Maurice Lacroix Diver Automatic

Swiss Watch Exports Decline Again, Reaching 2006 Level
The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry has released Swiss watch export figures for September, 2009, and the downward trend continues. The value of Swiss watch exports fell by 26.1% to 1.1 billion francs. Overall exports are down 25.9% for the first 3 quarters of 2009. Swiss watch exports have now retreated to their 2006 level. Watches manufactured from precious metals suffered the steepest declines in value terms in September, while the downturn was less severe for bimetallic timepieces. The number of timepieces exported suffered particularly badly, falling by nearly a million units in one month. Steel and the category of other materials had a markedly negative effect on results. Since the beginning of the year, exports have registered a shortfall of 5.1 million watches.For wristwatches costing less than 200 francs (export price), the number of pieces exported fell by half in September, generating a deficit of 890,000 units. The 200-500 franc segment performed much better, register

super avenger v. skyland avenger
i'm having a tough time deciding between these two models for my first breitling purchase (if the omega seamaster planet ocean chrono doesn't win me over), and I could use some expert advice. if you had to pick one (super avenger or skyland avenger), which one would you choose? if you could give a couple of reasons for your pick, i'd greatly appreciate your input. thanks!

Grey market vs. AD?
I have found substantial saving through the grey market. What is the true benefit of the AD? Let me get you an example. A new Rolex platinum DD at the AD is almost 50k, through the Grey market it is $34kIs it worth 16k more to buy from an AD? 10k? 5k? 1k? Same with Pateks, huge discounts...I am interested in these questions...1) Why would you never buy from Grey market?2) How much savings are necesary to buy Grey vs. AD?3) Why would you never buy AD?

wrist shots / spy shot
First.... success. I owe you guys a couple of photos of my new baby. Please, please do not let me be addicted.Secondly, spy shot on a recent flight... can someone identify? Looked like a tortoise shell bezel but I don't know anything really.

Righting a wrong from 1997...
I started my horological journey in 1997 one year out of school and securing a decent job. At the end of one year of employment, I wanted to mark the occasion with my first real watch purchase. Mind you, at that time, I was only aware of Rolex and Omega having coming from a family where majority of my elders were wearing vintage Omegas. I didn't really know what I am doing and insisted on getting a piece with an automatic movement, using Rolex as the guide for a major watch purchase. At the time, I didn't think I was quite Rolex material (great marketing) and wanted something different. Looked all over the store and settled on this piece at a good price point. This to me at the time was a large purchase. Omega Speedmaster Automatic at 39mm with the jeweled Dubois-D¨¦praz 2020 chronograph module on a jeweled ETA 2890-A2 movement. Of course, I found out about all this after going down the rabbit hole that is horology. I was happy with the piece for the next 10 years. I wore i