The "pro version" does not have a threading dial, even though the sales brochure shows it, the sales rep I contacted confirmed that it didn't. This means you would need to keep the 1/2 nuts engaged from start to finish when threading metric or imperial.
I have the same machine you have linked to above, only with a different badge on it and 1m between centres, and have found it to be a very capable lathe. I got mine 15 years ago and I haven't had any problems during that time, it doesn't have the spider on the out board end of the spindle, but I added one and it doesn't have the torque wrench for the tailstock, which certainly hasn't been a problem.
It will cut metric and imperial threads without changing any gears, the only reason to change gears is for module & dp.
Wile a bit long through the headstock for short barrels, I think from memory 23" or so from the front of the 4 jaw to the end of the spindle (I would need to confirm that) I haven't had a problem doing shorter barrels and the shortest I did was 16 1/4". There are many threads on doing short barrels with long headstocks.
Another European machine seller to look at would be Optimum, I have one of their mills and the finish on it would be slightly better than the Knuth but it's also about 8 years younger. The lathes they sell are similar to the Knuth and possibly similar prices.
Ian
