AP Dual Time
Hey all,I've found a good price for a pre owned 36mm AP Dual Time from a store in NY ($9k). It looks in good condition but has no papers which I'm told is common for watches that age (c.16 years). I love the watch but I'm worried about verification of authenticity (how can I do this without sending it for a service) - I'm not even sure there are that many fakes for this watch still in circulation...? Also, I'm thoughtful about how much a service would cost for a watch this old. Obviously it depends on a number of factors but an average cost would be helpful. Or should I just stay away...??Thanks in advance.

AP vorPatek
I currently have a Sea Dweller 116600 as my daily wearer, and I'm in the market for two watches to give me a rounded collection:(1) AP Royal Oak or Patek 5711(2) Vintage Rolex Submariner 5513 (for classic occasions)I have some very specific demands of the 5513 so I'm preparing myself for a long search (years rather than months), so my priority is the AP or PP.I have small wrists (which suits both watches, probably a 36mm or 37mm AP) and I prefer Steel to precious metals (which is lucky given my budget!).Previously I have mainly bought new, but for this I will be looking at the used market due to my budget.To look at, I slightly prefer the Patek but only very slightly. I could stretch to the Patek (although it makes my life a lot easier not to) but only if it is justified.So my question is (finally), how does an AP Royal Oak (15450 for example) compare to a Patek Nautilus (5711 for example) in terms of quality. There is a pretty significant difference in price, so I assume the Patek mus

Another polishing question.
I am the happy owner of a Speedmaster Pro purchased in the late 70's. It's had four cleanings in that time, no repairs and NEVER been polished.The patina of the hands and dial face is very nice imo and the lume surprisingly shines brighter than my 1997 Rolex Sub.Now the time has come for a major overhaul and since the case has 30+ years of wear and tear I am tempted to have it cleaned up. My watch man is very established, has both Omega and Rolex accounts with top of the line refinishing machines and assures me metal loss will be microscopic and minimal.Inspite of usually being a rather decisive person I'm on the fence with this one. Resale is not an issue since I plan to pass this timepiece on to my son.Given that I'm pleased with the patina under the crystal and have no desire to replace the dial or hands, will a polish bringing it close to new status look odd ?I've been reading all the pros and cons over the years and would appreciate some personal opinions. Regards, Mark.

Accident or something normal?
I just read this article about Philippe Dufour, I knew his work is impeccable here is not the problem, the problem is that for comparison they have put pics of movements from high end brands, and the one from Patek is just shameful finishing wise, I understand that not all Patek movements are finished to perfection and that some easily rival Dufour's finishing when it comes down to 500K plus models, but even for the lesser expensive Pateks is it possible that some can be sold like this??? Do you think this is a bad finished movement that passed through QC or is this normal finishing for let's say movements of their least expensive pieces? In any case that's why I never wanted to look at any movements I have owned with a loupe as I would be quite disappointed if I had such a finished movement. Would be interested to hear what you think, thanks in advance Small edition point, forget the other pics, forget Dufour, just look at the Patek movement pic and tell me if you think it is normal f

Could this be love? ... quick shot of my modest collection.
Just thought I catch these quick shots while they were all out and available, before sending them back into the darkness of the safety deposit box. They were all so happy to be out and about, just couldn't resist. (p.s. Explorer is sized and used by the wifey. She might even claim it is hers, but don't listen to her. )