Swiss Watch Exports Rebound Strongly in 2010
2010 saw a strong recovery in Swiss watch exports following the significant downturn recorded in 2009. The sector exported the equivalent of 16.2 billion francs or 2.9 billion more than the previous year. This 22.1% increase makes 2010 the second best year ever, even higher than 2007, which was considered to be excellent at the time. The recovery kicked in starting in January and never eased up. Every month showed an upward trend, often in excess of 20% and even reaching 30% in March and June. Growth accelerated each quarter, with second half exports increasing by 24.3% compared with 19.6% in the first half of the year.ProductsWristwatches accounted for nearly 94% of the value of exports by Swiss watch manufacturers in 2010, recording an increase of 22.7% to 15.1 billion francs. The corresponding number of timepieces also increased sharply, rising to 26.1 million units. This is the highest level achieved since 2002, reflecting growth of 20.4%.Steel, the material of choice for more than

The prominent watchmaker Graham has recently surprised its faithful admirers
The prominent watchmaker Graham has recently surprised its faithful admirers by presenting an extraordinary Chronofighter Trigger Back in Black Rattrapante watch. The timepiece has been unveiled at Baselworld 2010.

Omega Speedmaster Auto "waterproof" question
I am in the process of buying the women's version Speedy 38mm with diamonds around the bezel for my wife. She has finally decided it was time to take the plunge for a nice watch. She is looking for this to be her everyday watch and I am wondering if she was be at the lake and one in a great while jump in the lake or forget to shower with it on from time to time is this going to be a problem. More often than not it would not happen but I thought I would ask the question. Thanks for your input. I really appreciate it. And any other opinions on this watch would be helpful. Thanks!

Omega Speedmaster 376.0822 Grail
Thought some of you Omega aficionados might enjoy these shots of my Omega Speedmaster 376.0822. It's a firm favourite of mine and my current daily wearer:

Great time to be a Panerai fan!
If you truly like the Panerai brand, and don't just follow trends like a sheep, now is the best time in the last 15 years to be a Panerai fan!The choices are amazing, the prices are reasonable, and the watches are actually obtainable.Up until recently, the average collector could not get the SE or hot watches without spending waaaay over retail. Now, the brand is making more pieces with historic ties and most can be had at a discount. For someone like me who has been following the brand for over 15 years...this is a great time.The history, look, and the DNA of the brand has not changed. I guess I'm just glad that some of the hype has passed....now I can buy some of the watches that I have wanted for many years because they are actually affordable again!That's all...just wanted to say that. Enjoy your day.Now I just need to wait for the vintage Rolex bubble to burst!