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

IWC Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph ��Ocean Racer��
Boat races and watches �C a weird and yet?seemingly ever-green combination. A few years ago, IWC joined the craze and has?chosen to sponsor the Volvo Ocean Race, a remarkably challenging, round-the-world race that starts this October in Alicante, Spain, and terminates in Gothenburg, Sweden, in June 2015. With regards to?IWC's role more specifically, the brand is?the event's Official Timekeeper, partner of?the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team, and sponsor of the 24-hour speed record.And while that does seem like a total overkill for someone not that?into the world of competitive sailing, this web of collaborations?does result in a surprisingly?restrained, yet sporty-looking chronograph that arguably makes a lot more sense than the sponsorship-frenzy behind it. The watch dedicated to?the event is the?IWC Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph Ocean Racer, a limited edition of just 1,000 pieces.It was almost three years ago that we discussed its predecessor (article here),?the 2011-2012 limited ed

Alain Silberstein has enriched its Bernhard Russi collection
On the occasion of its 60th anniversary, the horological company Alain Silberstein has enriched its Bernhard Russi collection with an innovative and strikingly original creation. The Pazzola Giant Alarm mechanical watch offers an alarm function for the first time animated by a special disc.

White 15710 - lume on hour markers?
I've heard mixed reports about the white-dialed Diver models - are the dials lumed like the black dial model? Can anyone post a lume shot of their Diver?Thanks in advance!

Thoughts on the PAM00159
A used PAM00159 has caught my eye. I haven't owned a Panerai before, so just wondering what the thoughts are on this reference.