Affordable Vintage: 1974 Gruen Precision
Since yesterday was the 4th, we figured today would be a good day to briefly talk about an American brand that once was. A brand that, though one of the original American wristwatch companies, is not often talked about: Gruen. Unlike Hamilton, Bulova, Elgin, Waltham, etc�� they simply are not as popular or sought after. Gruen produced tons of watches in the 70+ years they were around, some of which are well known and renowned, such as the Curvex and Techni-Quadron models, but generally speaking they are not very collectable and information on specific models is sparse. A quick browse on Ebay and you will find that they rarely break $300, though on more curated vintage sites, such as watchestobuy, you will find some approaching $2,000.1940’s Gruen Curvex Bat Wing – image by watchestobuyThe history of the brand is very interesting and for a detailed look I recommend reading this thoroughly researched on-line book by Paul Schlisser. Mr. Schlisser breaks down the story of Gruen

I'm back - CE Incoming!
I've had my share of issues with AP in the past, but this is one I couldn't pass up. I saw my main man Takuya had one in his inventory and couldn't pass it up. The condition is amazing and still under warranty. Thanh Do even threw in this awesome hat This is a watch I've always wanted and as most of you know, it's not really that easy to get. I am absolutely thrilled with it. I was honestly not very happy with the SS Diver when I owned it (briefly) so I had some reservations, but I have to say, IMO this watch is on a different level. Side Note: not the easiest watch to photograph, it's much much better in person.Enjoy!

Saturday afternoon with the 5270g
Ahhhhhh. After a most 8 months I still find this piece quite the eye candy. What do you guys think?

Men's Nautilus owners, what do you think of the bracelet flip lock clasp?
I'm new to PP. I'm looking at the beautiful 5711 as my next target. However, I feel that the bracelet's smallish flip lock metal clasp with the engraved Geneva logo does not look as impressive as the rest of the watch. I do appreciate the bracelet's overall slimness that can make the whole watch comfortable to be worn.My initial thought was that PP wants the watch and bracelet/buckle style to be retained as original as possible to uphold the Nautilus design tradition. But when I visited the AD with my wife the other day, we saw the Ladies' Nautilus has a nicer buckle design that is without the flip lock metal clasp. It's sturdier and looks like an improved version over the 5711 bracelet buckle. This design is more similar to my Aquanaut 5167 (rubber) fat buckle which is just so lovely and comfortable.What do you all think? Can we expect a new bracelet buckle for 5711 in the near future? I took some pics from google for comparison.ladies nautilus5711ladies nautilus - buckle opened

Various incoming. Watch box happy again
After a burglary at the end of last year, pleased to have got back to where I was.Also took the opportunity to make a change. I had a Breitling Navi World on Brown Croc strap that just wasn't getting wrist time. Decided to replace with the Exp 2 Polar.Next addition planned to be a manual wind, hesalite crystal speedy.Good to be back in the game.