Rotonde de Cartier Annual Calendar
At SIHH this week Cartier unveiled the new Rotonde de Cartier Annual Calendar with the all-new manufacture caliber 9908 MC. All indications are set via the crown, and the 45 mm case is available in white gold or pink gold. The annual calendar mechanism is incorporated into the plate of the 1904 MC caliber. The in-house design for the movement includes a semi-instantaneous mechanism for converting the large date into two independent numerals (over a one-hour conversion period), which requires less power and so helps to ensure maximum chronometric stability. In this system, the four-branched star-wheel corresponding to the tens column is turned by the catches located on the large unit disc. This unit disc carries within it a simple mechanism which, thanks to a cam bearing a memory of the months incorporated directly into the lightened rims of the units of the date device, makes it possible to display without any possibility of error the months having 30 or 31 days, once the current month

Most popular omega model?
What do you guys think? past and or present?

SMP Chrono 2594: Long Time Coming
I've coveted this model for a long time, but for many reasons, never got one until now. Love sword hands - had the 2542 several times, always admired the original Seamaster 300 divers and will get one soon - and the world class P. Piguet column-wheel movement. Yes, the hands make the subdials less readable than skeleton style ones, but they look so much better to me. Also, I like the completely brushed links on the Speedmaster style bracelet, which is unique to this model. IMO, this model is criminally under-appreciated, and due to low production and timeless looks, its value will probably skyrocket in the generation to follow. Get yours while they can still be found in mint condition for a reasonable sum!

Pam 312 vs 351 vs 359
I can't own more than 1 for this watches since they are so similar. I prefer pick something else after owning 1 of these. If you can pick only 1 till the rest of your life between these 3, which one will you buy?

Some memory help please
While I have been a Rolex fan most of my adult life I have not followed them closely until the last few years. Heck I had never even heard of basel world. With that said, what year did Rolex go crazy? By that I mean the release of the jewel encrusted animal prints, the flowered dials and the like? Or did this happen over a few years?