Philippe Dufour Interview: Why He Is Disappointed With Today's Watchmakers
For a guy who is generally revered by some of the most well-funded watch collectors in the world, Mr. Philippe Dufour is a pretty humble and approachable guy. It isn't that he doesn't have an ego �C everyone with the ability to admire the fruits of their own work clearly has an understanding of exactly how good they are �C but rather that Mr. Dufour is an advocate of hard work and dedication above all else (including how people perceive him). In fact, I would suggest that having a waiting list of orders a few years long and being able to politely say "no" to new requests makes having an ego totally unnecessary. Should Philippe have one of those days where he is questioning himself, no doubt all he needs to do is be reminded that if he lived another 100 years, his work schedule could be easily booked.What I've always personally liked about Philippe Dufour as a man is his straight-forward way of approaching watchmaking. None of the glitz or smoke and mirrors of today's watch industry even

WATCH GIVEAWAY: Hamilton Khaki Pilot Day Date
This month on watches-dealer you have a chance to win an automatic mechanical Hamilton Khaki Pilot Day Date watch, part of Hamilton's new collection of aviator-style watches. Hamilton has a long history in the production of aviation timepieces and they keep this tradition alive today with the various models in the Khaki Pilot collection. You can read more about Hamilton's relationship with aviation here.? The Hamilton Khaki Pilot Day Date comes in a 42mm wide steel case with either a silver or black dial, and on a leather strap or steel bracelet.Inside the Hamilton Khaki Pilot Day Date watch is a Swiss ETA 2834-2 automatic movement with the time, date, and day of the week, with the word fully spelled out under 12 o'clock. The watch has a sapphire crystal and is water resistant to 100 meters. The handsome Hamilton Khaki Pilot Day Date watch collection retails for between $895 - $945 (depending on the strap) and the lucky winner gets to choose their choice of available versions. Good luc

BASELWORLD 2011 - New Model - Patek Philippe 4897 R
(Info and images - Patek Philippe SA)4897R-010Ladies' CalatravaDescriptionAs a classic expression of feminine elegance, the ultra-thin Calatrava Reference 4897 unites a precious mechanical heart with a refined rose gold case and a delicately guilloched and lacquered dial in a new cream hue. Framed by a diamond-set bezel, the watch is worn with an elegant satin strap in pearly white.Technical dataWatch: * Caliber 215 * Mechanical manually wound movement * Bezel set with 72 diamonds (~0.47 ct) * Cream-colored guilloched dial, powdered gold hour markers * Pearly white brushed satin strap * Prong buckle * Sapphire-crystal case back * Water resistant to 30 m * Rose gold * Case diameter: 33 mmCaliber: * Overall diameter: 21.9 mm * Height: 2.55 mm * 18 jewels, 5 bridges * Balance: Gyromax * Vibrations per hour: 28'800 * Power reserve: 44 h max. * Number of parts: 130

New to me (incoming . . . )
I joined the cult of Omega (that just sounds cool). I've never been much of a Seamaster fan but I do like the look of the vintage models. I happened across one the other day in the FS section and bought it. It should be here Monday or Tuesday and I am very excited to see it up close. A few NATO straps are on the way as well. Here is the seller's pic of my new early 50's Seamaster Calendar (wrist pics to follow).The watch looks pretty clean, runs well and comes from a reputable seller so I'll hold off on a service for a while. Any info you have to share on these classics would be appreciated. Thanks!

Ben Bridge Jewelers is no longer an authorized Omega dealer . . .
I heard it last Friday from another Omega AD and it was confirmed by a friend who works at a local Ben Bridge store today. He is a Sales Associate and did not know the reason, but they got the memo this morning. He mentioned that they are going to offer all their Omega stock at 20% off. I was not impressed because I get 30% off from an out-of-state AD.