My First Grail Watch: Jeff Kuo Of Xetum Watches
Welcome back to an original watches-dealer feature, "My First Grail Watch." In this series, we ask prominent people in the watch industry about the first timepiece that they lusted after. Today, we're speaking with Jeff Kuo, the founder of Xetum, known for their California-designed Swiss watches. In this interview, we reveal where his watch journey started�Cit's with a brand many of us likely kicked things off with as well!watches-dealer (ABTW): Who are you and what is your relationship to the watch industry?Jeff Kuo (JK): I am the founder of Xetum, which offers a collection of modern automatic watches, designed in California and made in Switzerland.ABTW: When did your fascination with watches start?JK: My grandparents gave me a Seiko sports chronograph when I was in high school. I was immediately drawn to the instrument-style design and how all the different hands, sub-dials and markings blended together.ABTW: A humble start. After that, what became your first grail watch?JK: A. Lange

Linde Werdelin Oktopus II Double Date Watch
I've seen where Linde Werdelin has come from and I see where it is going. Quickly adapting to the market the small brand is a unique example of both flexibility and independence in an industry where such concepts are not as common as they might seem. Their major timepiece launch for 2012 is the Oktopus II, and I recently spent some time on a call with the brand's co-founder Jorn Werdelin to discuss the new watch.The Oktopus II is not a singular piece but part of a new family. While conceptually the same, the II it is a very different watch compared to the original Linde Werdelin Oktopus timepiece. Starting with the II it is clear that the Oktopus range will be a more or less long-term member of the Linde Werdelin family. Almost none of the original watches from the brand are still made, but each is being carried on thematically in more interesting ways. What is still consistent among all their pieces is use of the special case design that allows for the LW wrist Instruments to be attac

London fly-by
I'm doing a short trip to London and hope to have an evening free to do a quick bit of watch shopping - though it will be late-ish, so I'll likely only have time to visit one shop. What do London members suggest? I'm assuming that Harrods will be my best bet, but would be happily corrected on that

Question about service
I have a speed master date that one of the subdials will not reset to zero. The watch is probably due for service anyway, and I'm probably going to send it to Omega. My question is, I have a non Omega strap on it. Is sending the watch in with a non omega strap as big a deal as doing the same with Rolex? In other words, will they confiscate and keep my strap or is it not as much an issue with them? Pic below for fun.

Extra Link Cost?
What should one expect to pay for an extra SS link for a modern 20mm Rolex?