Zenith Academy Minute Repeater Chronograph Watch
The Academy collection from Zenith is back with more, introducing this new Academy El Primero Minute Repeater Chronograph. This is a very high-end and exclusive version of the Zenith Elite design family which the model lives in. This isn't the first Zenith minute repeater, but they aren't common for the brand. For the right high-end collectors, this could be a very special timepiece.Zenith is mostly known as an in-house movement maker and producer of the famous El Primero family of high beat automatic movements that operate at 5 Hertz (36,000 beats per hour). The El Primero is a base for most of their chronographs and is also the base for a chronograph with a minute repeater in this very uncommon Caliber 4043 El Primero movement that I recall from a rare model back in 2009. The 4043 caliber is back in a much more attractive piece that gives new life to the movement and theme.What I like about the 461 part caliber 4043 movement is its practicality and beauty. It is also a fully integrat

Incoming! First Audemars Piguet.
My first AP is scheduled to arrive tomorrow from San Diego, CA via Tony G aka Justrolexes. Just closed the deal midday here on the east coast and already have my tracking #. I have not even seen one before outside of pictures. I hope my expectations aren't too high.

Birthyear '79 Speedy Has Landed
My first Speedmaster Pro arrived this morning. While I initially thought about an earlier model, I settled on a birth year 1979 145.022. I am pretty pleased as the case is incredibly sharp, could be factory polish, and all of the parts appear original with the dial and hands having a pleasing patina. It came on the incorrect 1170 bracelet with 633 end links, which is not a big deal as I do not see myself ever wearing it on a bracelet.Overall, I am pretty pleased with this clean and honest example, and a birth year to boot! Now the hunt for an earlier pre-moon, maybe a 321? Who knows...

Off to Bienne...
I sent my Seamaster to Bienne today. I have heard that the Swiss service centers are much better to deal with than the ones here in the USA (I also thought it would be more fun sending it to its home.)It cost me $38.00 and change for express with insurance. It is supposed to be there in 4 business days.I asked them for some Omega goodies in my request letter, we will see what I getAfter they get the watch, service it and return it I will write a brief review of the whole process.

Balance
The result of about 15 years of collecting. So many mistakes along the way (Panerai, IWC, AP) but always a return to the only two watchmakers I care about!