Omega Constellation Quartz 27 mm Brushed Steel and Yellow Gold

My First Grail Watch: Chris Vail
Welcome back to an original watches-dealer feature, "My First Grail Watch." In this series, we ask prominent people in the watch industry about the first timepiece that they lusted after. Today, we're speaking with?Chris Vail, the guy behind the Kickstarter darling, Lew & Huey.watches-dealer (ABTW):?Who are you, and what is your relationship to the watch industry?Chris Vail:?I own a micro-brand, Lew & Huey. I design and sell watches online. People either love what I do, or wish I'd fall into a tree-shredder. I think most of the industry would choose "shredder."ABTW: When did your fascination with watches start?Chris Vail:?Two years ago, when I stumbled on an online forum as I was looking for industry insights. I started off just thinking of them as a "product" like any other, very un-emotional about it. I ended up becoming as big a watch-geek as everyone else talking about watches online.ABTW: What was your first grail watch?Chris Vail:?I fell in love with the Omega Planet Ocea

"Hamiltons" ladies watch - is that a"Hamilton"?
Hello all.I am a complete beginner when it comes to watches, having been left a rather pretty ladies watch by my nan. It meant a lot to her, having been a gift from my grandfather, and in turn has considerable sentimental value to me now they have both passed on.Anyway, the watch says "Hamiltons" below the 12 on the face, "17 Jewels" below the centre pin, and "Swiss" below the 6. Of course, I've noticed Hamilton watches say just that, "Hamilton" without the "s". Your thoughts and knowledge on this point would be greatly appreciated please.I've made a few measurements and also had it checked out in a shop in Hatton Garden as to what it is made of (they checked it with a couple of things which looks like laser guns!), and have discovered this about it:it has a brazilian link strap in 9ct white gold;the back is steel;the case is platinum, 18mm and perfectly circular on the front but tending to oval at the back;it has 24 small diamonds circling the face; andit has an oval diamond on each s

Blue Dials
I've been collecting Hamiltons for several months. I've notice on e-bay that a number of models have a dial that is deep royal blue in color.Are these original to the watch or part of a refinished dial? If original, are they more scarce than other dial versions?

Can this be identified?
Here's shot of James Dean:It looks like a black or dark dial with only even numbers in a tonneau case. Can anyone identify it or give a few possibilities? I think it might be a Hamilton.Thanks!

Elgin RR PW and Illinois 'Special model'
The spoils of another auction hunt! I don't think I did too bad, I might have overpaid for the Illinois though.First up is the Illinois.It's not running, and might be a Frankenstein, I dunno. It looks to be 20's-30's, the strap is old leather and could be period.There's some patina on the dial and some dirt on the movement, but overall it's not too bad for it's age, the gold seems to still be there.Next is a nice Elgin Rail Road Pocket watch.In terms of movement, it's one of the nicest Elgin's I've ever had!21 jewels, 5 adjustments, it's a very nice watch. It does need some work though, there's no back cover, crystal and it's missing the second hand, but the dial is still nice and crisp with no cracks,the gold is still very nice and shiney.This one doesn't seem to be working either, it's wound tight but not running. I think this would make a good project watch! I wish I knew what was wrong with it.So, what do you guys think?