Kobold Launches Program to Train Sherpas as Watchmakers
Kobold has announced a program in which its U.S.-based watchmakers will train a group of Sherpas in the art of watchmaking. The former high-altitude mountain guides from Nepal's Himalaya region will begin learning how to assemble mechanical wristwatches in March. The one-year-long program also includes a basic course on managing a luxury business. After successfully completing the program at Kobold's Pittsburgh facilities, the Nepalese citizens will return to their native Mount Everest region to assemble Kobold watches destined for the company's Kathmandu retail store, which is expected to open in August of this year.Kobold expects to train two to three Nepalese citizens every year. By training relatively unskilled Nepalese workers how to make high-end watches, we provide them with a vastly increased level of competitiveness not only in their native country but around the world, explains Michael Kobold, the company's 31-year-old founder. Nepal is one of the world's poorest countries,

Cecil Purnell La Grande Date Tourbillon Watch
The market for really expensive toys isn't what it used to be. Don't get me wrong, that market for luxury play things comes and goes, but these days it is hard to promote a several hundred thousand dollar watch from a newer brand that looks like it was meant to appeal to fans of traditional watch making who are also weekend militia members. That is the case for this sportier version of the Cecil Purnell La Grand Date Tourbillon watch called the "Pit Lane V12."Cecil Purnell is a brand that is really trying to legitimize itself, but they only probably need to sell a handful of watches each year to stay alive. According to them they ONLY make tourbillon-based watches, and subscribe to the "true values of haute horlogerie." Now that sounds like a BS marketing statement if I ever heard one. To be honest, I would take them much more seriously if their marketing copy didn't sound like it came from a kid who was really desperate to fit in on the playground.Cecil Purnell's website is a joke and

First-rate U-BOAT Italo Fontana U-42 Watch
The bidirectional rotating bezel is lockable with a lever on the right side of the case. U-42?s winding Crown was built in two parts: one is attached to the stem of movement, while the other is hinged to it with a pivot. This gives a flexible joint configuration which allows the Crown overhang or project outboard considerably the watch itself for winding and setting, yet returning to a protected, post hidden decreasing side clutter when in action. "

Flip 5712/1A for 5711/1R...?
I have only had the 5712 for one month, but I have been presented with the 5711/1R for a great deal. Of course, I would take a slight hit on the 5712 ...5712 or 5711/1R?

RG PP Aquanaut
Good Day All,Stopped by the AD and tried this one on today.