Longines La Grande Classique L4.766.2.41.8 White Dial Round Watch

First Omega water resistant chronograph?
Recently added a third old chronograph by Lemania that is in the Omega 1940 catalog as complete watch with only dial marking changed. The thick rigid case uses a lead gasket and was designed and built by Lemania, including the complex dial. I do not know of an earlier waterproof Omega chronograph. This 2 button version was a design change on an earlier single button in 1935. Do not know when this case was first used, but after 1935. I have single button serial 105 of 1932 that Omega also used. The 2 button shown here is serial 14000 exactly. No other movement markings because not originally sold in U.S. Omego used the same complex 3 color calibrations dial. This one is all original. I am tempted to say the band is also. It is very old and a fine grain lizard skin right for water. Advertised it was specially treated for water use. Both are fine performers with perfect hand registration on the fine resolution scales. Mido Multifort waterproofs of same age and others used lead and cor

Screwbacks?
I tacked this onto another post that was discussing a particular watch type (American bumpers), but it deserves a separate airing in a Beginner's section:When you're junque-shopping (some call in "antiquing"), why am I getting resistance from the shop when I want to pop the back? I know these people are definitely not watch experts, but how can they expect you to NOT look at the movement when they are asking as much as $350 for a watch? I walked out of two stores in frustration today, because I hadn't even gotten to the haggling stage because I didn't know enough about the piece, and I'm not about to buy something on faith.And especially with screwbacksdo any of them have gaskets or seals I should worry about (this is for 50's-era pieces)? If I whip out my caseback unscrew-er, shouldn't they be impressed enough to let me unscrew it? I've been thinking about this, today, and I wonder if owners of shops like this, in a tourist area like New Orleans, depend on the tourists to make impulse

Hate it when this happens...
How do you feel when you see the occasional good deal on ebay....ebay/itm/Audemars-Pig...vip=true&rt=ncI understand people need to make a living, but I don't like to see the hobby turned into a place to turn a quick profit, especially when no additional value is being added (this gent did not even bother cleaning/wiping the watch). Just my opinion, would hope good deals go to appreciative collectors. What is your take on the subject?

Best tools for changing straps on ROO Offshore Panda
Hi everyone,I just acquired my first Royal Oak Offshore after a lot of thinking and consideration. I've been meaning to change the straps on it because it came with a short strap which is too short for me. I can't wear the watch properly except on the very last whole which makes the alignment of the deployant on the underside at a very strange location. I got it together with this Grey Hornback from the newer 2014 ROO Grey Theme Elephant, but it does not have a buckle or any tools to change the straps with. The owner told me that I just need to find appropriate screwdrivers for it. I tried using my Panerai Screwdriver (for switching out buckles) but that is too large to fit. Does anyone have any recommendations for screwdrivers that would be able to change the straps of this watch? I see some places that the correct size is 1.4mm but according to research my Panerai Screwdriver is 1.4mm as well, which means it should theoretically work, but it doesn't. .ebay/itm/Bergeon-3008...item4ad3

Breitling links?
Anyone know of good online sources for info about Breitling besides the manufacturer site? My skills at The Google are sub-par.I've found a forum or two but they're practically dead.Thanks