Swiss Watch Exports Pick Up in First Quarter
Swiss watch exports registered strong growth in March and for the first quarter overall. Exports to the U.S. were up 56% in March and 6.7% for the quarter. Though the numbers reflect improvements against admittedly terrible year-earlier figures, the results confirm that a recovery is under way, with exports returning to 2007 levels.The moving 12 month average shows the corner has been turned.In March, the sector exported the equivalent of 1.2 billion francs, an increase of 32.8% compared with March 2009. Bimetallic watches saw their value more than double. Gold and steel timepieces were up sharply. The number of timepieces exported also rose, buoyed by the categories of bimetallic, steel, and other materials. In three months, volumes increased by 900,000 units (+19.8%) compared with 2009.Broken down by export price, watches below 500 francs showed only modest or even slightly negative growth, while timepieces above 500 francs made steady progress with a growth rate exceeding 40% in val

Help identifying this vintage Omega Seamaster
It is a family watch that has completely broken now; the hands are not moving and has not for 15 years. According to the family member who owned it, once he saw the crystal fog up from the inside, which leads me to believe there was water damage. The bracelet is not original I believe. I'd appreciate any information regarding this price, such as possible calibre, model number, and history. Thanks all.

Very interested in this but need some expert advice!
Hi AllI recently just bought a Bi-Metal GMT which I love but have come across a very good deal for my dream watch and need advice on it before i do anything rash. I am looking at the 5712R Nautilus and have attached pics for your review of the actual watch in question but i am a little nervous so please advise.The watch is preowned in excellent condition according to the seller but I dont know what to look out for in terms of major issues, fakes, bad model (I heard the genva stamp is now changed - does this matter etc).Please advise me as this will be my biggest and probably last watch purchase if my wife has anything to do with it!!!

First Panerai 111 or 312?
I'm really torn between which way to go here.I have tried on the 111 and found it fit really well but have never worn a 312. I'm heading in to try one on in the next few days and I'm sure that will make the decision easier.My main question is concerning the movement. Has anyone had any issues with the 312 or prefer one over the other? I'm not as worried about being auto or not. More about the performance/durability.I appreciate any thoughts.

Tax when buying a Rolex watch in the US and bring it to Korea?
Hi, I am a U.S. citizen living in California. I am planning to buy a Rolex watch here and give it to a friend in Korea as a gift. I was wondering whether there would be any tax issue in this case. 1> Will I need to pay any tax for the watch in Korea customs? 2> Will I need to pay any tax if I buy the watch at a duty free Rolex shop in the U.S. and bring it to Korea? In this case, is it okay to bring the box and the warranty card with the watch? 3> Will there be any difference between buying the watch at a retail shop and buying it at duty free shop in the U.S. when bringing it to Korea? Thanks in advance for any help!