Close-Up: Breguet Classique 5717 Hora Mundi
The #breguet Classique Hora Mundi, in simple terms, is the first example of a mechanical timepiece with an instant-jump time zone display. All of the displays jump between time zones with the push of a button. Once you see it, the concept is so intuitive, you wonder why it has not been done before. The Breguet Classique Hora Mundi is equipped with the 5717 self-winding mechanical movement, which is based on Caliber 777 with a silicon escapement, in this case fitted with an additional module. The dial displays hours, minutes and seconds via centrally-mounted hands. The date is at 12 o’clock, and the city or time zone indicator is at 6. A large sun/moon or day/night display rests between 3 and 4 o’clock.The instant-jump time zone feature with fully-synchronized displays is the showstopper. This is a world-first for a mechanical watch, and indeed this timepiece has generated four patent applications. Here’s how it works:From among the 24 available time zones, the wearer

De Bethune, TAG Heuer, Zenith and Others Take Top Prizes at 2011 Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix
More than 1,500 personalities from the watchmaking world turned out at the Grand Th��atre de Gen��ve on Saturday November 19 for the 2011 Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix awards ceremony. The Aiguille d'Or prize for the watch of the year went to the De Bethune’s DB28. Created in 2001, and now under the aegis of the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix Foundation, this event salutes international watchmaking excellence and annually rewards the finest creations and the most important figures in the watchmaking world. It thereby contributes to promoting horology and its prime values �C namely innovation, a will to pass on expertise and the quest for excellence.LAUREATES OF THE GPHG 2011– Aiguille d'Or Grand Prix: De Bethune, DB28– Best Ladies' Watch Prize: Boucheron, Crazy Jungle Hathi– Best Men's Watch Prize: Herm��s, Arceau Le Temps Suspendu– Best Design Watch Prize: Urwerk, UR-110– Best Jewellery and Artistic Crafts Watch Prize: Van Cleef & Arpels, Lady Ar

Omega news
Current POs and automatic SMP 300s are being phased out of production in favor of the 2011 Basel models. Current quartz SMPs will remain available.New models should be available in July.US MSRP for entry level POs will be $5700 and automatic SMPs will be $4700. The new PO chronograph base price is $7700. The new Apollo XV LE is $6000.More details later.Fr. John ?

Here's trouble
Ok, I know this will be controversial but what the heck. I know this is a sub-forum of Rolex, so I expect there to be a lot of love for sports patek watches. However, the aquanaut/nautilus designs seem straight 1970's to me. I love the calatravas and complication pateks, but I don't have the love for the sports models. They're stealthy, I guess, and have the solid patek movement - but they look dated to me, and I'd never jump off the high-dive with such an expensive watch like I would with my subc. I know it's just personal preference, and I didn't even know there were patek sports models until I joined the forum. Do folks use these models in the ocean/pool or are they more likely to be desk divers than even the rolexes. I'm not trying to offend, just trying to understand.

Help finding pre-owned PPs while in NY.
I am looking to make my first PP purchase and would like the opportunity to view and try on some models while visiting New York in the next few weeks. Any advice on the best retailers I should visit where I might find a nice selection of pre-owned Patek's (entry and mid level models...not the historic and/or 6 figure variety unfortunately!)? We will be staying in the Rockefeller Center area of town.Thanks in advance.