Jaeger-LeCoultre Online Auction Benefits UNESCO World Heritage Site
Jaeger-LeCoultre presents its second online auction, taking place from March 18, 2010, to benefit the UNESCO World Heritage Center. This year, the Manufacture is offering an iconic and unique timepiece: one of the two vintage 1958 Geophysic Chronometers Model E168 tested by professional climber Stephane Schaffter and his team during their recent Geophysic Expedition to the Himalayas. The online auction will start on March 18th, 2010 at 12.00 C.E.T. and ends on March 24th, 2010 at 12.00 C.E.T. Join the bidding for a worthy cause, visit auction.jaeger-lecoultre from March 10th.About the WatchGeophysic Chronometer Model E168 production was limited to just 1290 pieces. Since the 1950s, it has become one of the most iconic pieces in the history of the Grande Maison, and was the inspiration behind the latest breakthrough, the Master Compressor Extreme LAB2 introduced at the SIHH 2010 in Geneva. The watch up for auction is an authentic Model E168, sourced from Jaeger-LeCoultre, casing number

Cartier Santos 100 Ref. W2020009 Watch Review
Article and images contributed by Michael Maximilien:In some circles, the French brand Cartier is seen more?as?a fine jewelry producer than as a watchmaker. However, the brand has a long history as a creator of fine timepieces coupled with a unique style which makes it hard to ignore...The original Cartier Santos was reportedly designed and created by Louis Cartier himself in 1904 for his friend and pioneer, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. The Santos has been a major piece in the Cartier collection for a long time and in 2004 Cartier released their Santos 100 line which included larger Santos models.The Santos line has many variations, however, they are all styled like the original. This includes a square case that is slightly curved on both sides which makes it fit effortlessly on the wrist. The dial has the signature Cartier Roman numerals, including the incorrect IIII at four o'clock - this allows the markers on the right to better symmetrically match the ones on the left.T

AP Luminosity
I know that our beloved APs aren't known for their luminosity, and I have never really paid any attention to it.I just walked out into a dark night and happily noticed my 15400 shining at me...I've always loved its markers, but IMHO this takes it up another little notch.

Where have I been?
Several have noticed my absence from the forum and asked where I have been.Well, I have been around albeit rather infrequently. A year or so ago, we bought a home with our oldest daughter which has turned into a major renovation project that my wife calls the money pit.We are still living in a construction zone but the move has allowed me to return to my original hobby, ham radio. Financing the acquisition of the equipment necessary to get back on the air has required the liquidation of most of my watch collection. I once said that my 300 Master Coaxial could easily be my one and only and that has almost become a reality. it and my Speamaster are my last two Omegas and the Speamaster is about to go on the block.For those hams in the group, as soon as my antennae go up with warmer weather, look for me on the HF bands. In the meantime, try connecting to K4YK on D-star.But of course, I'll be at the Spring ATL GTG on the last Saturday in April.

AR Coating on PO8500 - how durable is it?
Recently I saw a FS post that the seller had declared there are scratches on the AR coating when viewed from an angle.I wonder how durable/resilient is the AR outer coating on the PO?I have a habit of rinsing my watches with mild soap and water after wearing. To dry it, I clean it with an old face towel. Will this action be harmful to the AR coating?Thanks!