Cartier Must

Astor+Banks Chrono Review
Astor+Banks is a new boutique brand based out of Chicago that has really hit the ground running. I had the pleasure of getting brunch with the founders a couple of months ago, and I found their approach both honest and compelling. They’re not setting out to change the world one watch at a time, they’re not trying to convince you that other watches are inferior¡­they simply want to make good watches with great style at approachable prices. They also didn't jump in headfirst, hastily making something to get their brand out there. No, they've been careful and cautious, making sure that their watches, the components and the story all work.One particularly important element of their story is that the watches are all assembled in their offices in Chicago. The components, which are largely Asian made, come in, are inspected and put together by trained watch makers locally to ensure quality control. While this step isn't truly necessary, it's not like every watch assembled in China

Oh My Gosh ! ! ! It's a Size 0s Fahys Trench Watch with a SNAP ON GUARD, Elgin.
This ABSOLUTELY insane piece arrived in today's mail! This is a 4 piece SIZE 0s Oresilver Fahys Trench Watch Case that has the snap on shrapnel guard ! ! ! ! !I have NEVER seen one of these in a size 0s, I thought that they only made these in the smaller size 3/0s. The case is HUGE ! ! ! It measures 36mm across ! ! !I have been dealing in American military watches for awhile now and I haven't ever heard of a reference to one of these being a SIZE 0s ! ! ! I did not know that such a case existed ! ! ! This is my Holy Grail ! ! !Somebody over the years cut one of the lugs off but this can be repaired for about $50.00 and the other lug can be bent back into it's proper shape. I have taken several pictures showing how it is assembled.When it arrived it had a wrong Swiss movement inside that was the wrong size as well so I am going to put it back as close to original as possible using a time period correct American size 0s Elgin movement and military dial. Give me a month or so and it will

Vintage Illinois Spotlight-- Burlington
In Fred Friedberg's wonderful book, "The Illinois Watch" The life and times of a great American watch company,There are 4 Logical "Periods" for Illinois watches...1) Transitional Pre World War I to the early 1920's2) Generic Early 1920's to early 1930's3) Deco Late 1920's to early 1930's4) Moderne Early 1930'sHere is a wonderful example of a "Burlington" from the Transitional period.I was very fortunate to find this little beauty at our sponsor"A. Trebor's Vintage Watches" (? Trebor¡¯s vintage watch collection)trebor.antiques@sympatico.ca or contact Robert Laughlin at 514 946-3310 Robert is a super guy, and a pleasure to deal with!(FF) Burlington was one of the hundreds of private labelsthat the Illinois Watch Company made primarily for Pocket Watches.Of the private label Illinois watches, the Burlington was the most prevalent.Note the cool wheel with wings on it...Made in CANADA!SIDES:BACK:FF NOTES:RARITY 3/6 TO 6/6It came in a military styleand one known Square case"A serious Illinois

The best watch you've ever owned
For fun and for my love of experience related opinions. I wanted to start this thread. No watches you want, no watches you're planning on, but what is the nicest watch you've owned? Pictures of the Front and movement or engravings would be appreciated.I'd love to see some of the awesome pieces here! Maybe it'll give me something to work for in the future.Here is mine:

Celebrating my 1 year Anniversary
Ball Trainmaster Heritage (Pics and write up) Ball Heritage - One Year AnniversaryCheers!