Oris Chronograph Classic Tonneau

Alain Silberstein iKrono Watch
This isn't a brand new release (still pretty fresh though) from French watch maker Alain Silberstein - and it is one of my favorites. Sort of like his take on the Bell & Ross BR01 instrument watch look and style. Best of is that I got to check some iKrono watches out last month in person. A square case in titanium with an elevated round dial. The case is available in a micro-grain finish (sort of like sandblasted) and also with black PVD coating. Alain Silberstein further uses a special silicium anti-stain treatment. This is a really good addition when dealing with things like finger oils and such. The cases don't really smudge when you touch them. I love the machine-like presentation, though it is softened by smooth bolts on the case and the overall smooth edges all over the case and surfaces. This gives it a more cartoon line, friendly look.? The watch isn't small either being 47mm wide (BR01 is 46mm wide) and 20mm tall. A really great look on your wrist if you ask me - very char

Just back from the watchmaker: my grandfather's Longines 5 Star Admiral
I finally had my grandfather¡¯s Longines Admiral service. I remember as a child seeing him wear the watch all the time. Working, golfing, lounging¡­.When I found it in a forgotten box of his possessions (he passed away in 1989 at the age of 89), it definitely had the look of a watch worn all the time.It was very dirty and the grit that built up between the Speidel band and the case actually pitted and rusted it a bit. Plus, the crystal had been cracked. Fortunately, the dial was pristine.Back from the watchmaker, the case is pretty well buffed out and a new crystal was fitted. The only lasting damage seems to be inside the case where the back screws in.The movement is the 17 jewel 507 (Record 1958-2) caliber. It sports 19,800 bph and has a power reserve of 44 hours according tor Ranfft. The only difference I can see in this model is that it lacks the quick date set feature.Interestingly, I noticed a small etching on the inside of one of the lugs which reads 7-13-66. So, the watch d

Girard Perregaux Quartz
Anyone familiar with the 1970's GP quartzies? I have the 9444 with the blue leather strap and circuit board dial.

So what is next?
I repressed my Panerai obsession to long. At one point I had four and went down to two, now back to 3 thinking about 4.233, 424, 449, 249, 372 (if I had the wrist). I kinda want a date, but all the date models are autos and thick (i.e. 388). I like them thinner. I know the older 424 had a date, but Cali and date doesn't catch my eye.

Is An All Gold Watch Worth the Price?
I've only done some very minor calculations, but it seems that an all gold watch, let's say a Submariner, is much more expensive than a SS version, and at the same time, the value of the gold itself does not seem to match the higher price.For example, msrp for a SS Sub Date is 8,550. But a gold Sub Date is like 26k. I don't think there is 17k worth of gold in that watch, is there? Maybe 8-10k at most. Is the gold just harder to work with? What else might account for the price difference?