My First Grail Watch: Patrick Bek
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 are speaking with Patrick Bek, one of the founders of Uniform Wares. Read on to learn about his first watch, what he sees in the classic Rolex Oyster case, and what particular Rolex reference he hopes to pick up some day.watches-dealer (ABTW): Who are you, and what is your relationship to the watch industry?Patrick Bek: I am a co-founder of the British watch brand Uniform Wares. We create watches with an emphasis on character and distinction through intelligent design, not branding. The collection is the result of our design and development background, underpinned by the manufacturing expertise provided by our collaborative international factories. We sell via our website and a roster of international design and fashion stores.ABTW: When did your fascination with watches start?Patrick Bek: I

Affordable Vintage: 1974 Gruen Precision
Since yesterday was the 4th, we figured today would be a good day to briefly talk about an American brand that once was. A brand that, though one of the original American wristwatch companies, is not often talked about: Gruen. Unlike Hamilton, Bulova, Elgin, Waltham, etc�� they simply are not as popular or sought after. Gruen produced tons of watches in the 70+ years they were around, some of which are well known and renowned, such as the Curvex and Techni-Quadron models, but generally speaking they are not very collectable and information on specific models is sparse. A quick browse on Ebay and you will find that they rarely break $300, though on more curated vintage sites, such as watchestobuy, you will find some approaching $2,000.1940’s Gruen Curvex Bat Wing – image by watchestobuyThe history of the brand is very interesting and for a detailed look I recommend reading this thoroughly researched on-line book by Paul Schlisser. Mr. Schlisser breaks down the story of Gruen

How often do you have your Omega Serviced?
My SMP (Bond with SS bezel) is going on 13 years without any service. Still runs like a top, but I'm starting to feel guilty.Just wondering how long others are going between services.

Changing Strap?
Where can I find directions on swapping out the strap On My Luminor Pam 310?

Was expecting a new Explorer 2 offering at Basel 2018
Is it just me or were others expecting a new Explorer offering at Basel? I was holding out getting a polar thinking that something was certainly going to be introduced.It's been a while since Rolex touched the Explorer 2 line. Any theories why? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk