Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Phase de Lune

The Value Proposition: The Amazing, Incredible, And Semi-Affordable, Atmos Clock From Jaeger-LeCoult
As the current new guy at HODINKEE, it gives me no small pleasure to introduce – I should say, re-introduce – an old reader favorite: The Value Proposition. It’s been on hiatus for some time but you’ve asked us repeatedly to bring it back, and we listened.In Value Proposition we bring you a look at some of horology’s biggest and best bang-for-the-buck – timepieces that, in a world where price increases have for over a decade shut more and more out of enjoying mechanical horology, really over deliver in the value department. In general this means things in the under $10,000 category but at the same time, you might see us occasionally cover something like, say, a $15,000 minute repeater that sounds as nice as a $300,000 chiming complication, which seems unlikely, but hey, if it exists, you’ll read about it here first.Today, let’s talk about the Atmos clock, from Jaeger-LeCoultre. The Atmos is nothing more nor less than one of the absolute c

Perfect Overhaul!
About a month ago we discussed some apparent damage to the face and hands of my GMTII. 15 years old, and only 5 years since it's last overhaul, no one could suggest what might have caused the damage. I wore this watch most every day for 15 years, several winters on the Caribbean Sea, so who knows, might be sun, salt and sand for all I know. So off to RCL in Toronto for professional overhaul.This is what went to RCL last month:And this is what came back just today:New face, hands and bezel insert make this beauty like brand new. As usual, a flawless polish job delivered in better than new condition.It's back on my wrist now, where it will stay until it passes on to my son some day. My Rolex was made to be worn, used, consumed and enjoyed as the second hand proves time advances every day.

Literature
Since Rene Rondeau's books are mostly out of stock, what good books would you propose for looking as a reference for the vintage Hamiltons, especially the ones of the 1920's - 1940's?What's about this one:amazon/American-Wrist.../dp/0764301713

This is either....
a very interesting "transition" Conquest or a franken:http://cgi.ebay.com/LONGINES-3-STAR-...ht_3111wt_1167Anybody want to take a guess at why it caught my attention?

Remove PIP from Bezel
Hello everyone,I'm the proud owner of a 39mm GMT, and I'd like to remove the pip from the bezel. My jeweler believes doing this would leave a hole, though I'm not sure if it's a part of the bezel or attached. So, what I'm asking is if anyone has any experience with this, and if it's possible without damaging the watch?Also, while I'm at it, does anyone have any recommendations for a new bracelet? I'd prefer a jubilee style. Thanks!