Foundation Stone Ceremony for Jaquet Droz
On September 9, 2009, Nicolas G. Hayek, Chairman of the Swatch Group, Nick Hayek, CEO of the Swatch Group, and Manuel Emch, President of Montres Jaquet Droz, laid the foundation stone of the new Jaquet Droz Manufacture located in the small, green valley of Le Cr��t-du-Locle in the Neuchatel Mountains. The new building will be about 27,000 square feet in size, and the first employees will begin to arrive next summer. The inauguration is scheduled for October 10, 2010. This site will allow Jaquet Droz to regroup all of its activities under one roof, and the facility offers significant growth potential. The new Manufacture will serve as a showcase for the brand, eventually accommodating almost 100 employees.

CT Scuderia City Racer Review
When we first saw the ContaTempo Scuderia watches at Basel World 2013, we were immediately excited. Consisting solely of large bullhead cases with distinct and thoughtful designs, they managed to standout from the crowd at the world's largest watch fair, not an easy task. The watches appealed to that same part of us that stops on the street when we see an old muscle car or a well restored vintage motorcycle. That part that is drawn to things that are simultaneously masculine and classically cool. Needless to say, we've been eager to get our hands on one for review.But before we get to that, it's worth learning a bit more about the brand and its charismatic founder and lead designer, Enrico Margaritelli. I had the pleasure of sitting down with him for a brief chat a few weeks ago, where I learned more about his history and the motives behind the brand. Watches are a family business for Enrico, who along with his brothers have been in the industry for multiple generations. However, unlik

Questions before taking the plunge
Been thinking for a while now about taking the step up to an AP or a Patek. Royal Oak vs Nautilus. Have tried both on and while I always leant towards PP the AP 15400 with the black dial looks like it could be the winner. I tried the watch on for a second time today but again left without it. I have always been a Rolex only guy and still have a few doubts. I am used to strapping on my explorer 2 or a datejust and not worrying about it. I don't want to spend what is to me a huge sum on the AP and only wear it on special occasions. Is the Royal Oak robust enough to wear on a daily basis? Can I get it wet (swimming etc) AP say yes on their website but what have others found? Are the serving costs as bad as I have heard?Thanks.

The Regulator or The Datograph
I'm currently on my hols in Malta. I dragged my wife to the local Patek AD in Valetta today and was surprised to see they had a 5235 in the window. I was actually going in to try the 5170 which was there but I don't think its for me. I was taken by the 5235 though, my only concern was it did look a bit big on my 6.75 wrist, but they could just because I'm used to 39mm.When I get back to the UK I'm on the look out to try the first generation ALS Datograph. Obviously these are very different watches, I already have the following 5167, 5711, 5146, 5396. What would you go for next The Regulator or The Datograph?

Vintage PP 96 Calatrava in SS
Hey gang,For all you vintage guys out there, I wanted to get a feel for opinions on the vintage 96 Calatrava. I love a Calatrava in SS, and I surely like the 565 as it's a 35mm model, but those tend to be out of my comfort range price-wise. The 96 is a very small 30-31mm case, but otherwise perfect watch IMO. It seems to be a good 15K (or so) less than the 565, and I assume this is due to the size. Would love to get opinions on the investment/wear-ability/serviceability potential for this little guy. Surely some will say it's too small, and indeed it is about as small as you can go for a man's watch, but with the simple case design and Arabic dial, esp in SS, I feel there is no mistaking this is a man's watch. I've also heard some (far more knowledgeable than myself) speculate that smaller case sizes are starting to make a comeback. Thanks as always for sharing opinions and knowledge with a relative newcomer to Patek!