Affordable Vintage: 1974 Gruen Precision
Since yesterday was the 4th, we figured today would be a good day to briefly talk about an American brand that once was. A brand that, though one of the original American wristwatch companies, is not often talked about: Gruen. Unlike Hamilton, Bulova, Elgin, Waltham, etc�� they simply are not as popular or sought after. Gruen produced tons of watches in the 70+ years they were around, some of which are well known and renowned, such as the Curvex and Techni-Quadron models, but generally speaking they are not very collectable and information on specific models is sparse. A quick browse on Ebay and you will find that they rarely break $300, though on more curated vintage sites, such as watchestobuy, you will find some approaching $2,000.1940’s Gruen Curvex Bat Wing – image by watchestobuyThe history of the brand is very interesting and for a detailed look I recommend reading this thoroughly researched on-line book by Paul Schlisser. Mr. Schlisser breaks down the story of Gruen

The Rare Royal Oak
Some new photos of my 15313 for your enjoyment! Happy new year everyone!

Help.......Breitling dive watch or baume and mercier
Hello all:I am very conflicted as to what type of dive watch I should buy. I am not going deep sea diving at all, actually I won't go past 20-30 feet, but I want a watch that is safe in the water, yet I won't have to pay 5,000 or over.I was looking at the breitling dive watches, ( I want it on a bracelet of course),and this watch.....amazon/gp/product/B00...SIN=B003QBFIPWWhat do you guys recommend as a nice, big, manly size watch, that is strong, waterproof, and durable....without the 6,000 dollar price tag, and are there any reliable places you guys have dealt with that I can buy from online?Thanks so much.Tom

Nautilus Braclet to Strap
Chaps, I am trying to find out the exact route to change a bracelet 5726 to a strap version.My understanding is that the end-links are different on the 5726 strap vs the 5726 bracelet; therefore, the Patek strap won't fit.Does anyone know the route to made this modification and can anyone give me a list of suppliers for a quality strap.My assumption is that someone will be making an after-market strap that fits the end links on the 5726 bracelet and therefore, all you'd need to do is purchase a deployant from Patek. Any and all advice welcome! TIA

Considering a Vintage Perpetual Calendar Chronograph - any input appreciated
I am considering adding a vintage Patek Perpetual Calendar Chronograph to my collection.I have done a lot of reading around the 3 different variations of the 3970 series and have also been looking at the 5970.Obviously prices are very very robust and so trying to find anything at a fair price is a challenge.I am looking to buy a watch to keep and to wear and do not have any plans to flip or hold for purely investment purposes. However i am keen to buy wisely and select one of the more sought after models / metals.i will probably focus on the 3970 for the time being but am also open to the 5970 should i find a good one at a fair price.Any input on which of the particular variations to get and the rarity of different metals dial combinations would be very useful.Thanks in advance