HourTime Show Watch Podcast Episode 90
A great show were we discuss Hublot's Magic Gold, the allure of the new and vintage Omega Ploprof, and all the good stuff you can't afford in the A. Lange & Sohne Datograph Up/Down German super watch.Listen to the HourTime Show watch podcast episode 90 here.Download the MP3.

Inside The Manufacture: A HODINKEE Reader Recounts His Visit To Piaget: Say Hello To Our Contest Winner!
My wife and I would like to thank Piaget and HODINKEE for our trip to Switzerland to visit Piaget, and to see its manufacture in La Cote aux Fees, and its headquarters in Geneva.Here are a few of my thoughts:Proud of being Piaget and taking pride in one's work: When I was listening to Yves Bornard (who's been with the company for 40+ years!) talk about the history of Piaget I could see his glowing pride. When the watchmakers showed us what they are working on, I too could see their pride in being Piaget, and how proud they are with their work. Yves takes out an employee log book from the 1940s. It is old, and its pages are yellow, and falling apart. How many companies can show visitors something like that today?Bao and Yves in discussionWhat it means to be true manufacture. One of the things that stuck with me, and help me get a clearer picture of what it means to be a manufacture was Yves explaining the importance of having the movements assembled up in the Jura Mountains where it is

2007 Omega Seamaster Professional Chrono
Hey guys,I've been hunting for the right Rolex sub and went to a place to try one on. They wanted $7K for a 1983...a little out of my league.Anyway, went across the street to an antique shop, and there's a jeweler associated with them next door. I saw an Omega and asked to check it out.Here's the story:The owner's dad (also owner at the shop) bought it from a trusted source who bought it new from a famous jeweler in town. No Papers.Band has 1610/930 on it and end links, as well as 8,07X,XXX.2007 Omega Seamaster Professional Chronometer 300m/1000ft $1895.What do you think? I haven't studied Omegas, but I know they are great watches. I may end up with one and wait a while for my Red Sub!

Perhaps this is Old News
Been to the Omega website many times, but had not discovered this right away. Seem entirely unique and it does not jump out at you from the website. I figure many miss it unless you stumble upon it like I did. Anyway, its neat portion of the website for Omega and Speedmaster fans..omega.ch/minisites/speedm.../minisite.html

Tiffany and Patek
Patek Philippe is opening a boutique in Tiffany's of New York - this first is an experiment with the hope that Tiffany stores in other locations will also carry the line exclusively. This could mean that Patek Philippe will only sell their watches at Tiffany's - thus eliminating any discounts you may be able to squeeze from your AD. This could also signal a sea change in the way high end watches are marketed. Another gimmick to keep up the exclusivity of the brand, I suppose (although I don't know if Tiffany has that much cache' anymore), but what could it mean for other brands?