Interesting and definitely expensive. A cut above John Lobb from the sound of it. The pair I owned didn't thrill me. Just a superior boat shoe.
Ah, I thought this is about something else... The Budapester, which is the shoe Austro-Hungarian shoemakers are most likely associated with, is a very different animal from the English or American brogues... similar only at first glance... different lasts, different uppers, way higher... rather crude... there is a certain old fashioned appeal about them... think Vienna coffee culture, the secessionists, Freud, Schnitzler...
I have 2 pairs of Budapester brogues and love them
for a bulky looking shoe they're very light and easy to wear. Also despite its overall bulkiness (high toe box, double sole, goyser stitch welt etc) it has a very nice shape, almost elegant in its curves. Sort of like a hot chick who's a tad overweight but with a really pretty face. I'm reminded of "Hollie" from this current season's Hells Giant vibrator.
another nice gunboat is Vass' german brother Dinkelacker. If I'm in Germany (which I hope to visit within next few years) I'd def pick up a pair of Buddha's
I've seen a few Dinkelackers over here... It seems the prices have doubled in the last five years... Not sure about the quality...
I'm not convinced that they are a cut over Lobb.
I like mine (on R and F last), and I'll get another pair soon I think, probably those:
http://www.vass-cipo.hu/Eng/Modellek_08_Olasz/Modell_08_112_Kicsi.html