In Surprise Ruling, COMCO Halts Swatch Group Escapement Cuts
Switzerland's Competition Commission (COMCO) has ruled that it would be premature to allow the Swatch Group to reduce supplies of assortments (i.e. the regulating organ of a mechanical movement: escape wheel, pallet lever, balance wheel and balance spring) that it sells to Swiss watch brands outside the group. While favoring a continued reduction in supplies of mechanical watch movements, COMCO halted further cuts in assortments supplies. It rejected a proposed plan for a gradual reduction of both movements and assortments through 2021 and 2025 respectively. The surprise ruling is the latest development in a drama that has gripped the Swiss watch industry for two years. At issue is whether the Swatch Group, the world's largest watch company and the dominant supplier of mechanical movements and parts to Swiss watch brands, can legally reduce those supplies. In June 2011 the Swatch Group declared its intention to cut supplies and asked COMCO to investigate the matter. At Swatch's reque

Historical Perspectives: A Look At What Hermes Means To Watch Lovers & Why The Apple Watch Herme
Two months ago, Apple followed up the announcement of the Apple Watch with a special edition model in partnership with no less than Hermès. Hermès is, of course, the still-to-this-day family run hyper-luxury lifestyle brand by which all others are measured. It is quite simply one of the great brand stories of the 20th century and beyond, and a rare success story of those who never cut corners being rewarded by the consumer. Further, Hermès is actually an important brand to a watch collector – having partnered with several great Swiss manufactures over the years as a distributor, retailer, co-designer, and more. Even more, several Hermès items, though technically unrelated to horology, have become part of the watch collecting dialog. Today, we'll explore some of the more important contributions of Hermès to horology, and examine where the Apple Watch Hermès fits in, if at all. 1 OF 23 Hermes As A Retailer And Value Driver

How much to get SMP serviced?
I am looking to flip my two tone SMP with white face and skeleton hands. But to be fair to any potential buyers I was planning on getting it serviced prior to doing so. Any idea of what it would cost (for a routine maintence service) and how long it would take? I have heard of horror stories in regards to the length of time they are taking at the service center.Thanks

Is 5990/1A a legitimate Nautilus?
I was always wanting to acquire a 5990/1A to complete my Nautilus collection as I have Nautilus obsession. And my AD called me yesterday to let me know I can have one in about two months also. He's nice enough to let me in to try on the one they have to be delivered to another client(I am the next!). The watch is cool, feels flatter than my 5980 and larger (due to a slimmer bezel?). I think I won't have any doubt if I am first time Nautilus buyer. But there are two issues bothering me: 1.somehow because of the dial color and design, it makes me think 5990 is an aquanaut instead. 2. This watch has no visible screw holes on both ears---two dual time pushers on the left side, two chrono pushers on the right side. This completely changed the look of 5990 for me, making me doubt if it is still a Nautilus. Folks, what are your thoughts? Would be glad to know!

Discount on a calatrava
how much can one expect as a discount on a calatrava non complication?