WatchTime’s Joe Thompson Honored at JA’s 2016 GEM Awards
On January 8, WatchTime Editor-in-Chief Joe Thompson was recognized for his career-long contributions to the watch and jewelry industry, receiving the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Jewelers of America’s (JA) GEM Awards ceremony at New York’s Cipriani 42nd Street.Thompson, who began his watch journalism career in 1977 at JCK Magazine, and served as editor-in-chief of Modern Jeweler and founding editor of American Time before joining WatchTime in 2000, is the first journalist or member of the media to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in the 14-year history of the GEM Awards, which are regarded as the Oscars of the fine jewelry industry.The gala evening featured a cocktail hour and dinner (including red carpet entrances), attended by award nominees and other luminaries of the watch and jewelry business, and concluded with the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Thompson was introduced by longtime friend and colleague Efraim Grinberg, Chairman and CEO

Introducing: The Montblanc 4810 Chronograph Automatic
Along with all of its other introductions at SIHH 2016, Montblanc has revamped the classic 4810 Chronograph Automatic with a new case size and an updated movement – while still managing to maintain the aesthetic of the line. 1 OF 1 The new 4810 Chronograph Automatic features a 43 mm stainless-steel case (previously the watch was available in 44 to 47 mm). The dial is the familiar silvered guilloché with “exploding star pattern” and has applied red-gold-plated Roman numerals. The new movement is the automatic caliber MB 25.07 movement with 46-hour power reserve. The watch is complete with 30-minute and 12-hour registers. The original 4810 Automatic Chronograph can be seen here.More details, pricing and pictures to follow. For more information please check out the Montblanc website here.Follow HODINKEE's live SIHH 2016 updates here, and in our mobile app, and you can read all SIHH stories here.

Finally home
I got a pre-owned orange bezeled planet ocean for Father's Day and dropped it off at omega service the day it arrived so I never got to wear it. I picked it up yesterday and can't take it off.

Some updates from my dealer:
Looks like the dreaded price increases did not affect the standard mainline watches; i.e., stainless Speedmasters and Seamasters.As for the newer pieces, he has four of the LE Bond watches in stock. I am so old that the only Bond for me is Sean Connery and he wore a Rolex but having seen the LE Bond in the steel, I must say that I am impressed.For those of us interested in the First Omega in Space (I call it the Schirra Speedy), he has no news as to when it might arrive. The official word remains September. The order list is growing but I'm still #1.Fr. John?

New GMT, Can the bracelet be swapped?
Does anyone know or think the bracelet can be changed to the BLNR bracelet on the new GMT? I know there are many Jubille lovers, but it's just not for meCheers