Swatch Group Enjoys Rebound in Second Half of 2009
Swatch Group struck a positive tone in its 2009 financial report as results for the second half of the year were much stronger than the first half, when watch sales were down 16.4%. Watch sales finished the year down 5.5% at a constant rate, largely outperforming Swiss Watch Federation export sales figures for the same period. The Group forecasts improved sales and margins in 2010. Swatch Group sees continuing recovery from the sharp economic downturn that began in late 2008, and the group reported increased market share in nearly all price segments for 2009. The report states in part:“The last months of 2009 showed a very positive development, with clear signs of market normalization and increased consumer confidence. To some degree, the economic crisis 2009 has separated the wheat from the chaff. This applies especially to the watch industry, where values such as brand awareness, tradition, history and high-quality products count more than ever. Consumers are looking for value

TX Watches Of Interest For 2009 At JCK Las Vegas
You've probably seen an ad or two for TX watches.? Or you may not know anything about the American brand. Their collection offers interesting and appealing timepieces each with exclusive quartz movements that you won't find elsewhere. I don't like each watch in their 2009 lineup, but some of the pieces are done quite well. Here are a few of my favorite watches that I got to check out at the TX TechnoLuxury watch booth in Las Vegas earlier this month at the JCK show.This first watch proves that white watches are cool. It is one of the 800 Series TX Linear Chronograph watches - so named for the vertical chronograph minutes indicator. There is also a retrograde dial that serves as a second timezone and the overall design of the dial is unique and edgy. The white tones persist through the watch (obviously), but don't define it 100%. You still get some sporty orange and rose gold tones on the dial and hands. It is really nicely done. I like the white on white rotating bezel with high relief

Can someone help me date my Speedy 3570.50 please?
I've recently acquired a very nice 1861-powered 3570.50 from TZ UK. It's a lovely example, but I was hoping to get an accurate year of manufacture. The serial is 7718**** - I've tried emailing Omega and have used their archive function on the website to no avail. Does anyone have any similar serial coded Speedys for reference/comparison (I'm guessing mid-2000s, but I'd really like to single it down to a year). TIA...

Do You Find Your Speedy Is Difficult To Wind..
I love my Speedy....but the crown is set so deep in the crown guards that it seems the only way to wind it is by the very sharp edges at the top..I'm not a large person; 6', 190lbs...and my fingers are average for my size....but it just seems that the design leaves something to be desired...Only the edge sticking out to be able to get a decent grip on seems like a waste of a very well designed crown...I mean, why have a large crown if you can only use the very end of it.. It would be perfect if it were screw down...then it would pop out for a full grip.Anybody else notice this ??

Would like to hear your thoughts about this one ...
Patek 5235Regulator annual calendarFirst time I saw it I didn't know what to think. Nice, very well made.refreshing, original, new,...interestingbut would I buy a regulator ?Now, months later I'm faling in love Still a lot of money for a strange looking watch but on the other hand, being a Patek they could ask A LOT MORE. The price is barely more than their other annual calendars which this 5235 is so different So, what do you think about this ?It is the first Patek Philippe wristwatch with a regulator dial, characterized by a sweep minute hand, a subsidiary hour dial at 12 o'clock and a seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. The heart of the watch is the new caliber 31-260 REG QA, the first ultra-thin self-winding Patek Philippe movement with a mini-rotor that displays the subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock. It is also the very first totally new basic movement designed to accommodate Silinvar? components: The escape wheel and the lever of the Pulsomax? escapement as well as the Spiromax? balance