BEST FROM: watches-dealer & Friends May 8, 2015
Just about every complication or feature in wristwatches was?born out of a real need. Minute repeaters were useful for telling time in the dark, whereas GMT watches let their wearers?easily track time in multiple timezones. Likewise, luminescent material �C such as SuperLuminova �C was invented to improve night-time legibility of watches. And when it comes to night time legibility, micro gas tubes filled with tritium are unbeatable because they are self-charging (meaning they do not need to be charged by a light source to glow) and can glow on their?own for up to two decades or more. This month, we pay a unique?visit to the workshops of MB Microtec, the world's only?supplier of micro gas tubes to watch brands, to see how these tiny self-illuminating tubes are made.Speaking of micro gas tubes, Ball is probably the high-end watch brand most famous for using them. In fact, the use of these tubes has?become synonymous with the brand. But micro gas tubes aside, Ball is also?well known for mak

Incoming from APNY
After following texex91's recent experience with the APNY boutique, I decided to call last week to see what they had in stock since I was in NY over the holiday weekend. To my surprise they had all three references I was considering: the 15202ST, FC Diver, and Ceramic Diver. Before seeing any of these watches in the flesh, my practical side had decided on the 15202ST and my young/reckless side had decided on the FC Diver. I had expected a difficult decision-making process, but a clear winner quickly emerged. Any guesses as to which will be at my door in the morning?

Forged Carbon Diver and its beautiful cousin
I have been going back and forth for awhile on my next AP purchase. I narrowed it to 2 different APs - Diver and Royal Oak, both were missing in my collection, since all my APs are ROO chronographs. It was very hard to pick between SS and FC diver. I love the SS Diver, especially on a bracelet but FC won this time. Here they are, my Christmas presents I will post better pictures once I have a chance to make them in daylight

Incoming AP RO 15300
Recently got the AP bug after spending time on the AP sub-forum here..Got the 15300 on order, 39mm black dial with bracelet, which i think pays tribute well to the original RO design by Gerald Genta. I am fascinated with both designs by him, the other being the Nautilus 5711/1a which i am hoping to get few years down the road and hopefully that being the last piece in the crazy watch chase.Currently having Pams, Rolexes, Omegas and assorted brands but this is the first AP. The hexagonal design of the bezel is the feature that sets it of for me. and i prefer the version of the RO to be closer to the original design so i am not so hot on the ROOs for now (hopefully for a long long while so i do not have to spend on expanding the AP collection). Also believe that sizes in respective brands should stay the way they were originally designed, i.e. Rolex sports 40mm, PAMs at 44/47mm, AP 37/39mm. Base design/dimensions are good and will stay true to the purist even as sizes grown and shrink,

116613/8/9 Factory diamond dial
Is this still available?If not, when was it?