New F.P. Journe Book and Exhibit Celebrate Historic Gunmetal Watches
Most of the watches that Francois-Paul Journe produces for his independent brand are anything but “proletarian:” most come in gold or platinum cases and have movement parts made of 18k rose gold. However, Journe’s newest publishing project, “Steel Time,” celebrates the classic burnished steel “gunmetal” watches of the mid- to late 19th century and how they made timepieces accessible to the masses. “Steel Time” is written by vintage-watch experts Jean Claude Sabrier and Georges Rigot. Journe, who contributes the preface, has assembled what he says is the world’s largest collection of gunmetal watches (some of which he acquired from Sabrier, another collector of vintage steel timepieces) �� a total of 200, all of which are covered in the tome’s 300 pages and are on display throughout the summer at the Forbes Galleries, on New York City’s Fifth Avenue. The NAWCC (National Watch and Clock Museum) in Columbia, PA is also

Only Watch 2011 Auction Pieces Hands-On
Last night here in Los Angeles I was invited to view the traveling roadshow which is the Only Watch 2011 timepiece collection. On an arduous trip around the globe the 40 or so watches up for auction later this month in Monaco will have made only two stops in the United States before being bid on by those interested in acquiring these one-of-a-kind pieces.I began my coverage of Only Watch 2011 here where I logged each of the entrant pieces. The every-other-year event asked brands to "play the game" as they call it. Which entails brands offering totally unique watch creations donated to be bid on for charity. Collectors and those with a lust for wrist candy eagerly await the event now operated by Antiquorum.The venue selected to show off the pieces was Westime Beverly Hills. At a special evening event I was able to view collector's eying the pieces and showing off their own wrist treasures. Packed tight, the boutique store was brimming with a welcome energy that has been absent from the

New to Breitling, seek clarification
Hi all, i have recently bought this Breitling with venus movement. Have anyone seen one like this before?

What strap should I get
I have a vintage Breitling, It has a leather strap, but since I use it often and it does get wet, I would like to put a rubber strap on it and I would prefer a Breitling strap...The problem is I cannot force myself to pay the outrageous price for an original Breitling rubber strap. Any suggestions.

Blue or black- and is this a good deal?
An AD in the Los Angeles area offered me no tax (10%) because I'm in the military and free deep cleanings on a SS Datejust with plain bezel and stick markers. Good or not? Also, I prefer the black, but how many of you would go for blue? Thanks.