Franck Muller CASABLANCA

Field Mechanical Generations
Greetings,In researching my next watch purchase (khaki field mechanical), I've come across a dilemma. From what I can tell, there are at least 2 generations of the khaki field mechanical (not counting war issues). What some call the first generation has a slightly smaller case 37/38 mm, and the dial and hands are also slightly different (cleaner dial). The second generation is bigger (40 mm case) and has a busier looking dial (well, at least to my eyes, though not a "bad" thing). Is one more desirable or "better"? By the way, the first gen is priced about $75 cheaper than the second. Any comments/insights welcome. I'll also be posting some of my more interesting findings on the forum in another thread.

Next Bennie in line.............
I have been a bit slow in following up to a previous thread where I said I had some other Bennie's I would post. But, here goes. I am guessing this is a 60's model, #3051. It is a manual wind. It has a stainless steel case with white dial and gold markers. Runs like a top! (Will need a service, as I don't know it's history.) Haven't had the case open to see the movement.I am always shocked to see how inexpensively these little jewels sell. I would truly recommend one to anyone out there that is considering dipping your foot into the 60's 70's pool! You can compile a nice selection for quite a small sum.

Sad day for the Swiss watch industry....
With Apple's watch revenue already bigger than all of the Swiss watch industry.............Swiss watch exports posted the biggest quarterly export drop since 2009 in the third quarter as plummeting sales in Hong Kong and China spread to other Asian markets in September. "After May and July, September is the third month to show a marked decline in Swiss watch exports," the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) said on Tuesday. "This negative change has spread to other, hitherto more robust Asian markets, and casts something of a shadow over prospects for the year 2015."Watch exports were down a real 8.5 percent for the third quarter after falling 9.9 percent in September and 10 percent in July, the Federal Customs Office said on Tuesday.Sales in Asia declined 12.7 percent in September, as continued drops in Hong Kong, China and Singapore were compounded by sharp turnarounds in Taiwanese and Emirati sales and a dive in South Korean sales from negative 3.7 percent in August to negat

Christmas Eve 12-24-08 wrist check
going to wear ole blue

Servicing a Rolex with an aftermarket bezel insert
First of all, apologies for the long post, I just want to properly explain the situation.

I have a GMT Master II (16710), which I'm planning to take in for a service. It originally had an all black bezel, but last summer for fun I decided to buy an aftermarket Pepsi insert. I liked it much more than I expected, and having bought a second watch (an old Cellini) for more dressy occasions, have decided to stick with the Pepsi bezel.Now, I'm considering taking the watch in for a service at my local RSC. It doesn't desperately need it, but I think it could do with one, as it's never been serviced (and is now almost 20 years old). I know that Rolex won't be happy about the after-market bezel insert, but to be honest I'm happy for them to throw it away and put a genuine one in there, in fact that's my goal. However I don't really want to lose my black bezel (should I wish to change again in future), so am considering fibbing and telling them I don't have it, in the hope that I wi