TAG Heuer Carrera CJF2111.BA0576 White Dial Automatic Round Watch

My First Grail Watch: Eric Giroud
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. Eric Giroud is among the most influential modern Swiss watch designers. He has created designs for innovative high-end watch brands such as MB&F, MCT, Harry Winston, and more.watches-dealer (ABTW):Who are you and what is your relationship to the watch industry?Eric Giroud (EG): I am the owner and designer of Through the Looking Glass.ABTW: What was your first grail watch?EG: F.P Journe ¨C Chronom¨¨tre ¨¤ R¨¦sonance.ABTW: What did you like so much about the watch?EG: This watch carries some poetry and mystery which fascinates me. It is unique in its approach regarding the movement. It is almost mystical for me¡­.ABTW: Was there ever a time in your life when you could afford it? EG: It has not yet crossed my mind¡­.ABTW: But do you still hope to find it one day?EG: Yes - I would like to posses and underst

Question about GMT II
Was wondering if the watch can really be used as a compass? Anybody owned one, try it? I read it in wikipedia and was curious if it is true?Also, what is the water proof rating on this watch? looks like the same size as a Submariner.Thanks

A tale of two crowns
After 5 months working at the NAWCC museum, I am fairly confident in expressing who manufactured and when the first wristwatches materialized, both in Europe and America, which followed some 6 yrs after Europe.That transition from pocket watch to wristwatch was neither quick nor simple. We see here an 1918 Elgin with offset crown at 1.00 (actually 1.30, to be exact). Now as I have explained this watch uses a 'Lepine' style movement [Open face (pocket watch) - crown at 12], which is surely rarer but not an exception. What is exceptional and very rare is the crown mounted at 1.30!Of course this makes a lot of sense, when it comes to reading the time, the 12 o clock is just offset a small amount, add a 'red 12' and its not so difficult to read on the wrist, but to tool up for this non standard wristwatch case must have been ridiculously high to use just up a stock of Lepine movements.Hence we see more often the 'Lepine' movements installed in what evolved as a standard wristwatch case

I'm ready for my first Speedy Pro; but have questions....
What is lacking in my meager collection is a Speedy Pro. I have long wanted a 42mm Speedy but the show stopper for me are the two things it is missing--the date and auto movt. I am well aware there's school of people out there who love the Speedy Pro in its original form.I am ready to include a Speedy to my collection. One such model I am considering is the Speedy 9300 in 44mm + leather. I have only tried it on the wrist once while I was in Switzerland last month. A lot of people say it doesn't wear big at all and it sort of doesn't feel big on my 7.5 wrist, maybe because it is thinner than my Pam 88 and Breitling Ti Seawolf Avenger.Here's what I would relly like to get if I can and if it exists: (1) 42mm Speedy Pro, Auto, Date, Co-Axial; or (2) 42mm Speedy Pro, Auto, DateYour recommendations, with Reference numbers, will be truly appreciated.Pls. also recommend which movement on a Speedy that is undesirable due to past and tracked mechanical problems (always requiring service).Thank y

Pressure Test result question - test rejected
Had my sub pressure tested and the results show test 1 as being rejected and test 2 as being OK. The guy who tested it said not to worry about the rejected test and that it was ok because it passed test 2. Could anyone provide some insight on this and the results? Is it ok to swim with?Test 1Test Pressure: -0.7 barMaximum deformation: -1.7 umTightness value: -1.2% minTest1 rejectedTest pressure: 3 barMax deformation: +10.15 umTightness value: +2.1 % minTest2 OK