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,

Christie’s Geneva Auction Achieves Over SFr. 19 Million
Christie’s November 16 Geneva auction set nine world record prices for Patek and Rolex references on the way to achieving the highest total for any watch auction in 2009: SFr. 19,032,388, or just under $19 million. This was nearly twice the pre-sale low estimate. The results reflected sales of 97% by value and 94% by lot. 900 bidders from 5 continents participated in the sale live, online and on the telephone. The top price of SFr. 2,400,000 was paid for a Patek Philippe ref. 1526 perpetual calendar wristwatch. Rounding out the top 5 were a gold 1924 Patek single-button chronograph at SFr. 939,000, a platinum Patek ref. 3448/100 perpetual calendar with moon phases at SFr. 783,000, a pink gold Patek ref. 2438/1 perpetual calendar at SFr. 711,000, and a gold Patek ref. 1579 chronograph at SFr. 675,000. The top 5 are pictured below.Patek Philippe ref. 1526, front and back1924 Patek Philippe single-button chronographPatek Philippe ref. 3448/100Patek Philippe ref. 2438/1Patek Philippe

Daddy and his off-springs
I had an opportunity to be up close and personal with some new pieces from SIHH'13. A mini report is on the way. Meanwhile...

Speedmaster Sunday
Ran a 1/2 Marathon this morning. Now wearing my Broad Arrow in honor of those who raced. Heading to brunch to celebrate.

Potential Perfect Storm
Well, this might be the definition of a first world problem.With the Rolex announcement at Basel, I am now on the list for four watches at my AD. All four of which they think will arrive this year. Problem is, watch funds aren't unlimited, so some will have to be declined.Here are the four likely to hit this year:Rolex Daytona White Dial (on list for 18 months)Rolex Pepsi or Rootbeer GMT (on list for a week)Patek 5711 (on list for 12 months or so)So, the dilemma I am faced with is if the Patek arrives, that's it for the year unless I sell off several pieces to handle the other incomings. But, for the price of the Patek, I could get both new GMTs or the Daytona and the Pepsi.So, would you decline all of the new Rolexes for a Nautilus? Or sell the farm and flip a bunch of pieces in the current collection to get the new hotness?Current collection:I have the black dial Daytona, but as you can probably tell, I like chronographs, so the thought of having both ss models appeals to me. But