In Surprise Ruling, COMCO Halts Swatch Group Escapement Cuts
Switzerland's Competition Commission (COMCO) has ruled that it would be premature to allow the Swatch Group to reduce supplies of assortments (i.e. the regulating organ of a mechanical movement: escape wheel, pallet lever, balance wheel and balance spring) that it sells to Swiss watch brands outside the group. While favoring a continued reduction in supplies of mechanical watch movements, COMCO halted further cuts in assortments supplies. It rejected a proposed plan for a gradual reduction of both movements and assortments through 2021 and 2025 respectively. The surprise ruling is the latest development in a drama that has gripped the Swiss watch industry for two years. At issue is whether the Swatch Group, the world's largest watch company and the dominant supplier of mechanical movements and parts to Swiss watch brands, can legally reduce those supplies. In June 2011 the Swatch Group declared its intention to cut supplies and asked COMCO to investigate the matter. At Swatch's reque

Rubberclad on a bracelet ??
I have a black dialed Rubberclad and am toying with the idea of throwing it on an AP bracelet. Has anyone done this ? How did it look ? Or would this just be plain wrong ?

New Addition!!!
I've been waiting a long time to add this to the collection. Not a Rolex, but will compliment my GMT-IIc nicely.

Is it Just a Watch? What is Your Story
I have been a member of TRF for a couple of years, finding my way here as I researched my first purchase. I have been somewhat quiet, content in many ways to just listen and learn more about a subject that has fascinated me for many years. My apologies for the lost post and if this is a repeat of any earlier threads posted here, but one of the things that drives the passion I have for collecting is the connection that people seem to have to their collection. I have alluded to my background a bit in previous posts and a bit about what my watches mean to me. For every timepiece I have, from the G-Shock that my wife bought me two decades ago, to my most recent purchase, there is a connection. I suspect for all of you in this seemingly crazy pursuit of ours, your watches have a special meaning and each have a story. Share if yours if you like. Here is mine:I am the product of a home in which I had two parents who, after half of a century remain together. Both grew up on the east coast o

How much tax when bringing a watch back to USA
HiWhat % does US customs impose when bringing a watch back to the US?I plan on going overseas and buying at a duty free shop at the airport.What happens if I dont declare it upon arrival? How will they know. I once brought a panerai and didnt declare it. Maybe just got lucky?Thanks,Tom