Cartier Santos Vendome

Talking Watches: With Jonathan Ward
Watch lovers come in all forms – whether it be news photographers turned Spanish-language talk show hosts, late 1990s hip hop stars, or just all around cool guys. Another form a watch lover might take could be that of Jonathan Ward, founder of Icon 4x4. For those who aren't familiar, Icon just might be making the most advanced and best all around SUV's on planet earth. This isn't us saying that, it's a well known fact. Jonathan Ward's Icon 4x4's are built from the ground up, keeping the vintage styling that we all love so much in the early Ford Broncos and Toyota FJ's, but now they are carbon coated, and feature absolutely cutting-edge technology. Icon makes just a handful of trucks per year – now with a waiting list over around three years for a new order – and they have become something of a calling card for those in the know. In off-roading circles, Jonathan Ward is a hero, but what many may not know is that many of the designs and mater

And the winners of ....
the 2009 Hamilton Forum Photo Contest are Vintagehamiltons and RogerP. Great pictures Tom and Roger. After the runoff voting the winner was both photos with the individual photos once again in a tie for second place. Look for the new masthead photos coming soon.Thanks to all who sent in their entries and thanks to all who voted in this year's contest.

Tip 22# 'How to start collecting- getting focussed'
I realize from all the questions, I need to address this area again. I see too many beginners, firing from the hip to catch everything and anything. Although it is not a disaster, it can be avoided. and will save you being 'dissapointed' and 'flipping' watches.Based on your questions/comments I will add to this

More finds
Well, I finished my search on the family's old guys watchesand I found two more watches, that I find some quite interesting, for what they are, and for what represent...First, a Bulova Accutron Spaceview, this watch is in pristine condition, looks really new, I just swapped the old stretchy bracelet for a leather band, but not even cleaned the watch, picture is as it was found...I need to find a spare battery, as this uses 1.35V, and I don't want to fry the coils , any advice?I will ask in the Accutron forum too...Second, a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, this watch have a very sad history behind, as it was from my uncle, who died in a car accident, and the damage seen in the watch is part of the accident's consequencesThis need a total restoration, but incredibly, after 35 years in a drawer, I shaked it, and it started and is running well and keeping great time, however it needs a new crystal, new dial, and new braceletI will try to do my best to restore it.

Wrist check 5/26
My 18K JLC Master Moon