Who Tested Your Watch? A Guide to the Watch Industry’s Quality Marks
People often wonder just how good their watches are. A quality seal can help provide an answer: it shows that the watch has passed a test for its timekeeping ability and, in some instances, the quality of its finishing. COSC and the Geneva Seal are by far the best-known issuers of quality certificates, but there are many others. Some, like these two, test watches from multiple brands; others, such as the Patek Philippe Seal. Here's a look at 11 quality-testing systems.COSC Certificate:Switzerland's Contr?le Officiel Suisse des Chronom��tres, or COSC, is the best-known watch-certifying organization. The COSC procedure lasts 15 days. Watch companies send their movements to COSC uncased. COSC then assigns each an identification number and its employees apply a generic dial with reference points that help an optical sensor track the watch's seconds hand. Each movement is wound mechanically (automatic movements must remain rotor-less), then given a rest period of 24 hours before testing. The

Reputable independent repair shop for Bell&Ross & Omega...
I'm looking for a reputable independent watch shop in Los Angeles to do movement servicing on an Omega Speedmaster with Valljoux 7750 and a Bell&Ross with an ETA 2824. Does anyone have some suggestions? Omega want's $700 and will only do a full rebuild.Thanks.

Good place to buy a strap for Vintage Omega?
Hey Guys, I have a 1950's Omega Seamaster Bumper Automatic that is getting serviced as we speak. It was still running but slow by more than 20 seconds a day (and also periodically just died even while wearing). I imagine it may have not been serviced for more than 30 years. Since the watch will (hopefully) be running like new when i get it back I was thinking of getting a nice new strap. It is currently on a brown Alligator strap and I would like to go less dressy. Perhaps brown calfskin? suggestions? where could i buy a good quality strap from? Below is a picture before the service (a new crystal is part of the service)omega.jpgThanks! -Tom

This is driving me crazy, can't get bracelet off my SMP 300
well, I have tried to get the bracelet off my SMP 300 for the last 2 hours... can't seem to get it off..from this video Omega Speedmaster Professional Moon Watch - Strap change (nato): Silent - YouTubeit seems the bracelet just pop off once one side of the spring is pushed...without much effort..whereas for mine, even though i pushed on side of the spring bar all the way in, it didn't come on.. it's kinda stuck on the lugs...i tried to wiggle it off.. but couldn'tplease take a look at the pic, hopefully it explains what should i do? Am i doing something wrong? Thanks in advance !

Interview ahead of time Patek & Kobold.
Interesting articles one about Mike Kobold, Founder Of Kobold Watchesand one about Hank Edelman CEO of Patek Philippe USA.A Patek Calibre 89, with 33 complications,sold at auction in 1989 for $2.7 million.Just click on the more for each article.watchtime/interviews/index.php