional Charges
are applied.
The Swiss are legendary craftsmen... all d.freemont watches are 100% Swiss made. There are many component manufacturers supplying the watch industry in Switzerland, and the choice of suppliers is in the hands of the designer; although, all Swiss components and craftsmanship are at least the
best the world has to offer. We, at d.freemont, go a step further to seek out only the finest. Our reputation is important and we share pride in your selection of a d.freemont watch.
Many considerations must be carefully analyzed -the choice of the movement is paramount...technology first. The style, no matter how impressive, must be complimented by the "engine" of the watch. The d.freemont watch is always presented with a full disclosure of the internal parts. We are
pleased to inform our customer that we have quality watches utilizing state of the art features, such as low friction movements and synthetic lubricants. Our suppliers must conform to the highest quality standards; standards which we verify throughout the production sequence. We have abandoned the traditional assembly by
in-house labor to the more controlled method of contract craftsmen and finishers.
Contact customer service via email.
Office hours: 9:30 - 6:30 EST daily
Call Toll Free : 877-
236-9248
Fax: 814-217-1770
The value of the dollar…and d.freemont watches:
 As the world’s currency markets changed, the past two years have
forced Americans to pay about 60% more for European goods. The price of watches has actually increased more because of the speculation that the dollar will fall even further by the time production has been completed. Gold, a traditional hedge to inflation, has more than tripled from $257 per ounce to nearly $1000. Those who make gold watch cases see their price quotes eroded away before the case making process is completed.
d.freemont has not increased prices at the same rate that the market changed because we were selling items that were produced when the dollar was strong. Now, we are forced to increase our prices to reflect the value of the dollar. At this
time, economists are predicting that the dollar will fall even further over the next year making our goods more expensive than today.
The good news is that the collector value based upon resale of d.freemont watches has been climbing. Watches such as the Expose
I, which sold for $270 four year ago – has been recently seen at over $400. Well, I suppose we all get used to changes, now we pay $3.00 a gallon for gasoline, without thinking much about it. Two years ago we were all screaming about gasoline at over one
dollar. We adapt and go about life as before. I can remember 50 year ago that a new solid gold Hamilton sold for about $45, and gasoline at 23 cents a gallon.
Anyway, the world continues
to turn as it will tomorrow, and we will become accustom to paying more for the same value. That’s my point – when you purchase a truly quality item, its value will continue to ride along with the flow of currency values. Marginal items will sink to the bottom of the sea of value, but quality items,
like cream, will rise to the top along with d.freemont watches.
Protecting your privacy:
- We do not share your
information with third parties for commercial purposes.
- We do not run banner ads, pop
ups, pop unders, or any other kind of third-party commercial
ads.
- We communicate with you only
on an "opt-in" basis.
- We do not store credit card
information.
- Credit card transactions are
transmitted via secure encrypted connections (SSL)
Return Policy:
Our sales brochure, our website and packing slip indicate that the initial shipping, handling and insurance charges are not refundable. This is calculated at 10% of the price. If you expect to make
a return, you must do so within five working days of receipt of the watch, Additional deductions will be made if the watch has been worn or damaged in any way. Email
us or call
814-695-0280 for return instructions.
Watch Service - if you need service on your watch call Barbara at
1 814-695-0280 for instructions
Customer Comments:
"I just got home and opened my
BTP 17 jewel
hand winder. It's really a nice watch. The dial is really a different
color gray and quite unique and the luminescent hands are some of the
brightest I have seen. The hand applied Arabic numbers seem to be a cool
shade of blue when caught just right in the light. Now the back; awesome
again, purlage on the bridges, blued screw's... it's as nice as they come
and David I will treasure this one always. If you ever need a reference
let them call me I can attest to this watch as being as fine as they
come. I own several Swiss hand winders and let me tell you something you
probably already know. This watch will stand up to ones I have spent
thousands on. The band, another nice treat, the coffee colored strap with
deployant buckle is something I have had to purchase after the fact on
most of my other watches." WH
"Hi guys... I received my watch (Sapphire
Diver) this morning and all I can say is WOW! I've got
a Rolex, Ulysee Nardin, Breitling, Swiss Army, Acutron and of course
good ole' N. 11 Acugraph 7750 white gold from you guys, but this one is
my favorite. It is beautiful. Now the problem is, do you make ladies
size watches other than the Davosa's? My wife feels left out, even
though for Christmas she's getting a top of the line Dell laptop. I
always say you can't have enough watches. She has a Rolex too, but a
nice d. freemont would be good if you make one we like. Anyway, thanks
so much for my watch. It really is perfect. Let me know when you are
making the Repeaters." RB
"Just wanted to drop you a quick line
after receiving my watch [Independence].
I must congratulate you on the piece! It is fantastic and having worn
it almost daily since I received it, I have had more compliments on this
than any other watch I own. I'm sure you hear this all the time, but I
would rate the Independence right
up there with my Rolex, Omega or B&M. I will definitely be a return
customer! Cheers!" JD
"I bought a watch from d. fremont for the
quality of the movement and timepeice. I never expected the unbelievable
level of customer service and support that David and Barbara would
provide! Now I know I made the right decision and look forward to passing
my beautiful watch down in my family for generations to come." JB
"I just received the Acugraph "Classic" today and I must express my
appreciation for the beautifully unique design, and the complex
functionality of it, but yet rendered practical and easily used! The
detail and quality are a joy to behold. Any horological aficionado will
be fortunate to add this fine wristwatch to their collection.
Thank you again for producing such a wearable work of art and for the
excellent customer service as well. I will enjoy using this time piece
for years to come." BB
"My compliments on yet another stunning
time piece (Voyager). It was
well worth the wait. I particularly love the contrast between the
sumptuous mocha dial, the jet black of the hands and markers, offset by
the lustrous steely glow of the engine turned bezel. Really stunning.
And the dark brown ostrich strap is the perfect compliment, I'm so glad I
chose it. Of course, the glimpse of the watch's internal 'beating heart'
- ringed with gold - really makes it an eye stopper. The teak wood gift
box is the perfect housing for this varied and stunning collection. A
cherished collector set!
Thanks so very much!" TV
"I know I may sound patronizing or flattering
because things turned out in my favor. That is not so. I am quite
impressed and have the utmost respect for your firm. Anyone that knows
me (means they know I LOVE watches), knows that I continue to brag of a
company that is not known in many circles, but more & more so - in the
'in the know' crowd.... I'm proud I bought my first one before most
knew. I am a loyal fan!!!!!" CB
"I received the
Ancyent Mariner
today in perfect running order. Thank you and David for the most
outstanding customer service I have ever received on a watch. I have
left messages praising this kind of service from d.freemont on the watch
forums that I frequent. I’ll be buying more watches from you in the
future." EA
"I purchased a
Tribute to the Irish watch.
My mother had just passed away and I wanted something to remind me of her.
My mother was fiercely proud of being Irish. Her family came from Ireland
in the 1800's but never forgot their heritage. Every morning I take a few
moments to wind the watch and reflect on my heritage. I own several
excellent watches including a Swiss chronometer but my favorite is now my
d.freemont ! Its substantial size and weight are fantastic.
The quality appears to be better than my Krieger or Movado. Great watch at
a great price." JS
"Thanks a lot for the watch! The new
beautiful band was a surprise. The type of work which you practice is very
rare now. Excellent quality attention for details and reliability. When I
came to the USA from USSR in 1979 ( I am a physicist) people like you
were not extinct. But now you are a gold basics of our society.
Niagara look like very expensive
watch because an excellent classic design. Thank you very much." MZ
"The Ancyent Marinere watch is truly a beautiful
piece. Its unlike anything else I've seen, and it exudes a unique and
rare quality that is hard to find in todays mass marketed world. It is
not an ostentatious piece, which suits me well as I've never been one to
adorn myself with jewelry, but it does draw attention from those who
know a well made, precision time piece when they see one.
Build quality is superb from my perspective. I know very little about
watch manufacturing, but I do enjoy finely made mechanical things, and
this watch is no exception. I could have easily spent considerably more
money and purchased a fancier watch with a better known name, but to get
better quality would have put me well out of my price range.
Speaking of value, I won't say the Ancyent Marinere is under priced, or
overpriced. I feel that its perfectly priced as it is. Any less would
compromise the quality, and any more would put it into a market where
practical men rarely tread. There is a lot of value in this watch.
Anyone who has priced the competition can attest to that.
One can easily spend $5000-$10,000 on the same Rolex the guy down the
street has - that's fine, and its a great watch - but I prefer to own
something that I'm not going to see on someone else's wrist every day.
From an artistic perspective, I like things that have a story along with
a purpose. There are both obvious and subtle touches about the
Ancyent
Marinere that 'speak' to me. I won't go into detail on the works of
Samuel Taylor Coleridge that inspired the watch, but the included book
of his works was a thoughtful touch.
For anyone reading this, you should know that David Freemont McCready
(d.freemont) is a 'real' person. When you call his shop with a question,
you may very well speak with him or his lovely wife, Barbara. Contrast
that with the modern doctrine of customer service which often sends you
half way around the world for an answer that may or may not be useful
(or understandable). It is rare indeed to have the opportunity to
actually speak with the designer himself.
And if, by chance, you do get to speak with David, you will find that he
is as down to earth as they come. He has lead an interesting life from
what I could gather, and he truly enjoys his work. He is a thoughtful,
honest individual with no pretensions. I will always fondly remember our
talk about his time in Central Pennsylvania, where my wife was born and
raised and a place where I have spent considerable time over the years.
I am already planning future purchases, and I eagerly await the third
installment of the Ancyent Marinere series. It is my goal to own all
three pieces, but that goal has already been jeopardized by a Davosa
limited edition chronograph that I simply could not resist :-)
So, if you're on the fence regarding any of David's works, I would
suggest you hop off and give the man himself a call. I can assure you
that you'll probably learn a few things along the way, and you'll almost
certainly wind up (no pun intended) with a hell of a watch at a
reasonable price. Rest assured, every single d.freemont is a keeper."
EM
"I was truly pleased to receive my
Panama
series watch the other day.
Not only was it delivered in two days, but it came with a copy of the
Ancient Mariner, a nice presentation box, and a numbered certificate.
Oh, and somebody kindly set the date of the watch so that it was ready
right out of the box!
The watch itself is lovely, and keeps excellent time. My father was a
distant relative of Coleridge, so this model was a must-have. I must
say that I have been impressed through-and-through with your service
and your product. Many thanks!" EE
"Just as a follow up to my initial
comments of satisfaction with my Precision
Automatic, one week later.
Accurate to the second so far (I timed it), beautiful, unique, and
"feels" right. All my other watches (including my favorite Luminox
tank and Raymond Weil) are in the dresser drawer. I don't wear it for
attention, but everyone who sees it comments on it. I do wear a watch
because I feel it is an expression of a personal lifestyle, and again
I thank you for having an artistic vision that resonates with my idea
of what a fine timepiece should do. Since I purchased two additional
bands, this is like having three different watches! You have won a
patron, and I anticipate making another purchase soon." GV
"I just received my
Semi
Skeleton.. a beautiful watch.. the thinnest automatic that I have seen. I love it.. thank you."
JS
"Just wanted to let you know my new watch
[Tribute to the Irish] arrived today
and I couldn't be happier. Very Nice." JW
"With all that's going on, I
neglected to tell you how thrilled I am with the
New Yorker. The gold case certainly does the watch
justice and enhances its elegance beautifully. It's ironic
that it was an ad featuring this very watch three years in Watch Time
Magazine that caused me to first visit your website, and yet it took me
those three years to actually obtain it - long after I've acquired many
of your other fine watches. Well, it was worth the wait - it's
understated, yet unadulterated, subdued elegance: A gorgeous champagne
dial with exquisite tear-drop indices and bold cyclops lens atop the
contrasting white date window. Having once lived in New York for over
15 glorious years, it does this awesome city justice. I'm proud to wear
it!" TVA
"I wanted to write and
let you know that the BTP (#50), you sent me is absolutely stunning. The
website pictures cannot do this watch justice. The dial treatment and
the hands are both perfect. The numerals truly do change colour,
depending on the light and the angle that the watch is viewed at. The
ETA 2804 movement is beautiful; I love the Geneva stripes and the blued
screws. The coffee coloured ostrich strap is supple, exceedingly soft,
and matches perfectly with the Earl Grey colour of the dial. Sir,
I did not think that you could offer a watch that would impress me as
much as the Semi-Skeleton did that I purchased from you a year ago, but
the BTP has proven me wrong." NC
"Thank you for getting the 33mm
Sapphire Power
Reserve to me so quickly --it was, once again, a real pleasure doing
business with you. My wife loves the watch --it's a very elegant,
well-proportioned design. Thanks for making such high-quality watches
available at such good prices!" AD
Just wanted to let you know my latest purchase arrived dependably as
usual. The Precision
automatic
has an especially eye-catching design for a wristwatch with such
functional features. Once again I'm as pleased with owning this
timepiece as I was when I purchased the
BTP
and the Panama.
For a man of eclectic taste, I love a range of design, effect and "mood"
in my watches. Your designs are among my favorites for being so striking
in appearance and yet not too ostentatiously eccentric. I doubt I'll
ever part with the three I have. They've become like good companions,
offering the potential for a lifelong friendship. What's more, for me
mechanical watches are even more like friends and companions in that
they approach, paradoxically, the living. They need attention--either
dutiful, to keep them wound, or occasional, to keep them maintained.
They can have their humors or moods, depending on how you use or take
them for granted. Yet over time the best can show accuracy, like a
dependable friend, as you adjust to, get to know--and come to
respect?--one another. A digital display is little more than marginally
functional, and not at all esthetic: may as well strap a cell phone to
my wrist. And the quartz electronic "jump" of the hands on an analog
display I find a little unsettling. Organic life is analog and
continuous... and the mechanical watch mechanism at least approaches the
illusion of continuity the way the art form of film does. In closing,
thanks for keeping the faith in your watch offerings. They demonstrate
pleasure for the eye, the ear (when you listen as closely as to your own
breathing...), for craftsmanship and a tradition of human ingenuity
perfected over centuries, not to mention practicality. Telling the time
is more than a matter of the moment, it seems to me!" JC
"Just wanted to express, again, my
GREAT PLEASURE with my 'Mid-Size
Roman'
Sapphire
Power
Reserve! What a HELL of a Watch!! I have become a
disciple of D Freemont, telling anyone who will listen, and many who
won't what a value you represent!" KM
"I just wanted to drop you a line to say I received
my Boston
Tea
party watch today and I am absolutely delighted with it.
The color scheme is understated without being drab, the indices change
colors depending on the lighting, and the blued hands complement the
watch magnificently and give it an air of sophistication that another
color would have been unable to achieve. I am pleased with the display
back as well and the fit and finish of the watch is on par with other,
more expensive Swiss pieces that I have owned. Have I mentioned how
comfortable the (ostrich?) band and deployant is with the watch?
I can assure you that this will be an almost daily wearer and when I
wind it I'll be glad to do so while feeling proud to be an American." MF
"I received my Ancyent
Marinere watch
yesterday afternoon. I know I won't surprise you when I write, I find
myself looking at it when I know exactly what time it is. It is that
handsome a watch. Thank you for a great watch, the personal attention of
the best local jewelers, and the ease of the internet. I couldn't be
more pleased." VG
"The
Barcelona watch, in my view, is the epitome of simple, clean, classical style with a touch of opulence in a form of gold accents. I absolutely love this watch." LS
"Here I am again, faced with the daunting prospect of trying to describe my reaction to your latest arrival, the
Sapphire
Diver. To say that it exceeds my expectations is not
entirely accurate, since your time pieces somehow always succeed in exceeding. This one, however, held several breathtaking surprises. The white face with its gold index markers and Breguet-style hands would, by themselves, qualify the watch to be described as elegant and timeless. But to discover that the hands are
fashioned of blued steel and the 24-hour sub-dial is made of what appears to be mother-of-pearl was a startling discovery. The date too is striking, for it seems just to hover in its gold-rimmed window, as if completely unattached to the superb movement that controls its passage. Simply put, it is awesome. Thank you
too, David, for the personalized note, describing the unique movement and several of the watch's fine features. Yes, you have done it again! And you may be certain that I will as well, for I have my eye on least a couple of other beauties." TA
"Just wanted to let
you know that I received the D. Freemont
New
Yorker yesterday and it is
beautiful! I chose this particular model for my 2nd D. Freemont watch
because I wanted another dressy watch, but one that gave the impression
of being a gold dress watch, while not actually being gold (does that
make sense?) The champagne dial is what sold me. It looks like a fine
vintage watch. It is much more attractive in person than it is on the
website or in the different magazines I've seen it in. Next to my
Panama, the dial looks almost the same size. I'm not sure how you
managed to make a 36mm watch dial look like a 38mm dial but it works for
me.
While at the shop this morning, I compared the
New
Yorker
to several Rolex wristwatches on display but primarily to my favorite
one of a kind bubble back that they've had on display for a couple of
years. The Rolex while extremely nice is way to small at 34mm. The D.
Freemont looks and feels heftier and compares favorably to the Rolex in
quality and appearance. Just wanted to say thanks again for a great
product. I'm sure in a few months I'll be picking up a
precision
auto
or a flight
100."
MH
"I have had enough fun
with my Power
reserve
with
pearl
gmt, and now is the time for me to be
grateful. I am very impressed and pleased with this watch, it has
replaced my other watches in the line up, and it is not only because it
is the newest. I forgo my Maurice Lacroix, Breguet and other favourites
because I cannot get over this watch's portability and its dimensional
flow. Let make this a yearly tradition, I cannot wait to get my next
D.Freemont, thanks also for the great service." IB
"I am having a great time with my new
Panama.
As near as I can tell - compared to my Atomic clocks - the watch has
certainly not lost any time and may be ahead only a few [if any!]
seconds. As good as any of my more costly watches, and better than most
of them! Also, I'm impressed by the smoothness of the sweep
second's movement - again among the best of mine." MG
"I was
the recipient of the number 4
Celtic
watch. It is more beautiful than
it appeared on the website. I have received a number of positive
comments from my
' watch buddies'. It is very comfortable to wear. It is fun to have a
unique watch without the ostentatious quality-and this is truly a high
quality watch at an affordable price. I usually never write to a
"company" about a product, but I sense, with you, a personal commitment
to your products and it shows in the quality of the timepiece. I also
own an Ancyent
Marinere
and I love it too! Will recommend your site and products to others."
JD "I wanted to thank you for this extraordinary watch (Ancyent
Marinere) as well as the care and dedication that went into its shipment and packaging – especially all the personal
touches that accompanied this fine time-piece. You really do an admirable job. I fully intend to purchase at least two, probably three, more of your watches over the coming year. Just one bit of constructive criticism – the deployment clasp. A butterfly clasp would be a better choice and would qualify as the
frosted rose on an otherwise exquisitely decorated cake. Thanks again. I will definitely be in touch!" TA "My watch arrived on Friday afternoon and has not left my arm since! Thank you for all your help and question answering and for such a great value for a great watch." GT
"I receive the very elegant
NY df watch today! It is absolutely gorgeous and even better in reality than in the scans on the computer screen. It fits my wrist just perfectly and I could not be happier with the very fine finish and detail of the case and dial. The accuracy certificate is
wonderful to have and an added plus that I am delighted with. I also did not expect a nice deployant buckle or a very nice box, so everything was a very positive delight. I thank you for a most superb service and a very expeditious delivery of a very fine
timepiece indeed!" MA
"I have noted that the ETA 7751 (in the
Barcelona) “purrs” like a cat intermittently. It appears to be a system that transfers the kinetic winding power, unlike anything else I have. I have a variety
of mechanical watches, including a Rolex day-date, but nothing else feels like this when I’m wearing it…good watch." DS “I just wanted you to know how happy I am with the
Semi-skeleton I bought a few weeks ago. It keeps excellent time and looks terrific. “ RB “I received the watch as promised. I would like to say thank you to both you and Barbara for such a wonderful experience. I love the watch, and couldn’t be more pleased. I am
already giving the highest praise to you and your company.” DU “I won several “top end” time pieces which have all been factory adjusted and cleaned and none
are as accurate as my dfreemont’s. My compliments on a truly extraordinary effort!.” DH
"I have an Omega
Planet ocean and a Zenith Rainbow Flyback for every day wear but I'll be
damned if I don't prefer your
Roman."
PP
“Thanks for such excellent service and an excellent product at a bargain
price.
I look forward to doing business with you again.” JS
“”My watch arrived today and I just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with it. The watch is
actually stunning, far nicer than any of the photos on the website or in the magazines. If the
sapphire
power reserve is an indication of the quality of the rest of the line, I’ll be a repeat customer for sure.” RD
“I received my dfreemont
Expose
today and am very pleased! I’m impressed by the quality of the work, prompt service and wonderful packaging and information”. TM
“I recently bought a “Semi”
skeleton
watch, Number 25 and just wanted to let you know how much I like it. It is more attractive than the pictures in the catalogue or the website. An excellent, unique piece. I am sure I will enjoy wearing it for years
and years. I have already received several compliments while wearing it.” SS
“Just wanted to let you know that I received the
Acugraph today. Couldn’t think of
a nicer thing to happen to a 7750 movement. Your design transcends function and style to the point of kinetic art. Fashionable enough for a black and white reception, cool enough for 007. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next.” JR
"Today, on my
birthday, December 1, I received my watch. Please be aware that I used
to collect watches, I still have several Patek Philippe, Audemars,
Chopard LUC, Rolex, Blancpain, on and on. However, after many
disappointments, especially with Patek, I quit the hobby disgusted and
disheartened. I even got to visit several of the plants on the Jura and
Geneva such as the
Jaeger leCoultre, Audemars, Patek, and other factories including
Philippe Dufour’s atelier. Nevertheless, it is the first time that I
feel I’m dealing with an honest, honorable, worthy watchmaker. And I
mean every word I say. My
Panama
is as good as or better than any IWC or Blancpain of the same type. Ok,
so the bracelet is not a Blancpain bracelet but I’m paying $500 for a
watch that is better than a $5000 Blancpain. The only thing that I’d
change on the
Panama,
an
Ancyent
Marinere,
would be the water resistance; I’d make it 100mts. But not
only is the watch great and price amazing, but you include a book of
Coleridge’s poetry and the print-out from the rate of the movement; and
a beautiful box, and so much literature that I needed to sit down to
read it. And the bracelet fitted me just perfect. Not to mention what
for me is the most important feature of the watch, the wonderful
inscription. Nothing is as noble as Kindness. Too much…!! I’ve
been left wanting two other watches, the first
Ancyent Marinere
and a
Mount Palomar
with black dial. Is the first
Ancyent
Marinere
still available? Again, Mr. McCready, thank you for making
my day. I truly appreciate it. With kindest regards," JM
"I just had to e-mail you to say thank you for the wonderful watch you have made, it is the best watch I now own. It shows a fantastic build quality and design, with a close attention to detail, which culminates in a wonderful flow of form and function to make the ideal timekeeper. This is a watch that can take the past,
present and future, and weld them into a powerful statement of NOW!" AH
"Have been wearing the watch continuously since I received it back. Since you wanted to know how accurate the watch is running I timed it for 7 days to give it a fair shake. The watch is now running fast as I
wanted. I set the watch exact at 1pm 19 Aug and checked how many seconds it gained at the same hour every day for a week. The result by day is as follows:
20 Aug +1.5
21 Aug +4
22 Aug + 2.5
23 Aug +3
24 Aug +4.5
25 Aug +6
26 Aug +8
I calculated the average daily gain by dividing 8 sec gain by the total
hours of 168 and multiplied that result by 24. The result is an
average daily gain of 1.143 seconds. I think the accuracy is great
and am now very pleased with the watch. Thank you for the
recalibration. I will be purchasing another of your fine watches,
namely, the
Panama
in the not too distant future." RE
"I just sent my order in for your
Mt.
Palomar in clay with a black strap. I admit to having owned Rolex, Patek Philippe, Ulysse Nardin, etc. All fine watches, but over the past 30+ years I always return to a fundamental appreciation (really awe) of the basic craft and art of
creating a mechanical device that defines and captures some very human traits.
In general I share a fascination for the watchmakers art with many others like me. Some people gravitate to the ornate, others to a simplicity of function, others to complications - grand and small.
Perhaps some of us feel that the elegance of a refined watch movement is the ultimate reflection of mans ability to conceive and construct a sublime mechanical device. The romance of time itself and the struggle for a marine chronometer which would allow for precise navigation of
the seas are all captured in the history of time pieces.
That said, I do own a quartz watch. It cannot be beat for accuracy. But for me a glance at a fine mechanical watch brings a pleasure that cannot be underestimated.
I suspect that there must be something for most people that represents an intangible delight or symbol that gives them a combination of feelings - like a touchstone. More and more I find that the less complicated, but more robust yet equally finely crafted watches are more
attractive and meaningful beyond their ability to tell time.I have been a visitor to your web site for over a year. Each time returning to that clay
Palomar. I am Scottish, so I made side trips to the Celtic line - the attachment of our common heritage attracted me. But ultimately I would find myself back on the Palomar page.
I've winnowed my collection down to those that are not museum pieces. Even selling the Patek. While I enjoy those watches, I am too aware of them on my wrist, they seem almost separate from me, while my daily wear watches are more a part of me. What remains are watches that I will
wear rotate daily as circumstances warrant. A Blancpain 2150, the quartz beater (a Citizen ProMaster eco-drive perpetual), and now the Palomar. I will wear it with appreciation and pride." ANResponse from d.freemont:
Dear AN,
Last night, prior to retiring...It came to me to incorporate a bit of my watch philosophy into my advertising. I began with the statement that not everyone can or should own and appreciate my watches. As I only produce a maximum of 300 pieces of any series and some times as few as
16.
I tell you this because of your elegant email about watches...
I force a comfort approach into my design...a design that not only fits the arm but also the mind set of the wearer... I have found that my customers can afford nearly anything, but they also are not committed to proving that to the world. It is the smart man who recognizes value
and esthetics of form and concept...and it is also the smart man who will not have to lament his excesses.
I find that the concept of collectibles has been grossly misused - it really only applies to the finite earth - real-estate that's out of production... as for watches, I am put off by the notion that they be purchased in hopes of speculative gain. I am put off by the showoff who
wears his watch and "high roller" life style for all to see. God protect me from such decadence, but lead me to understand the intrinsic values of life.
A watches, even quartz, charts man's development in history and his grasp for the future, I have found in the minds of great thinkers and writers, humanitarians all, a lesson or a message that time can repeat, I have tried with the
Mt.
Palomar to bring forth the light from the
stars a reminder to focus on the accomplishments we humans can be proud to pursue.
Thank you for the kind word of your email... I just fitted your watch with its strap...and checked the movement - please, I would like, and value your comments after you receive it.
Best regards,
David Freemont McCreadyAN Comments:
"I intentionally waited to respond to you until I had the
Mt.
Palomar in my possession for a week. You know us watch aficionados, we get star-struck with a watch and "gotta have it", and within a week we're less enamored and experiencing a bit of buyer's remorse. (much like that pair
of Beatle Boots I had to have sometime around 1964 - but that's another story).
I admit that I've done the same with the multitude of watches that have passed through my hands. Most recently a Patek Philippe that, while an extraordinary watch, left me cold within a week. Not so much because it wasn't mechanically exquisite nor attractive, but mostly because, for
me, the mystique and appeal of the entire watch was reduced to the brand name. The watch didn't captivate me, quite the opposite, I was overly aware that it was on my wrist and modified my behavior to shield it from damage.
In the end, that's precisely what was wrong with the Patek and other high-end watches I have owned. The watch didn't integrate with my lifestyle, my personality nor the image I have of who I am.
Now, about that
Mt.
Palomar...
It's always a surprise to buy anything from the Internet and then match the virtual to the reality. I had not had the experience of physically holding a d.freemont so I had to rely on previous experience which I perceived as comparable, your pictures and the accompanying text.
Online, my impressions of the
Palomar were that it was an attractive watch, not ostentatious, accurate and had a nice legend associated with the model. Add to that my sense that the man behind the watch had a passion and a story of his own to impart to his work made this watch
something to consider. It seemed to match my growing understanding of the reasons that I had an affinity for some watches and not for others.
I elected to take the gamble and order the watch.
The ordering experience was painless the fulfillment was prompt and the communication of the process excellent.
First Impressions
On receipt I was immediately struck by the richness of the clay face (and surprised - the color matching of the web site and my monitor were not exact). It was not the orange of the Seiko Orange Monster nor other "divers" watches. It was a much more earthy and subdued color which
doesn't broadcast itself at the expense of the other worthy attributes of the watch. The numbers were crisp, contrasted well with the dial color, and were exactly the right proportion to the size of the dial. (I am not an advocate of the enormous conspicuous watches popular today). The hands were simple, clear
and in keeping with the theme of the watch, they hinted at the precision of the timepiece itself.
The case was also a surprise. I had not anticipated the polished and the matte combination of materials. That and the perfect size of the watch case made it clear this was a timepiece, not an adornment. Another surprise, the case back fits so well that it's hard to believe it's a
view-back. I'm much more used to the case being several millimeters larger than the display back. And yet another surprise, the screw down crown is exquisite. The shape and fit are extraordinary.
I almost always buy a watch with a bracelet rather than a strap. In my eyes (on the Internet site) the stainless steel option didn't seem to complement the watch so I ordered the black strap. I am delighted that I did. Visually and physically the strap and watch are a superb,
comfortable combination - stunning simplicity.
Beyond that I struggle for words. The feeling of a match between me and the straight forward design and physical reality of this watch is strong. Add to that the intangible value of the
Mt.
Palomar legend and the vision you have brought to life - and you have created an artifact of
beauty and utility.
If I may appropriate and misuse a German word, the watch is imbued with a zeitgeist (literally "time spirit") which is unparalleled even in brands costing many times the price. The value is unquestionable and the art sublime." AN
d.freemont,
Inc.
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