Top 10 Watches Of Baselworld 2013
Ariel & James inspecting new ceramic watches with Rado.First, a small Basel recap: if you are interested in watch industry business then my report from Baselworld 2013 is simple. The watch industry has anticipated a slowdown in business and growth from China for the last few years and the projections are true. While Chinese money is still important, China isn't exactly a growing market and many Chinese buyers are purchasing outside of China in places such as the US and Europe (where sometimes surprisingly, taxes on luxury goods are cheaper).This means that the luxury industry is once again focusing on the Western world and traditional luxury hot spots such as the Middle East, Russia, and the world's hot vacation spots (that still attract money). Business as usual in the world of glitz and status is go where the money is which is once again the primary objective of those who claim to make the best watches in the world.The good news is that new watches in 2013 are better than ever,

Would you sell these (5) for that (1)?
So I've been bitted by the AP bug pretty bad lately and have started to crave for one of the new 42mm ROOs, either the Safari or the Navy I think. In the last year, I added a stainless steel AP Diver and stainless steel 44mm Ceramic... these two watches are definitely part of my top 3 watches and now I feel like I need (want) a third AP. But that will cost me a pretty penny... in order to afford the third AP, I would need to sell part of my collection. So if you were me...Would you sell the 5 watches on the right hand side of the pic below (PAM305, PAM183, Zenith Defy T-Open, B&R 01-96, and B&R 01-97 (plus probably a bit of cash) to get 1 of the new AP 42mm ROOs (either Safari or Navy pictured below)?

Which unitime?
Which would be your pick? All redgold.

PO 8500 Lume Shots
I just took a couple lume shots. Long exposures aren't done very well on my point and shoot, but you get the idea. I love the blue and green lume. Both of my Omegas had better lume than my GMTIIC.Once my other Omega stuff comes in, I will either dig out one of my better cameras (Hasselblad or Mamiya, both with digital backs) and get some better shots for all to see.Rob.

Apparent Rolex Strategy and Predicting Basel Releases
Looking back at the last two Baselworlds, I can see at least one strategy or pattern in Rolex vis-a-vis Rolex sports models. Is Rolex trying to drive a stake through the heart of the Rolex vintage market? I think Rolex is using Tudor and updates to select Rolex models to erode demand for vintage models with the most buzz: e.g., Tudor has an obvious vintage motif, the datejust with jubilee, SD with red lettering, and now Pepsi with jubilee. What says TRF?