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Consider this

BMW V12 VI, 1926

BMW V12 M70, 1986

BMW V12 N74, 2009

What you're seeing is increased use of plastic in each engine as time progresses - not only in the very obvious shrouding covering them, but components in the engine and its ancillaries. It's a case of what's suitable for each use. Cost is a consideration of course, but as modern materials improve it's not always the case that the traditional metal is better and plastic is only chosen down to cost.

We know that metal to metal interfaces can cause issues too, especially when the components are different metals. Ref the changes from Cal 11 to 11-I to 12, or the troubles McLaren have had this season in affixing an aluminium wheel nut to a titanium stub axle.

None of the movement manufacturers were designing or making movements to last 50-odd years, and we arguably see the quality of even the metal movements declining with time as they become more mass manufacture items. Watchmakers can extend the life of a movement by making parts in metal, which is more difficult for plastics true, especially where the composition of the plastic is not known - plastic is a catch all term after all, covering a huge range of materials.

So, whilst we might be disappointed to see so much plastic in the 5100 and a bit peeved that it's all hidden dial-side in a bit of sleight of hand, it's not right to knock it just for being plastic - modern life as we know it wouldn't be possible without the material.

Messages In This Thread

So What Do You Think of the Lemania 5100?
comments from another watchmaker
Re: comments from another watchmaker
There Is Another Central Minute Recorder Auto Chrono Mvmnt
Re: There Is Another Central Minute Recorder Auto Chrono Mvm
And the Lemania 1340 as well (nt)
That's the 'father' of the L5100, isn't it?
I don't believe they're related
Re: I don't believe they're related
I'm confident that is a mistake
So is the Speedmaster "Grail" Full of Plastic?
Re: So is the Speedmaster "Grail" Full of Plastic?
Users vs. Watchmakers / More Questions
Watchmakers always have horror stories
Thanks for an Excellent Discussion
A very good Lemania forum
My favourite calibre and the bulk of my collection
I like it
Here's What Pascal S Wrote on a Forum in 2010
Nothing wrong with it!
great comments from Jack Freedman
Agreed -- Excellent Comments!!
Like the small block Chevy
Loving this thread, a few thoughts ...
Lemania 5100 (and derivatives) = Good Working Tractor
Places for Deeres and Places for Dinos
Some tractors...
Of course I like it...
attempting to "upgrade" in this way is often not a good idea
Another Thread Showing the Innards of Lemania 5100
I particularly liked the comments from Pascal quoted (nt)
I like it!!!!
Consider this
there's a key difference here
Re: So What Do You Think of the Lemania 5100?
Chuck Maddox on Lemania 5100 vs. Valjoux 7750
disclaimer: mechanic, not a collector
As a User First, Collector Second, I Have Been Happy
First rate discussion
Thanks, Andy (and All Contributors)
And By the Way -- Fantastic Chronos!!
Re: And By the Way -- Fantastic Chronos!!
Re: So What Do You Think of the Lemania 5100?
About the Omega / Lemania 5100 Connection
Re: About the Omega / Lemania 5100 Connection
Lemania 5100
Current Position
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