Swatch Group First Half Sales and Profits Jump to Record Levels
Swatch Group’s gross sales for the first half of 2010 exceeded SFr.3 billion for the first time ever, topping the 2008 record, and the future looks bright, thanks largely to China and Russia. The Group’s Chief Executive Nick Hayek told Reuters “We do not see what could keep us from achieving record sales and profit in 2010,” though he added that exchange rates and gold prices present continued risk. Net income rose 54.5% to SFr.465 million while operating profit rose 81.4% to SFr.626 million. Operating cash flow, at SFr.633 million, was SFr.386 million higher than in the prior-year period (SFr.247 million). Net cash and equivalents rose to SFr.1.33 billion, compared with SFr.1.1 billion at the end of 2009.Sales increased in the United States and in Europe, excluding Greece. “The U.S. will grow also in the second half, they have to catch up. I also expect strong growth in Western Europe,” Hayek said. He added that the second half, with the holiday sho

Junghans Meister Kalendar Watch
If you need just one reason to love Germans today let it be this watch by German watch maker Junghans. The Meister Kalendar is one of their more retro-looking pieces embodying the spirit of Bauhaus design's beautiful functionality and the graceful lines of a dress watch. Masterfully composed, the Meister Kalendar hides a few design secrets that make it so lovely to look at. It isn't terribly expensive either, and this is a brand that you'll be happy to check out - though it isn't without its quirks.Pretty much all good German stuff has quirks right? Well, that probably goes for all things. As an avid driver of German cars and wearer of German underpants (joke! only if...) I find an endearing quality to Germanic design. The Mesiter Kalendar watch isn't over-designed, which is good. Germans are excellent at minimalist design when they wish to be. Though as a brand Junghans has taken the production of retro-themed timepieces quite seriously. They want this and other Meister collection wat

APSC for water testing / 3rd year warranty
Morning, I am planning on sending my new to me, pre-loved Diver into Clearwater in the next month or two to have the watch water tested, thus adding an additional year to my warranty. My question is should I have a light polish done at this time. Watch is basicly mint, have to really study it to see any signs of wear. If a light polish is recommended, any idea of cost. Thank you all in advance.

Calatrava v. Chevron ('Henri Stern') deployant clasp
Having managed to satisfy myself with the help of responses to another of my threads, that the 5140 that I have just acquired did not have a rogue clasp (it had no Calatrava rose and turns out to be a since-discontinued 'chevron' or 'Henri stern' clasp), I have followed up on TRF and a few other forums as to the differences. Whilst there is plainly an identified issue with the safety of the chevron clasp, there is a sizeable body of opinion that strongly prefers it to the more traditional Calatrava clasp, for a whole variety of reasons. Not only that, but there are those that actually mourn its passing and regret that it is now very hard to find the chevron clasp.As this is my 'entry level' first PP, I have nothing to compare the chevron clasp with. Before asking PP whether they will give me a free swap (this seems to be available from what I have read), I thought I would sound out people's opinions on whether this would be an unwise move; not least as I guess that it is very much a

233 no longer has a dome?
In this thread: https://.rolexforums/showpost...0&postcount=29If this is true this is most unwelcome. I hope the poster is mistaken.Maybe this ends up like the Rolex Seadweller will have a gloss dial thread a while ago, but we have a witness.