IWC

$1200 Gift money to spend
Hi, guys! This is my first post. I'm a kind of Vintage guy. I have an old Omega Seamaster auto with two toned gold dial and a pretty cheap Geneveve model with black face and silver case. And, a few months ago, a generous friend gave me an Omega Deville Automatic with coaxial escapement, limited edition, which I am not sure how much it's worth, but it is a black dial with gray center on a chrome case. I assume it's expensive. I know I could not afford a watch like that on my salary. I'm a schoolteacher and for retirement they are going to get me a gift. I'd like a watch.....I'd prefer an Omega. My question is....they are giving me between a $1000 to $1200 gift. Is there a reasonable new Omega that you would suggest at that price. Or should I opt for another brand?Thanks so much for your help

Please explain the pinky test
I assume that the pinky test refers to the ability to put your pinky finger between your watch band and your wrist. Does it typically refer to just being able to cram it between, or freely slide it between? I'm sure it's personal preference, but what do YOU like?

History of the ETA 2892 [PDF]
Apologies if this has been posted before, but this is a nice little history of the popular movement:Download PDF from WatchBizz.comAnyway, at the end of the file it says that in 2010, ETA will stop selling movement kits:

I decided and its here!
Just started looking at APs a week ago. Needed the perfect watch to wear all day to work (casual atmosphere) and just bumming around - kids events, ball game, pool etc...I have a 1 month old platona for evenings and dressier occasions (even though it makes a great all day watch - except its missing a date!!)...After deicing on 44mm (even though 42mm is probably better for my small(er) wrist, It was a very tough decision between RG and ceramic. I finally decided on ceramic and I'm glad i did. The RG is stunning - but at its size I think its too in your face for me to wear daily. Ill just admire from afar.past watches - SS DJ, SS GMT II C, WG subcollection is only two strong - quality over quantity right?!?!Now - best place to buy a black strap with red stitching to match the hands ?how many of you swap out the pin for a deployment clasp?Anything i need to know about my new watch? Again, I'm very new to AP. I never even saw one in person before buying mine.Thanks!

Pining for a 5726
Hi,Been lurking a bit. I recently bought a Rolex Daytona to accompany my IWC Pilot, yet apparently that last purchase did not satisfy my craving. So the last few weeks I've been looking at Pateks, and I seem to have honed in on the 5726/1A (with the steel bracelet). In either black or white dial, I'll have to decide that in person. Leaning towards the white, it looks positively awesome (plus both my IWC and Daytona are black dial). I'm a wearer, I don't buy the watches to keep in a safe.I've got a bit of travel coming up, which is usually when I get around to looking at the watches in person and buying them.With that said, I'm wondering what availability of the above watch is like. Can I expect to walk into an AD in a larger city and pick one up? Is there usually a wait for these models, or just lack of availability? While the 5726 is a favorite right now, I would not rule out a 5712 or 5711 either.I realize that this will vary depending on city and AD, but I'll take any help I can get