Auction Round-up: Historical Resurgence
The spring auction season has come to an end and in the horological collecting world as in the world at large, the flight to quality assets and the ascendance of Asia are dominant themes. As the price of gold climbs, so too do auction prices for the best pieces: rare Patek Philippe timepieces, especially vintage models – the gold ingots of the watch world, and unique, important historical pieces. Quality and rarity never go out of style.At Christie's May 10 marathon sale of nearly 370 timepieces in Geneva , the first 9 of the top 10 selling lots were vintage Patek Philippes selling for between $418,000 and $5.7 million. In tenth position, the other most reliable brand at auction, a 1955 Rolex triple calendar chronograph ref. 6036 came in at $407,000, far above the pre-sale estimate of $270,000. During this sale and a prior sale in November, Christie's offered what proved to be the most expensive private Patek Philippe collection ever sold at auction. A full 100% of the anonymous

Romain Jerome Eyjafjallaj?kull-DNA Unique Piece
Before the dust has settled, so to speak, Romain Jerome introduces the Eyjafjallaj?kull-DNA, a unique-piece memento of the eruption that tortured air travelers and newsreaders the world over. The piece is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity confirming that the volcanic rock and the ash used to create it do indeed come from the infamous volcano. No word on whether delivery of the piece from Geneva may be delayed due to airport closures. Click below for a video of the Eyjafjallaj?kull-DNA Unique Piece…

Marathon Military Navigator Quartz Date Review
When a watch clicks for you, the details of it don't really matter. It could be an inexpensive quartz watch or an epically expensive grand-complication. It could be plastic or it could be platinum. You just know when you strap it on your wrist, that it's right for you. Ideally, it's something you can afford, so you don't have to stay awake at night dreaming about a 100k watch you'll likely never own. More often than not, it's something in between; not outrageously priced, but just out of reach. Well, recently I had such an experience with a watch that is quite affordable, quartz and plastic. That watch is the Marathon Military Navigator Quartz Date.Marathon watches were born of a collaboration between a Canadian watch distributor, the Wein Brothers, and one of the oldest Swiss watch brands, Gallet, whose origins date back to the late 1400's. In the mid 80's the Wein Brothers contracted Gallet to create tough-as-nails watches for distribution to the US and Canadian Armed Forces, thus st

In praise of a "Beater" Seamaster 2225.80
I wonder if I'm alone in my thinking, but as I've gotten deeper and deeper into horology, I wonder if I have been too caught up in the thinking of only iconic watches with in-house or excellent movements. I've acquired a Panerai 121 with an El Primero movement, Bretiling Navitimer 01 LE, Speedmaster 9300, and AP Royal Oak 25860 Chronograph. I love these watches and enjoy wearing them. But I needed a watch that I could wear around the house, traveling, or in the pool/water without worrying. So my thoughts turn to a cheaper, durable, water resistant chronograph (I'm a chronograph-only nut) and I eventually bought a blue dialed Seamaster 2225.80 as my beater.So the first thing I noticed when I got it is that it was really a great-looking watch. The blue dial, red accents and overall looks/proportions look tailor made for my wrist. The wave pattern reminds me a bit of my AP which can look slightly different in different lighting. Yes it's a thick watch, but my Speedy and PAM have me condi

Trade up to Sub or go for Explorer?
Hi all,I am relatively new to watches and love this forum. My only piece is the Black Bay Black ETA, which I wear 24/7. As much as I like it, the no date Sub does call to me. I've considered selling the BB and using proceeds toward a Sub, but also have considered keeping BB and buying Explorer, which is my other favourite Rolex. While I fancy myself as a one watch guy, the BB and Explorer combo would give me two different looks vs having the diver look everyday if Sub was my only watch. I dress casual everyday. Wear a suit a handful of times all year. Any opinions welcome! Thanks to a great group of enthusiasts. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk