Auction Round-up: Historical Resurgence
The spring auction season has come to an end and in the horological collecting world as in the world at large, the flight to quality assets and the ascendance of Asia are dominant themes. As the price of gold climbs, so too do auction prices for the best pieces: rare Patek Philippe timepieces, especially vintage models – the gold ingots of the watch world, and unique, important historical pieces. Quality and rarity never go out of style.At Christie's May 10 marathon sale of nearly 370 timepieces in Geneva , the first 9 of the top 10 selling lots were vintage Patek Philippes selling for between $418,000 and $5.7 million. In tenth position, the other most reliable brand at auction, a 1955 Rolex triple calendar chronograph ref. 6036 came in at $407,000, far above the pre-sale estimate of $270,000. During this sale and a prior sale in November, Christie's offered what proved to be the most expensive private Patek Philippe collection ever sold at auction. A full 100% of the anonymous

Ulysse Nardin Sonata Silicium is very popular
A Google search Silicon. You will find 1 500 000 results for this most common of the metalloids, otherwise known as the Silicon (Si14). Starting at number 11, you will find related to watchmaking results (these research results are updated, February 2009). It is remarkable, considering that Silicon has a wide variety of industrial uses and does not even figure in watch until the end of the 20th century. What is even more remarkable is how much coverage a mark, Ulysse Nardin, has managed to get on this subject, forever linking the mark with equipment.

Pain is knowing your FedEx delivery is on "hold for pick up"
I've been off site all week for work and I managed to pull the trigger on my very first AP. Had to have it shipped to my closest hub for pickup after hours. All day Wednesday I had to stare at my phone that said held for pick up. It was torture! Late Wednesday I was off to FedEx to pick it up.Wrapped up work for the week so I am finally able to relax and enjoy my first AP.A special thanks to Thomas (TSW) and Paul (Texex91) for guidance and a big bump for DavidSW who made everything very easy and comfortable - I appreciate the help from all.Already planning #2 - I just love it.

Speedmaster moon watch
On aatime they are advertising the Omega Speedmaster moon watch but have 2 different versions- 3570.50.003573.50.00Both watches look identical on the site but there is a ��400 difference in price. The only difference I can see it that it states that the 3573 model is a day/date version but I have never seen a day/date on this watch and the pictures they post do not show any day/date.Can anyone shed some light on what the differences are?

Wearability of a 5711 or a 5167 on a smaller wrist
I was wondering about the wearability of the Nautilus 5711 or Aquanaut 5167 on a smaller ( 6.5 inch) wrist. I was looking for the Aquanaut 5165 (38mm), but it is not made anymore and I can not find a new or even used one (anyone know of any?). Do these watches wear big (like Panerai) or smaller like (Rolex)? Thanks for the info.