Cartier Ballon Bleu Chronograph

I should REALLY give the postman a good Christmas tip!
or, in classic Rocky & Bullwinkle alternate title fashion:It's a Stormy day in the Delaware Valley!This one is going in the rotation for sure. The band is not the best but livable until the dealer comes through with a brown croc strap that he promised. Seeing as I've bought 3 watches from him in the last few months he saw fit to offer me my choice. He just didn't have the one I wanted in stock at the time. I've seen a few Hamiltons I liked but this one sat up, licked my face, and whimpered to be adopted by me.....so I obliged!* I just cannot figure out why some photos come out great and other are blurry. They all look good in iPhoto and Photobucket. I'll shoot some better ones when I do a group shot of the 14K & 18K vintage pieces, I promise.

I'm new!
5Nd5K45J13G93F73J9bcqab0fcd6e64c51621.jpg(don't know if it is actual watch)I hope the pictures attached. I'm hoping to find out information about a Bulova Marine Star. I know it's an older watch, going to check it out tomorrow. What would be a fair used price if it is in good working order? 5L85G75Ff3K33Id3Ffbcqf336ce9c2b831217.jpg(don't know if it is actual watch)Also, I'm going to look at a Accutron railroad approved wrist watch. It has date code N1 (1971?). It has 214 movement, and a leather strap. what would be a fair price for one of these?I do have a friend going with me, that I trust, and he is a collector. I'm trying to get educated! Thanks for and help/ advice provided.-j

WatchMaker wanna-be?
Don't know if everyone has introduced thier occupation to forum, not even sure if it's appropiate to ask such a question. I'm a toolmaker with 24 yrs. experience. I can program, set up, and operate various CNC machine tools, such as multi-axis, vertical machining centers, lathes, wire electrical discharge (EDM) and many different types of CNC grinders, multi spindle, multi axis, contour, ID/OD, I've even operated a couple Citizen Swiss Lathes(14 axis) and even a Star Swiss lathe - to produce pretty much anything. I use - what might be interesting to some here on the site - some very precision instruments on a daily basis. like this Brown and Sharpe 0.00005 indicator. the last 0.062 diameter ruby tip that I purchased cost $60.0, I use ruby tips to prevent scratching the surface finish I'm working with. another one of my indicators, gaduated in 0.0001 increments, its as accurate but not as easy to read as the 0.00005, often spliting the lines on both these dials depending on what the bl

My Haute Horology soon to be popped!
Hello everyone! First off, what an ansolutley enormous amount of knowledge on this forum! And a personal thank you to all the enablers with their gorgeous timepieces lol. Ive made my decision for my first watch to jump into the haute horology scene. The AP Rubberclad (White themes). I have 1 question that I hope someone with knowledge can help me out with. I've noticed that most models are equipped with a Black color surrounding the datewheel like this one below.However, I've come across a model with a Silver color surrounding the date wheel like this one below.My question is : Has AP changed this with different production dates for this model? I'm aware that this model is discontinued, which version would be the latest one that was produced?Thanks in advance for any help guys!E

My First Step Into PP
After many years of collecting a variety of watches - mostly Rolex and Panerai, I finally took my first step into this world of Patek, and all I can say is wow. Over the years I have learned many things about my preferences, including a fondness for clean easy to read pieces that error on the sporty side.I spent considerable time in this area of the forum, and I have to say thanks to all of you. I feel like a was able to receive a free education in PP before taking the plunge.Yesterday, was the first day on the wrist, and here it is.[IMG][/IMG]My thoughts after a couple of days:This is the most comfortable watch I have ever owned. With the strap adjusted appropriately, it's hard to tell it is there.The sound of the rotor is mesmerizing. I love it, but I can see it being an issue for some.The rubber strap works. This was my biggest concern, but I wore it with a tie and jacket, and it never looked out of place.The dial is a true pleasure, especially in natural light. You will see t