Laventure Transatlantique II GMT

[MRBolton]

The new Laventure watches that released Friday 6/21/24 for preorder look quite sharp to me. Here's a link: https://laventure.swiss/en/the-watch...gmt-collection

I've loved Laventure since right after the gold dial Marine II came out in 2021. I discovered the brand a week after it sadly. The 2022 chrono sold out immediately (mainly pre-sold to existing customers), and last year's Sous-Marine II release wasn't really my vibe for the price; it felt very clinical and vanilla, aside from the movement. When Clement Gaud, their founder, told me a few months ago a 39mm GMT was coming out, I knew I was going to have to get it.

Fortunately for me, the one I liked the most (the green bezel) wasn't limited to just 50 or 99 pieces as previous releases were. I still got up early to preorder it nonetheless! Maybe mine will ship earlier. The black is gorgeous, although I wish a white/cream dial iteration came alongside it as it did in its original larger size.

Did anyone else preorder one? What's your favorite? Any guesses on what's next from the brand?

[derrondoc]

I preordered one of black/green versions at 8:00am. A buddy of mine turned me on to the brand a few months ago and I thought “why not?” For fun I tried to get one of the brown/caramel versions in my cart but even at the opening of orders I was never successful. My friend speaks highly of his so my expectations are high. I’ll have to wait awhile to be able to assess myself, but the pictures look fantastic.

[Gavster]

I’m an existing customer but after reflection decided to pass on this release. I wasn’t keen on it being a caller gmt. Also the colour ways didn’t grab me particularly the limited edition brown one. I’d have preferred a see through case back like my existing Laventure as well.

[Cru Jones]

I quite like the TT version, but I find the price (CHF 8,200 before tax) to be way too high for a Sellita caller GMT movement with plexiglass coming from a microbrand.

[ap1]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

I quite like the TT version, but I find the price (CHF 8,200 before tax) to be way too high for a Sellita caller GMT movement with plexiglass coming from a microbrand.

Facts right here. I also like these watches whenever they release new stuff and enjoy the pics. Resale seems to be over msrp from what I can tell. That game probably ending though. I debated a purchase here and decided to pass for now. I know when I’m on the plane with my Breitling (Caller) it’s annoying to get the times / date correct on the first try. I can never remember which way turns the date vs. 24 hand.

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by derrondoc

I preordered one of black/green versions at 8:00am. A buddy of mine turned me on to the brand a few months ago and I thought “why not?” For fun I tried to get one of the brown/caramel versions in my cart but even at the opening of orders I was never successful. My friend speaks highly of his so my expectations are high. I’ll have to wait awhile to be able to assess myself, but the pictures look fantastic.

When I was buying mine at the opening time, I was able to get the brown if I wanted. That watch just doesn't feel as "everyday" as the black/green.

Looking forward to our getting the watches in!

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by ap1

Facts right here. I also like these watches whenever they release new stuff and enjoy the pics. Resale seems to be over msrp from what I can tell. That game probably ending though. I debated a purchase here and decided to pass for now. I know when I’m on the plane with my Breitling (Caller) it’s annoying to get the times / date correct on the first try. I can never remember which way turns the date vs. 24 hand.

The caller GMT feature is a bit annoying; I will completely agree that a flyer would've been much preferred. The last couple movements from the brand were developed for them, so I don't know why they didn't have a caller GMT developed for them. The price would've been a little easier to swallow then... but likely then the watch would've been even more money then, at its price point that has already steered many away.

For me personally, the looks are there, and the specs are decent. The movement is refinished, carries the COSC certification, and the rest of the components seem to be finished to an above average standard.

The plexiglass crystal and bezel--I prefer it were sapphire, but I get why they chose the material they did. Funnily, I think I've read before that an acrylic crystal often cost more than sapphire these days. This being plexiglass I believe is more durable than normal acrylic at least.

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

I quite like the TT version, but I find the price (CHF 8,200 before tax) to be way too high for a Sellita caller GMT movement with plexiglass coming from a microbrand.

With the solid 18k components, what do you think the price point should've been on it? For a two tone watch, I didn't think the price point was just awful on the two tone.

[derrondoc]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

With the solid 18k components, what do you think the price point should've been on it? For a two tone watch, I didn't think the price point was just awful on the two tone.

I personally like TT watches and that one is sharp. The price is probably reasonable and justifiably but once you get close to 10k you are competing with a lot of other watches I’d likely prefer. It is really sharp though.

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by derrondoc

I personally like TT watches and that one is sharp. The price is probably reasonable and justifiably but once you get close to 10k you are competing with a lot of other watches I’d likely prefer. It is really sharp though.

I agree. If I were spending that much on a watch, there are others I think I'd go for instead. However, I do think the price isn't too bad. A two-tone DJ41 costs about 50% more, for example, although I do think you're getting a more watch for the money.

Very curious to see how Laventure evolves their pricing, though. I think they can only produce so many watches. With the demand they have, I don't blame them for their current pricing strategy.