My First Grail Watch: Christian Bedat Of Bedat & Co. And RED8
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're speaking with Christian Bedat, founder of RED8, who quite literally grew up in the industry, and wraps things up with a great bit of life advice.watches-dealer (ABTW): Who are you, and what is your relationship to the watch industry?Christian Bedat: I was born in the industry - I'm the son of the late Simone Bedat, who founded Raymond Weil and then helped me manage Bedat & Co. I grew up in the industry and spent my youth in factories and the worldwide market. The passion grew slowly to become part of my personality. I can now say that, at the age of 50, I have over 40 years of experience.ABTW: When did your fascination with watches start?Christian Bedat: Again, at young ages, spending time around watch people from all fields. I attended my first Basel fair as a child at the age of 7,

Van Ree Chrono DNA Watch
When I first wrote about Van Ree watches they had a cool concept and a vintage style design. With their second timepiece, Van Ree of Holland offers a more contemporary design to go with their unique concept. The DNA part of the watch name is not just a cool sounding buzzword, these watches actually do have something to do with DNA, your DNA.The new model for Van Ree is this cool looking Chrono DNA. The first model was called the Personal DNA, and this one has the DNA of a chronograph? Not sure what that is about. If you click on the link above you can read all about the Personal DNA. Van Ree collects your DNA, and then uses parts of the genetic code on the watch itself. There is an imprint of the sequence on the rotor, and in acid base form on the periphery the back of the watch. For the Chrono DNA, I think things have been simplified. The graphics around the dial (as well as engraved into the automatic rotor) are meant to resemble the look of a? graphical DNA sequence. Not actually su

First patek...thanks for everyone's help
Thanks to DavidSW, i now have my first patek! First, I wanted to thank you all for putting up with my questions the last couple of weeks, basic as they probably were. I've definitely appreciated all of the help, input, pictures, etc. etc. of this great forum. It is one thing to be knowledgeable about watches, but to also have the patience to help out the less experienced among us (myself included) really makes this site great.So, here it is��I was going back and forth between the nautilus (5711) and royal oak (15300) for some time, but somehow ended up with an aquanaut, and couldn't be happier.I have only had the piece for two days, but here are my impressions so far:Positives:-Very comfortable, as most have already said. I was initially concerned about the rubber strap, but have found it incredibly comfortable��second only to my speedmaster on a leather strap and deployant.-Under the radar, as most have already said. I've only worn the piece around for the last two days, but I don'

177 or 176, be great to have feedback
Hi all... Newbie is finally in touch with a recommended dealer at reasonable pricesAs if narrowing down the options of all the different references wasn't enough - I've now got to decide on the intricacies within the individual references so I'm asking for help....Sandwich or painted??The 177 is g series paintedThe 176 is sandwich (not sure which year)I'm of the understanding both are discontinued as of 2014 to make way for the in-house movements and bigger cases to come...Is it true the base (176) is more sought after? Is the base look with sandwich more of the original panerai style?Is it true the painted g 177 is also special as then they went sandwich after this?Its a first Pam purchase... There is a ��500 differential... Which way would you go??Thanks so much for taking the time

The BLNR Gmt Owners' Club.
I see the BLNR/Batman is on its way to become a very successful model, so I guess it would be nice to have a place to gather our nicest pics of such a gorgeous watch. A Lume shot: