My First Grail Watch: Sebastien Chaulmontet Of Arnold & Son
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 Sebastien Chaulmontet, who heads the movement team at Arnold & Son. You'll also note that he's an avid collector enamored with chronographs, just like many of us.watches-dealer (ABTW): Who are you, and what is your relationship to the watch industry?Sebastien Chaulmontet (SC): I am head of movement development at Arnold & Son, and I am also part of the design team.ABTW: When did your fascination with watches start?Sebastien Chaulmontet: As a child; I was 10 years old. I bought my first vintage watch (a simple ladies' Omega) at a flea market. I wanted to give it to my mother for her birthday. It cost me 10 CHF at the time (around USD 10) and I still remember the day and place where I bought it. My mother still has the watch today and she remembers fondly that I bought

Saw a 5724 and a 5522. At a Rolex AD!
Stopped into the local Rolex AD who still has my deposit on a SS Daytona, just to check in. Their store doesn't officially carry Patek, but one of the other locations does. She had what I believe was a 5724 with the diamond bezel and baguettes on the clasp. Not my style, but interesting to see. I mentioned something about that limited edition of 600 Patek and she brought one out from the safe. It was the 5522. It's the first two PPs I've seen at this shop. The 5522 was still in a bag, so I couldn't see it that well. The 5724 was really cool in that it has a mini-rotor, so the beautiful back is not obscured so much from view. I thought that was the coolest thing about the watch, but then again, I don't really know anything about them.I didn't take pictures, because I didn't want to look like a tourist.

My AD is awesome
Because I am getting a 5711 zhich was supposed to arrive in June or July, but I told him it would be great if I could get it during Basel as last year I had the tickets, for Basel and for the flight Paris Zurich, but 24 hours before leaving I caught cold and for 3-4 days was in my bed with 39 degrees celsius.He just called me to say that Patek is semding him one on the 16th of March, so I will make it to Basel, he came through big time for me and I am very greatful, will go to Basel with de66, Dimitry, if someone else is going tell him or me and we can meet there.So it will be a triple, Basel, Daytona C that I bought in October but it arrived late, and of course the 5711, very happy to have this great news for a triple whamy

Is The Thrill is Gone?????
Why does there be to be so little excitement for this brand anymore. Outside of the hardcore devotees, it seems the brand is almost viewed negatively these days. Aftermarket prices, certainly reflecting the lack of interest.Would love to get some thoughts from the hardcore Panera lovers. I've always enjoyed these great timepieces.

Can you wear your Rolex to the gas station?
Might wearing your Rollie to the gas station, with all the vapors, cause damage to the movement and possibly case?