ETA to Cease Making Movements for Outside Watch Makers
Watch forums are a buzz over the fact that ETA will be halting all sales of it's movements to outside watch makers in 2010. ETA is a quasi government-owned company that designs and manufactures watch movements. Some of these go directly to its brands (such as Swatch), others are made in kit form and are sold to outside makers who place the movements in their own watches. The majority of decent automatic movements not made "in-house" by a manufacture, are ETAs. ETA also makes quartz movements.The creation of a new movement is a very complex and difficult task. After the years of design, more years are spent with testing and refinement. Even with normal daily variation, a watch movement must be over 99.99% accurate. This requirement, along with the stress and years of use, do not allow for simple development. Given this fact, most designers spend their time creating a watch around an existing movement. Only the most exclusive of watch makers make their own in-house movements. Rolex may b

No love for the 5235?
I'm in the process of determining which reference will be my first PP complication. I love the 5131, but it's impossible to get. Im on the waitlist, but have no reasonable expectations that I'll ever get the lucky call. I've seen all the common AC references (5205, 5396, 5160, 5146), and while I like them, there is something about each one of them that doesn't suit me. I've seen pictures of the AC regulator online and it looks so cool. But, it is also near impossible to see in the flesh without placing an order. I've also seen little talk on TRF about it and I've only seen one incoming thread. So, help me understand what I'm missing. I don't want to get all excited about the 5235 only to realize there is something glaringly wrong with it. Any feedback would be helpful from anyone and particularly those that have seen it in the flesh. image.jpg

Finishing the year w/ a new Patek.....
I have admired the 5098 since it's release in 2009, and the opportunity to buy one surfaced last week, so an early Christmas present for me...

Q: Buying a GMT BLNR pre-Basel?
I'm going to buy a BLNR as my next watch. I love GMTs. Rolex makes the best GMTs in my judgment. I have always loved the black and blue bezel. I have the opportunity to buy from a TS at what I consider a fair price.With that as context, is it mistake to buy this week in the context of a potential upgrade to the 3235 movement? What are the puts and takes - and any other considerations?

AD has 116600
Hello and happy holidays watch nuts! A while back I posted about my Nebraska AD having a new model Daytona in stock. Once again my AD amazes me. They have a new (old stock) old model Seadweller 116600 for sale. Here is the best part! Ready?My AD has the watch pink tagged they have it discounted to $9,600 dollars because it is discontinued and less valuable!!If anyone would like to procure this, please feel free to PM me. I hate to see this opportunity go to waste. Unfortunately for me, my wife says enough is enough!