Omega Constellation Quartz 35mm

So What Are You Favorite Non-Omega Tool Watch Brands?
By forum standards, I'm a small potato. After all, I currently own 7 watches, and only 2 of those are higher end. I've always liked watches, they have just been down the priority list as a pursuit. I'm also a hardware guy who likes 'em substantial and sporty, and am fascinated by mechanical movements. I'm a bigger fan of tool than dress watches, though some dress chronos really appeal. They generally fit my lifestyle a little better as well. I've never bought vintage because there seems to be a lot to learn to do it right. I've also not had much exposure to some of the more esoteric brands like Sinn and IWC or even the Japanese domestic market Seikos.(until last year I thought Panerai was a restaurant chain that baked their own bread). So, I am curious what your favorite brands other than Omega are. If there is a specific model or two you like regardless of price or country of origin, please feel free to post a photo. Just trying to get some ideas from a like minded group of folks.

Illinois Ensign
HiI just received my second Illinois watch. An Ensign dated appx. to 1929. The watch runs great. I would like your opinion on restoring. I think a vintage watch should look its age. I would like the opinion of you Illinois veteran collectors.ThanksTony

Ongoing Swamp Issues...LOL
I am always amazed when I see a seller on the swamp list a "not quite right" but otherwise desirable watch that goes unsold because of a ridiculous "BIN" or reserve price. A month or 2 ago a seller listed an otherwise nice white Illinois Viking (Special Model 195) with an obviously incorrectly redone dial. At the time I told the seller of this, and he and I shared a few emails where I explained to him what was wrong with the dial, and I also informed him that the comparable example he cited in "Shugart" was also incorrectthe seller eventually seemingly agreed. We even shared an email about how for less than $30 he could have the dial redone by Int'l Dial, and then likely sell the watch for what he hoped to get for it. Now it is again being listed with the same bad dial with the following STILL in the listing: "I believe this dial to be original". Stupidity and ingorance are one thingbut this seller is simply being DISHONEST. Is it JUST ME??

Hong Kong AP lounge
After all this talk of AP¡¯s new distribution model, i suppose it should have come as no surprise to receive this note from AP today. Has anybody been to the lounge yet? And, if so, what was the experience like?

Favorite AD no longer an AD?
I have seen an e-mail from Omega sent to another forum member that one of our favorite discount ADs on the east coast is no longer an AD. Anyone know the details? If you would rather not post info on forum, please PM me. I bought a few watches from him . . . nice guy.