My First Grail Watch: Mikael Sandstr?m
Welcome back to an original watches-dealer feature, "My First Grail Watch." In this series, we ask prominent people in the watch industry about the first timepiece that they lusted after. Today, we are speaking with Mikael Sandstr?m, the engineer who is now at the helm of Halda, the company that created his first grail watch - well before he owned the company.watches-dealer (ABTW): Who are you, and what is your relationship to the watch industry?Mikael Sandstr?m : I am an engineer, and I have had the pleasure to be in the industry for over 25 years, developing watches. Today, I am the owner and CEO of Halda Watch Co. that started back in 1887.ABTW: When did your fascination with watches start?Mikael Sandstr?m : I have always been fascinated in fine mechanics. This fascination is especially focused on watches, which I find to be the ultimate - and most impressive - example of a small mechanical machine. My passion for watches, in combination with my education as an engineer, set off a d

HourTime Show Watch Podcast Episode 34
An interesting regional perspective on fake watch ownership, follow up on Pebble Beach and Parmigiani, and John get's keen on liquid metal - and I invent the "Omega Liquid Ocean Watch."Listen to HourTime Show watch podcast episode 34 here.

Brietling from Costco
I sent Costco an Email today as I am looking to buy a Chronomat B01 on their website for $5499. I know this would not have manufacturers warranty. but if this falls under Costco's Guaranteed satisfaction for as long as you own the product I will likey get it at Costco. I returned a 2 year old TV and they were good about it but have since changed their policy regarding electronics and PCs. But I don't think watches fall under that. If they email me back and say I am covered until i am no longer satisfied it's a no brainer to buy from them and save $3000 over my local AD who wants MSRP and does not have the dial I want. Costco went to battle with Rolex over selling Rolex in their warehouses and apparently Rolex won.

Back from service
Just got my Breitling back from a BUSA full service and wanted to share. It turned out looking like new again. Couldn't be happier with the results.

AQUA TERRA MID SIZE - Correct Strap Size and Deployment Clasp?
Hi All, I have a AQUA TERRA MID SIZE CHRONOMETER 36.2mm (Model # 2504.30.00). I am looking to change out my steel bracelet to a leather strap and Omega Deployment Buckle. What is the correct size for each? Where is the best place to purchase a 'real' Omega Deployment Clasp?Thanks!MaxMax256