My First Grail Watch: Jeff Hess
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.watches-dealer (ABTW): Who are you and what is your relationship to the watch industry?Jeff Hess (JH): I am CEO of BALL WATCH USA and owner of two Luxury watch stores, Old Northeast Jewelers and owner of a large vintage watch and decorative arts business, Hess Fine Art.ABTW: What was your first grail watch?JH: First grail watch would be a Vintage Split second Patek ChronographFirst modern grail watch would have been an 18k gold Cartier Pasha Chronograph.ABTW: Was there ever a time in your life when you could afford it?JH: Stumbled on a Patek Split in a little jewelry store in Lousiville Kentucky in 1990. Kept it for five years before selling it at Sotheby's.Was able to afford the HUGE (for the day) 38 mm Pasha after saving some money in the early 90's.ABTW:. What did you like so much about the watch?J

arrived....blue 15300
Been eyeing one of these for a long time and Decided to snap one up while there are some new ones still available though they are getting tougher to source since they have been discontinued. Love how the blue dial changes depending on the lighting conditions. From a slate blue to a brighter blue in direct light.The bracelet is a work of art and I like the newer clasp as well. Nothing like the combination of bevels, chamfers, brushed and polished surfaces of a Royal Oak.Special thanks to DavidSW and also Hal a fellow 15300 blue owner as well. I will be enjoying this one for sometime.

Ap - wruw 18/02/12
Good Morning All,What AP you got on today?Let me start!Thanks,Eric

Pie-Pan DeVille?
Yes, it does exist. We saw one last night at the Grand Opening of the ATL Boutique.If you were disappointed (as I was) with the new Constellation pie-pan, take heart. This one definitely tripped my trigger but at $12k+, it is beyond my reach. Bill (gaopa) will be posting photos later.This beauty is an 18k limited edition with a beautifully decorated cal. 2300 movement visible through a display back. At about 40mm, it comes on a leather strap with 18k deployant.Stay tuned.

Show us your watch cases
Hi - so I'm looking for a new watch travel case or roll...so thought I'd start a thread on where you all keep your watches!Also any recommendations on any travel cases would be great! Thanks