Two Vintage Breguet Pocketwatches Added to the Brand’s Collection of Historic Timepieces
Montres Breguet added to its private collection of historically significant watches, when brand president and CEO Marc A. Hayek acquired two important lots at a Christie’s Geneva auction last year: the Breguet no. 4039, a half-quarter repeating watch with an off-centered hour dial and date indication, and the extremely rare Breguet Tourbillon no. 1176.The first watch, the Breguet no. 4039, was originally sold to the Duke of Berwick on September 30, 1825, and went for a final auction price of? 70,000 Swiss francs at Christie’s. It is a remarkable example of one of Abraham-Louis Breguet’s extra-slim repeating timepieces made “sur les principles des chronom��tres” (on the principles of chronometers). The Breguet No. 4039 has a case made of 18K gold and is outfitted with the “Caliber 21”'” movement, with an additional complication for the date indication (in a window at 6 o’clock). It has an engine-turned silver dial with Roman numerals

HourTime Show Watch Podcast Episode 89
John and I go back and forth on the appeal of the half million dollar Jean Dunand Shabaka watch. We then enjoy the upcoming Cabestan Trapezium and go over my review of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Diving Chronograph GMT Navy Seals watch.Listen to the HourTime Show watch podcast episode 89 here.Download the MP3 here.

Breaking News: Harry Winston Is Acquired By The Swatch Group (Plus Some Things To Consider)
While there have been rumors that famed NY-based jeweler and watchmaker Harry Winston was in "sell-mode" for a while, we don't think anyone expected this.? In news coming from both side of the equation today, 100% of the Harry Winston company has been acquired by none other than the owner of Omega, Breguet, Hamilton, and like a zillion other watch brands, the Swatch Group.This marks a decided change for Winston, who was for a long time completely independent and privately held, and most recently, publicly traded but essentially independent.? To be fully acquired by a large conglomerate will mean a lot of changes to Winston, and we'll be anxious to see how this plays out.Here are some things to consider in this deal, from our perspective:- Harry Winston is considered the only true "high-luxury" brand remaining in America.? It has a fantastic legacy of true glamor and prestige (the Hope diamond is a Winston diamond), and to see it go into the hands of a giant Swiss conglomerate is bitter

11 year old GMT IIc
Here are more picks of my very well worn (daily for 11 years) GMT IIc. As you can see, it is a true beater. I wear it to all sports with the exception of karate. Tennis, snorkeling, kayaking, running, biking, weight lifting, showering, sleeping, etc. It has seen a rough life, but it is still mint in my heart. Look at the second photo...all those little craters on the side of case, this is the real moon watch! Notice very little stretch in bracelet. The ceramic bezel is truly mint, no scratches or fade, platinum numerals 100% present. The watch was serviced once 4 years ago. I still regret that I let the RSC polish the watch, as they erased the patina. The rest of the crew just mostly hang out in safe. I like them too, but the practicality is just not there for daily use. With my Rolex I never have to worry about what I am going to do that day.

WOO HOO! My Poor Man Paul Newman-HERE
Hell, I'm lucky to afford the poor man's Daytona. Just Arrived: Ref 79170 Tudor Oysterdate Automatic Chrono Time.This watch pushes my buttons in so many positive ways. - Case and Trip loc Crown by Rolex. That's cool cause I love Rolex cases! This one is nicknamed The BIG BLOCK. It's huge.- Screw down crown & pushers. If I fall off the bar stool and land in the pool, no worries.- Two tone subs. I love two tones. If you got 'em, show 'em.- Rotating bezel. I use the bezel as a timing device often. Plus, you don't see many with this type bezel.- Val 7750 movement. My favorite chrono movement. Robust, trusted, and can be easily repaired. I use the chrono function often as well.-Plex crystal. Easily polished and plex has a luster not found in sapphire crystals.- Cyclops. Love the iconic Rolex look, need and use the date.- Oyster bracelet. Has a Tudor clasp and is ostensibly exactly the same as a Rolex oyster bracelet.Many thanks to those who PM'ed info to me.Now for the pics!dP