Swiss Watch Exports Decline Again, Reaching 2006 Level
The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry has released Swiss watch export figures for September, 2009, and the downward trend continues. The value of Swiss watch exports fell by 26.1% to 1.1 billion francs. Overall exports are down 25.9% for the first 3 quarters of 2009. Swiss watch exports have now retreated to their 2006 level. Watches manufactured from precious metals suffered the steepest declines in value terms in September, while the downturn was less severe for bimetallic timepieces. The number of timepieces exported suffered particularly badly, falling by nearly a million units in one month. Steel and the category of other materials had a markedly negative effect on results. Since the beginning of the year, exports have registered a shortfall of 5.1 million watches.For wristwatches costing less than 200 francs (export price), the number of pieces exported fell by half in September, generating a deficit of 890,000 units. The 200-500 franc segment performed much better, register

New RG AP
Hey all,Just picked up this 15400OR from Tony (justrolexes) thought you guys would like to see some pics. As always a smooth easy deal with Tony!Follow me on Instagram watches561 for more pics Hope you all are wellRyanSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Initials on RO bracelet
Hello all,It's been a while since I've posted but I finally acquired an AP 15400.Love it!Btw, I noticed initials on the inside of the bracelet. I'm thinking they were from the previous owner. I like to think they are from the watchmaker that spent countless hours handcrafting my beauty. See pic. It kinda gives it a personalized, made-with-love & TLC feeling I don't get from Rolex. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!Cheers!

Speedmaster on Medici Nappa Leather..PICS
Received this Medici Nappa Leather from watch Style for the Speedy...Seems to suit the watch...your thoughts?

Who makes the caliber 8500?
I've always wondered who really makes the 8500? Does Omega make it in one of their factories in Switzerland or does one of their sister companies make it for them (ie ETA, Valjoux or Piguet)? I was reading through an older WatchTime the other day and came across this gem that I had previously missed. Exerpt is a quote from Nick Hayek Jr. in WatchTime: Omega Special Issue, October 2008, Omega is a Pioneering Brand, Nick Hayek Jr. interviewed by Rudiger Bucher, Page 38. (bold added by me)This caliber family [8500], which has a 100 percent Omega identity, will ultimately animate nearly all of Omega's mechanical watches, ... ETA maufactured Caliber 8500 under commision from Omega, which also directed and supervised the manufacturing. All of the investments were and still are borne by Omega. Naturally, Omega will continue to collaborate with ETA, and Nivarox will continue to supply the balance-springs. ... We're expanding the premises in Biel: part of the production for Omega - both T