BEST FROM: watches-dealer & Friends December 5, 2014
With so many new collectors coming into the market, watch auctions are a big business now. Philips recently announced a new watch department headed by Aurel Bacs, who was until very recently the International Head of Watches for Christies. However, the world of watch auctions is not all as it may seem. Yes, it may be exciting and glamorous, but there are also many potential pitfalls. We kickstart this month's roundup by highlighting some facts about watch auctions that you ought to know.And since Christmas is just around the corner, there are also no shortage of new watch reviews too. We begin with Patek Philippe's exquisite Reference 5270 perpetual calendar chronograph watch, which is one of my favorite watches from the storied brand. We also take a look at Panerai's new 1940 3 Days Automatic, which boasts of the company's first micro-rotor automatic movement; and also Tudor's Heritage Ranger, which I hear is something of a best seller at dealers worldwide.To finish off, we take a clo

SalonQP 2014: An Ever-Personal Encounter With The World Of Horology
2014 marked?my second attendance, and more importantly, the sixth edition?of the British watch exhibition called SalonQP, held at the Saatchi Gallery in London. Last year, in my comprehensive article about the event, I?referred to it as a "most personal exhibition of fine watches, remarkable brands and astoundingly difficult crafts," and I was curious to see how things had evolved from one year to the next. To my surprise, there have been some interesting developments, with some of the?core values remaining the same.The 6PM start of the first day did allow a quick hike in the Hyde park �C on the wrist is the Citizen Signature Series Grand Touring Sport.Before we get to discuss the changes, let's see what was unchanged for 2014. The Saatchi Gallery is still every bit as beautiful of a venue as it was last year, and?it certainly lends a most suiting atmosphere to the event. The event was again a three-day affair, with the first day opening at 6pm, with a so-called cocktail reception. The

Between these 2, which would you keep?
This will be my last post re white rubber straps, but would love to get your advice on which of these 2 to keep in my collection. If and when I get to the point where I have to unload either the ROO Navy or the customized ROO Blue, which one would you keep?Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

watch info
Hi allBeen an avid watch buyer for some time. Probably can't be described as a collector since I buy purely what I like and don't really consider value in the long term etc just buy for my pleasure and I'm too tight to sell them. Couldnt face someone offering me a pitance for something that is or was my pride and joy..Currently have quite a nice assortment.Rolex GMT Ceramic half gold, Panerai 251 (just purchased) Omega 50 year speedy, planet ocean chrono, omega constellation, couple of Rado's, 2 TAG's and some other odds and sods.Yes quite a diverse mixture but all worn frequently and sadly abused.Anyway over the last couple of years wife have been getting more interested in what I've picked out for her and surprise surprise recent she pulled out an old ladies Omega from the bottom of her jewellery box.She got this back in 1970 it is so small I couldn't believe it. Rectangular about 10mm by 7mm so small. It's on a replacement bracelet so don't know hat it should be.She got this from he

Did it! Importing Rolex from EU to USA
For months I've been wondering if the Ban was actually lifted. So this month I pulled the trigger and purchased a watch online from Germany. Fortunately, the seller came highly recommended by a German friend I work with in Dubai. So the same rules apply, Buy the Seller. I could have easily flown to Germany to get the watch. But I really wanted to test the process. Lessons Learn:1. Your Seller will require a few days to get the Export documents from his/her Country's Custom Authority. This delay may seem he/she is up to something, but in actuality their dealing with Government workers (I think we all know how that can be). 2. Your seller may hire a Shipping Broker to assist with the export/import process. I was his first online US Buyer, so he needed assistance. I paid extra for the service ($150-$200), it made things go smoother. The overall shipping cost including the use of the Export Broker $300. 3. The Shipping Broker used FEDEX. The watch departed Germany on a Monday, arrived i