Cartier Ballon Bleu Large

Illinois-Hamilton Serial Number
HiI recently picked up a 1927 Illinois watch with a Ser.# 5048944. This is around the time Hamilton acquired The Illinois Watch Company. Does anyone know if this serial number dates before or after the acquisition?ThanksTony

It's back!
Just got the Spitfire back:The Project Watch ClubI am one happy watch addict tonight!

My Square Returns
I picked up my full serviced 1926 WGF Square yesterday and so far, it is plus one second since 12pm yesterday. Surreal. It's great to have the "Square" back in the house, and the other vintages are happy that the leader has returned.Here's a quick pic from before she went in, the pic that convinced me to trim my wrists

Broke the glass of my PAM219
It had to happen one day! While I was putting on the watch, I accidently dropped it from about chest height. It fell face down on the tiles in the kitchen. The crown guard got dented and there is a crack on the glass at 6 o'clock.Went to Panerai 5 hours later and brought it in for glass replacement. Verdict = 200 USD. I specifically asked not go repair anything else, nor polish it. I like it when my watch looks rugged but I can't stand the glass being broken.I did however asked them to check if everything is alright with the movement. It kept time between dropping it and bringing it in, so I suspect no harm was done on the movement. They will do that free of charge.

What a Difference a Year Makes
Last year around this time I walked into a certain SoCal Rolex Boutique and was given a VIP show around the place by one of the salesmen. They had virtually all models on display minus the SS Daytona and all could have been picked up that day. Trying on a BLNR pulled from the case rekindled my desire for another Rolex. Took around nine months for me to pull the trigger but it was that experience that brought me back.Fast forward to yesterday. I walked into the same store occupied by a guard at the door and two sales women in the back. I was greeted with courtesy and I started browsing around. As at many dealers these days lots of Datejusts and PM pieces, not much else. I noted the shortage and asked if they were again receiving stock, especially SS sport stuff. Her reply floored me. ¡°Yes, but all those are going to our VIP customers.¡± So I asked exactly why have a walk in boutique that only sells ¡°the good stuff¡± to a select few? Shrugged shoulders. I thanked her for basically telling