IWC Doppelchronograph in Stahl

Close-Up: the $150, Swiss-Mechanical Swatch Sistem51
One of the most buzzed-about new watch launches in recent years is the Sistem51, a new mechanical watch from the Swatch brand. First released in Switzerland, the Swatch Sistem51 became available at U.S. retailers in 2014. In this article, we explore what makes these watches fascinating.There are three main features that make the Sistem51 noteworthy. First, like the original Swatch quartz watches, it has only 51 components, whereas most mechanical watches have upwards of 100. Also like the original Swatch, its assembly is entirely automated. Finally, it will cost just $150.?The four models are Sistem Red, Sistem Blue, Sistem Black and Sistem White. The red and blue models have translucent plastic cases and black silicone straps with accent-color stitching. Their dials are black with a red or blue central seconds hand, respectively. The bezel is in black plastic with white Super-LumiNova hour markers. Through the caseback, a transparent crystal rotor is visible, as well a printed ¡°star-b

Freshening up some watches.
Did you take advantage of the 25% off sale from Scott Allison? He's one of our sponsors: timesofplenty. I have been searching for the right strap for my 1960 Seamaster for ages, and was happiest with a black leather Tiffany's strap:Scott had this NOS from the same era, and I jumped all over it:Dumb luck that I saw this, as I have a belt in nearly the same pattern and shoes with the same trim. A little darkening with some of the same polish I use on those shoes and it should be a nice match:This was one I was looking at for a change of pace a couple weeks ago. More dumb luck to catch his sale!Combine those with the Tiffany's lizard I caught on clearance a while back and I have a few decisions to make. Anybody else grab anything? He has a ton of vintage bracelets too, including a few logo Accutron, Longines, and Omega pieces.

Sock Drawer yields another AP Commoner
This is the first AP I bought. I read on line about an Arnold Schwarzenegger fundraiser auction held in New York to benefit inner city schools. Arnold contacted celebrities who picked their favorite AP model. AP customized each watch with an engraving of the celebrity's signature. I was thinking how cool it would have been to attend that event when I saw an on line ad for one of the watches. It was selected by the California singer Brian Wilson. I bought it. Then I got an email from Al Armstrong of Armstrong Rockwell asking to buy it from me. That's how I met Al. He was kind enough to send me CDs of Beach Boys albums to go with the watch!Jules Audemars chronograph that I like for its globular shape--sort of like a tiny gold pillow or pincushion. Surfs up!

Should I buy a Cockpit Big Date
I have the opportunity to buy a Cockpit big date with a silver dial. Are these desirable Breitlings and what would be a fair price. The watch is all stainless and is not a chrono. I think it's 41mm if that sounds right. Never owned a Breitling before so any info pros an cons of this mode is appreciated. Thanks!!

Ask real owners here about fragility
I'm a new collector and I'm looking to add soon. I've got the BLNR Batman and am thinking of adding either a 5167 Aquanaut or the James Cameron DeepSea Deep Blue. I wear the Batman everyday as it was a wedding gift but want something else, maybe somewhat sporty. I've tried on the deep blue and liked it when I had it on but the more I think about it afterwards the more I want it. On the flip side the5167 is a PP...no explanation needed as it can be a casual or dress watch. I dress up for work so both would work. Love the deep blue even more because it's hard to come by like my batman but something about the PP keeps me interested. Looking for functionality and value over time on these. To make things more interesting I like the rose gold chocolate dial Daytona on leather but think it may be too pretentious with where I'm at career wise as I work in a political corporate environment and gold may send the wrong message. Looking for any advice on the first two mainly.