My First Grail Watch: Jeff Kuo Of Xetum Watches
Welcome back to an original watches-dealer feature, "My First Grail Watch." In this series, we ask prominent people in the watch industry about the first timepiece that they lusted after. Today, we're speaking with Jeff Kuo, the founder of Xetum, known for their California-designed Swiss watches. In this interview, we reveal where his watch journey started�Cit's with a brand many of us likely kicked things off with as well!watches-dealer (ABTW): Who are you and what is your relationship to the watch industry?Jeff Kuo (JK): I am the founder of Xetum, which offers a collection of modern automatic watches, designed in California and made in Switzerland.ABTW: When did your fascination with watches start?JK: My grandparents gave me a Seiko sports chronograph when I was in high school. I was immediately drawn to the instrument-style design and how all the different hands, sub-dials and markings blended together.ABTW: A humble start. After that, what became your first grail watch?JK: A. Lange

Hands-on with New Royal Oak 15400 with Grey Ruthenium Dial
Here's the hands-on review of the new grey dial Royal Oak ref. 15400ST. Enjoy my friends!https://.watchcollectinglifestyle...enium-hands-on

41mm ROC
Good Day All,Anyone see the new 41mm ROC? What are your thoughts on it?If you got photos please post themThanks,Eric

Strap that comes with PAM 510, 514
Quick question, the superb standard strap the comes with the PAM 510, 514 and a few other Panerai watches.Can this now be bought seperate ? I think it would be the bomb on my PAM 359 Edit: I think it is on Panerai website as vintage calf black, ecrue stitching, hand stitched. Hard to tell, as they do not tell you which models have which strap as standard & looking in person at the watch strap vs website pictures tricks me sometimes.

Another "My AD said..."
I know a groan is expected whenever someone brings up what their AD told them but I had a refreshing conversation last night that bears repeating.I have known my friend at the Houston Boutique since I bought my first watch from him in 1997 at the newly opened local Tourneau. Since then he's worked at three other local Rolex jewellers and has been at the Boutique since it opened.I called him two weeks ago and was surprised to find they had a BLNR in stock and bought it straight from its shipping coffin that night. Yesterday I went back just to chat and of course the subject of SS sport model shortages came up. His take was much less conspiratorial that what is usually said here. He simply said that Rolex projects their production needs several years out, a textbook business practice. The last few years have NOT been great for watch sales at least in the US, and they simply weren't ready for the increased demand this year. It will be remedied for next year he feels certain. He said their