Parmigiani Invests Nearly $20 Million in Vaucher Manufacturing Facility
Parmigiani has announced the opening of its nearly $20 million state-of-the-art Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier facility near its headquarters in Fleurier. The new facility provides about 75,000 square feet for Parmigiani’s movement production, finishing and assembly. Parmigiani manufactures all its components within its own facilities. The new Vaucher workshop also provides a wide range of components and services to many of the most recognized names in haute horlogerie. Founded in 1996 by Michel Parmigiani, master watchmaker, designer, and restoration expert, with the support of the Sandoz Family Foundation, Parmigiani Fleurier SA is a recognized leader in the production of top-tier components for luxury timepieces, and they are among the few Swiss watchmaking houses that insists on finishing each watch completely by hand.

Diver
Do you think AP will one day release a SS diver with ceramic bezel? That would be a hell of a watch, I am sure they thought about it but IMO they don't do it because it would make too much competition with their 44mm SS pieces with ceramic bezels which go for much more than the 42mm diver, with the ceramic bezel it would clearly blow away any other dive watches on the market, even without it's one of the best, but with it the diver would achieve perfection.After more than 2 days I am still in awe with the work, finish and perfection of AP ceramic, it's just incredible and next to it all other full ceramic pieces from other brands look like poorly finished, to my very limited knowledge no other brand does that amazing mix of brushed and polished ceramic, and the vertical lines is a definite plus, I'm sure the first models with satin finish are great but those lines just gives it a little something extra

The Beagle has landed
I can't believe no-one has used this topic title yet for their new Snoopy So when I saw today's Telegraph magazine cover it seemed like I should take some pics of mine Now the new Silver Snoopy interested me but I'm afraid I just can't like it. The overly busy dial, the gaudy, ott lume that looks like a chav/redneck Christmas tree and the lack of bracelet (interested to see one on bracelet though) aren't doing it for me at all sadly.It got me thinking though that I missed my original Snoopy and a quick search online turned up a full set unworn example with super low serial number which I quickly snapped up. Obviously the first thing to do with an unmarked 12 year old watch is wear it and scratch it up some which you'll be pleased to hear is exactly what i've done These things are meant to be worn as tool watches after all So, anyway, here's to the famous Beagle, 65 years old a couple of months ago and still looking cool as ever

I give thanks for my new Neil Armstrong Speedie!
It's a 105.012-65. Pictures from the seller; I'll take my own soon enough. Dial, hands, and bezel look to be in fantastic shape, with an even patina. Bracelet is perfect, though it will be switched out for a JB Champion a la Neil. Can't wait to see her in person!

Advice: 16610LV
I am getting ready to pull the trigger and acquire the 16610LV, most likely from Tony at SD. There are a handful to choose from, however all of them are basically mint & full set(s). It boils down to a handful of serials that don't seem to matter for collecting purposes (M, Z, L I think), engraved vs. non-engraved rehaut, and $200-$800 difference for condition (LN to new without stickers). I also notice a few color variations to the bezel. If you were in my position, what would you be considering? Any thoughts or input would be appreciated. Thanks TRF-