Great topic Jeff.
I am a big fan of the Lemania 5100 movement or rather of watches that use the 5100 movement. To be quite honest I care less about the movement in a watch than I do about its aesthetics. I have no understanding of how they work and I certainly would never attempt to take one apart and find out. I’m sure I am not the only one amongst the watch collecting fraternity who thinks this way.
I am also aware of the watchmakers feelings about this movement and the fact that it has some plastic parts. But then I don’t often see eye to eye with watchmakers. In my experience most see watches as functional objects and beauty in the movements and not the aesthetics if at all. They often don’t see value a watch like a collector does so their opinions are not ones that I share. There are of course the exceptions who appreciate all aspects of the watch and when you find one well keep hold of him/her.
I have a number of watches with this movement and never experienced any problems.
I also believe that they will be as collectable as any other watch. They not reach the heights of some pieces but that may be far less to do with the movement than the brand. Here are the ones in my collection.
Regards
Paul
www.heuerworld.com