SIHH 2014 Preview: 3 Tourbillon Watches from Vacheron Constantin, Greubel Forsey, & Ralph Lauren
With less than two weeks before the 2014 SIHH watch fair kicks off in Geneva, the luxury watch brands exhibiting there continue to send sneak peeks of several new watches set to debut at the show this year. This week, we take a look at three new watches from three very different brands but with one thing in common: all of them have tourbillons.Vacheron Constantin adds another exclusive timepiece to its Collection Excellence Platine, which it launched in 2006. The venerable Swiss brand introduced its Malte Tourbillon in rose gold in 2012, and this year’s version is in a case of 950 platinum. Like other watches in the collection, the Vacheron Constantin Malte Tourbillon Collection Excellence also uses platinum for the dial (which has a sandblasted finish), the folding clasp (which is in the style of Vacheron’s Maltese Cross emblem), and even for the threads in the saddle-stitched, dark blue Mississippi alligator leather strap.The dial has the inscription “Pt 950,”

AP Jules Audemars Dual Time
Another beautiful piece from last years SIHH novelties

Aquanaut clasp macro
I took a macro shot today. Just got the macro lenses and was playing around with it. Thought I'd share. Also, put it on the rubber strap. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

newbie question what is the difference between 5416, 5450, 5250, 5350
Hello,What is the difference between 5416, 5450, 5250, 5350. They look the same to me.

Rolex & Its Customers
A recent thread (about Swiss attitudes toward Rolex) got me thinking about the extent to which Rolex interacts with its customers I know AP owns some of its own boutiques, offers appointment-only lounges, and has invited customers to factory tours. Patek has factory tours and other events for VIPs -- and for us common folk, they have their museum in Geneva. I'm sure other brands have similar practices. How often does Rolex deal with its own customers? Do they own any of the retail stores or service centers? Has anyone on TRF ever been invited to an event by Rolex itself (and not by an AD)? Personally, the arms-length approach doesn't bother me -- I'm just an enthusiast and am nowhere close to a major customer. But for those who buy a large quantity of precious metal (or diamond/gem studded) Rolex watches, does Rolex ever make the relationship more personal?