Cartier Ballon Bleu

New SS Lord Elgin
I got one of these in a lot I purchased over a year ago. Hadn't been that interested in this particular part of the lot until I saw this watch in person. It ran and kept time but had a discolored dial so, I just sat it aside keeping my eyes open for a better model that might come along.Skip forward to about two months ago, I see an auction for a very clean example that barely eluded my grasp. A bit disappointed, I decide another one was bound to come along. And, less than a week later, another in not quite as clean of shape does come up, and as good fortune would have it, I get it for much, much less than the prior. Upon arrival, I was pleased to see that the case, dial, hands, and movement were in better shape than my original and, in my opinion, very wristworthy.I just got it back from service Saturday and am very pleased. Something draws me to white gold/ stainless steel cases with white dials. Now I am contemplating having the dial from my first redone and selling one off.

The Patron Program Giveaway SEA SHARK is here!!! Pics inside
Before I get to the visuals I just have to thank John again for doing this. I've gotten so much out of this forum and the giveaway was certainly above and beyond the call of duty.When I opened it up I was really stunned. The dial looks amazing, the bezel feels solid and the bracelet has heavy links that feel like they'll stand up to a lot. I can't believe this thing sells for $200!My apartment may have the worst lighting ever for watch shots so I apologize that I couldn't get a really good picture of the dial, but here are my best effortsI'm afraid I didn't do the dial justice at all.A box from one John Holbrook:Contents of said box, with a nice piece of WTF memorabilia:Resting peacefully on its pillow, wondering why it's taking so long for me to get a good shot:Awaiting a resize:Sized, set and ready to go:Thanks again John! I love this watch!

Making It Fit........The Bracelet.
Omega uses pins to hold the bracelet together. To confound this, the nice clasp they provide does not have any micro-holes for adjustment..But you can do it:First you need a couple of simple tools. Either a bracelet pin removal tool...orA pin punch the approximate diameter (smaller) of the pins.A small hammer to tap the pin out.A pair of small pliers to pull out and insert the pin.Something like this:Looking at the links from the backside, some small arrows can be seen etched in the removable links. The pins are pushed out in the direction of the arrows.Place the bracelet in a padded vice, or hold sturdily on a piece of padded wood....or two with a small space between for the pin to have room to come out. After the pin is started out, it can be pulled the rest of the way with the pliers. This photo shows two pins partially out.Here we see the parts. You will notice we have two full links and one 1/2 link. The other parts are the locking tube and the pin. This photo also shows th

42mm Titanium Planet Ocean
What are anyone's experiences like with the 42mm PO Ti? I guess part of this question is, how much difference is there between the 8500 movement and the 8900 movement as well?Thanks, your thoughts are appreciated.Don

Orange Omega Teaser
Anyone see this? I hope it means that a ceramic orange bezel is coming for the SS Planet Ocean.