Rotonde de Cartier With Marquetry Bear Motif
Marquetry is the art of applying carefully cut and often tiny pieces of wood veneer (and other materials) to an underlying structure to form a decorative image or pattern. At the highest levels, the craft requires an artist’s eye, deep knowledge of the selected woods, and a steady hand to execute the fine cuts. The Rotonde de Cartier with bear motif combines marquetry and watchmaking to produce a limited series of uniquely artistic timepieces. Everything begins with the design, which inspires the marquetry craftsman to select each wood for its color, grain and texture. Ten species of natural European wood blend together to create the bear’s fur: holly, chestnut, poplar, willow, grey and pink maple, walnut and burr walnut, mottled maple and grey aningeria. The woods are deftly combined to create the illusion of depth and perspective through reflections and contrasts. Tiny details, such as hair-thin lines representing shadows, add a lifelike quality.Numerous steps and an inve

German Watchmaker Marco Lang Of Lang & Heyne To Lecture At The Horological Society Of New York
The Horological Society of New York welcomes Marco Lang of Lang & Heyne for a special event on Tuesday, November 17, 2015. Mr. Lang will lecture on the Saxony Way of Independent Watchmaking, and you are invited. 1 OF 2 Marco Lang, Lang & Heyne As a fifth-generation watchmaker, Lang learned early on to value the art of watchmaking by observing his father. He fulfilled his dream of owning a watch manufacture with the foundation of Lang & Heyne, based in Dresden, Germany. 2 OF 2 Lang & Heyne - Albert Lang & Heyne's work is based on two pillars; one is using modern manufacturing systems (CAD or CNC), and the other is using traditional methods. The Lang & Heyne watchmakers often use rediscovered techniques from previous centuries, resulting in timepieces that have a distinct German style. At this HSNY special event, Marco Lang will discuss the creative process of Lang & Heyne watches. All are welcome at the lectur

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak experiences?
For some reason, this watch has captured my imagination in an enduring way. When I first saw this model around 6-7 years ago, I thought it was ugly. Yet my tastes have turned around 100% to the point where now I really want one. But in the past, I have read a few comments from owners. What I am not sure about is how widespread and common their complaints are about AP. So here are some basic questions, let me know what you think!1. Royal Oak Bezel Scratches easily. By the way I have tried on a few used Royal Oaks and in most cases the bezel is fairly scratched up. Some have told me the steel on the bezel is softer than the rest of the case, mainly for aesthetic design reasons. Are you finding this a major distraction for you? Is the ease of scratching the bezel overemphasized? 2. Reliability. Some have told me that AP watches break down after 5 years or so, requiring extensive maintenance and repair, while others who have had several of their watches love them and tell me of their excel

Trade advice needed
The iconic Lange Datograph is within my reach but I have to trade in my mint 5110P plus 10k cash. The Dato is in mint condition but 7+ years old and has not been serviced. My 5110P has been serviced by Patek 3 years ago. Thoughts?

Buying first PAM and looking for counsel
Rolex guy who is finding himself falling in love with Panerai of late. Soooo many models/iterations and would love some advice. Here are a few criteria I'm looking to get in my first PAM. Any recommendations?44mmLuminor or 1950's casemanual movementseconds dial and no datelove the 'dirty' or orange'ish numerals on some of the older and special edition modelsthanks Jeff