Chopard Xtravaganza Diamond 18k Rose Gold Black Leather Ladies Watch 134236-5001

has everybody got your pictures ready?
:) the contest deadline is drawing near, still working out there?looking forward to seeing all of the entries...diver88:):)

Are the brands their own worst enemy right now?
With the apparent decision by many brands to reduce the number of dealers selling their watches to (assumable) provide the illusion of more exclusivity, have they gone too far & 'shot themselves in the hand' (sorry for the bad pun )? Many of the brands have cut back the distribution of their brand, and many of them needed to. Seemed you couldn't turn around in a mall & not see 4 stores selling a particular brand. But many have gone too far to the extreme. Example, the nearest Glashutte Original dealer to Atlanta is in Saint Petersburg, Fl - about 500 miles away. the nearest Zenith dealer to Atlanta is even further, in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.Given these watches aren't the types of wares you buy sight-unseen, how does the brand expect possible buyers to sample their models, try them on, see & feel the watch on the wrist & make a decision? I'm not singling out GO & Zenith as many other brands have done similar changes, but they're the 2 that came readily to my mind.G

It's official.
I stink. Yep, I blew a call on a watch that should have been right in my wheelhouse. Last year I picked up this:I thought for sure that a caliber 352 would be inside it based on this info:- Only 3 Longines movements from 1945 through 1967 had subdial seconds: the 22A, the 19A, and the 352.- The font of Automatic is wrong for the 22A.- The propeller hands and front loading case (introduced in mid/late 1958) are usually found on 34x/35x series movements (introduced 1960).Process of elimination, right? WRONG! Just before 1960 was when Longines was replacing a few different series of calibers and bringing in new case styles and this is a 1959 watch. Found out from Jesse that it's a 19A, the last year they were used. Had to pay up on a bet which cost me a vintage Bulova. Looks like I need to study the transition years of '58 and '59 when Longines was mixing and matching case references and movements.

Guilty for waiting to trade 15400 for DDII?
Should I be feeling guilty for wanting to trade my 15400 for a DDII? Ever since getting a YG Gmt all I want are gold watches.... (once you go gold you never go back?) Killing me as I quite like the waffle dial! Should I be feeling guilty for wanting to trade my 15400? Would you trade a 15400 for a plain old DDII?

Holidays are Coming
Holidays are coming and wanted to be ready.Got these for our 2 boys (ages - 28 WG Daytona, 31 DSSD).28 lives in Europe, travels frequently, 31 in California.Both are on casual side, figured these would be appropriate, and have read how comfortable the Tropical strap is. Also under the radar. Considered 2 - 5167's, liked the date window, however I liked the feel of the 5164's more, and the second time zone for the traveler.I generally wear PP 5980/1A-001, PP 5270 Series 1, and occasionally a Rolex Double Red Sea-Dweller.Now I think I need a Tropical watch also??