Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Chronometer 43mm

No Rolex pictures in this thread, but you can score a GREAT freebie
Today I received two very nice catalogues from WEMPE. One was dedicated tojewelry the other had over 60 high gloss pages dedicated to watches.Here is the nice little bonus:....inside of the catalogue is a little card if youwant to receive their very nice annual publication dedicated to horology.It is called "The Art of Horological Complications' and you can receive it forfree as long as you fill out the card and send it in.I have these publications from last 4 years (90 - 110) pages and consideringthe astronomical prices of some recent books dedicated to watches, this is 'cannot miss deal' by any WIS that enjoy reading about watches and checkingout high quality watch photography. (You can go to Wempe web site, findthe address of a store in your country and mail the card to them. Or just print, mail or fax my picture #2 to their NY store. This publication is printed in German as well as English)Hope some of you will find it useful. Cheers !

Restoration or Transformation - Please Don't Pass Me By.
You all know my views on 'restoration'!I am fully 'right wing'. And always, always try to leave a timepiece visually as is, or how it left the factory with any natural deterioration. That is part of the 'provenance' of a timepiece or indeed any antique.Restoration should be their to save a piece never to modify or improve it to what it had been.A 'curator' from the Latin curare meaning to "take care", and that job is to manage or oversee a collection or items. That is how I see myself, someone there to 'take care' of timepieces.But to-day, I took a vintage timepiece, a lovely circa 1930 HEUER (Before Tag-HEUER) Chronograph and restored no, transformed it's original but sadly distressed case into lovely original condition re-gold plated.Why? Because the poor condition of the case with green mildew was detracting from a rare piece, with a magnificent silvered dial and fly-back chronograph functions.While showing my collection to a Horologist - this piece was literally 'Passed By'Sad

On The Wrist Today Saturday 6/23/2012
Invicta Reserve Grand Pro Diver 1543Swiss Ronda Normtech Caliber 715Li Quartz Movement 500M/WR

Incoming - the force is strong in this one...
Lately, I've been having a bit of a love affair with Omega's from the '70's. In terms of design, I think it was the high-point of watchmaking and even though I didn't used to be much of an Omega fan I do think they were at the forefront back then.I recently acquired a Bienne-restored Mk II, but when a similarly gorgeous Seamaster 145.024 became available the prospect of having a matching pair from 1972, both in pristine condition, was overwhelming. To be honest, I didn't really have the funds, but I don't even have a minuscule amount of buyer's remorse. The two together are, frankly, amazing.There's been a fair amount of confusion regarding terminology surrounding this watch, but I think it's safe to say that it's the real Jedi. certainly, Chuck Maddox thought so when he wrote about it here. It's rare, and it's a fantastic addition to my existing vintage pieces.I'm on cloud nine.

How to value purchase with aftermarket dial & bezel?
Hi all,I know some of you will not agree with buying a watch with an aftermarket dial and bezel, but I like the look of this, so am considering. It's a 18039 with an aftermarket dial and bezel. To the best of my knowledge, it's otherwise original. I know that I will not be able to send it to Rolex for service, but I have a jeweler I like and it's a 35-year old watch, so I'm not sure that I care that much. I am, however, trying to decide what I should pay as compared to the going rate for 18039s.Can you give me an idea of what I should take off of the value for the parts difference, versus an all-factory of the same model without the special bezel and dial? Or is it more or less a wash on something this old?