Ulysse Nardin Sonata Cathedral

Longines Watch Back Removal
Hi, I have a 1970's (I think) Longines wrist watch in gold which has been back and forth to a local-ish repairer twice (each time costing a fortune) and I would now like to remove the back and see for myself what is going on - I have a suspicion that it is simply dirty since it runs fine for a day or so and then stops, starts, stops again etc etc - but I am no watchmaker so I'm just guessing and curious. I cannot locate a method of removing the back and cannot see any leverage slots for a removal tool.If anyone has any ideas about how to remove the back of this watch I would be grateful before I start wielding something :-)I have attached a photo of the watch back.Many Thanks, Richardwatch_small.jpg

Project Watch
I've been wanting to find a watch to restore by myself. I wanted something that would be relatively straightforward, and for which parts and/or parts movements would be easy to find. I have found my candidate...I picked this watch up on the Swamp for $10. It's a Lord Elgin from about 1954, missing its crystal, and a hand, and in nonrunning condition but with a good balance wheel.It's got a 675 movement, one of the few 15/0 'Shockmasters'. Apart from the balance and associated bits, everything else is interchangeable with the much more common 670 and/or other 15/0 models, so finding bits won't be an issue.It TRIES to run, and with a slight pressure on the 4th wheel, the balance takes off. I've checked the balance for wobble, and there is none. I'm hoping it just needs a bit of cleaning and oiling (There's actually crud in the wells of the jewels). It winds and sets smoothly.I've checked, and the proper crystal is available. The dial is in reasonable shape, at least good enough fo

My New Deep Blue On a Custom Crocodile Strap
So here is my new Fleet Admiral Deep Blue watch on a custom croc strap. Ever since I started watch collecting I have wanted just 1 gold style watch for weddings, funerals, job interviews and the like.I know the gold look is kind of out of style right now but personally I still like it for certain things and my mood. And because by the end of 2013 I will own bronze, PVD, stainless, Cobalt, Tungsten; why not throw one of these into the mix ? As you can see by my signature my collection is mostly Lumtecs.After looking at many models I decided on this one, not so much on price but on pure looks. I really like how this watch looks on this strap, it just looks like it could be worth much more than it is, to me anyways. The strap it came with was kinda cheap so I replaced it. It's a custom from Jeanna, and the buckle is replaced too, gold plated 10 mic gold from strap code.And these Iphone pics don't do it justice.Anyways this is my new dress watch.Any other Fleet Admiral fans out there?

Omega 8500 Aqua Terra
Has the new aqua terra with the 8500 movement came out yet? The new 8500 sounds might impressive but do you think its really all that better than the 2500?

5-digit case profile white gold Submariner (16619)
I added a poll option so all the purists can vent their rage...I can¡¯t stand the super case profile on the new Subs, GMTs, etc. I¡¯ve tried to like them and have owned them in the past - including an 116619. I sold them all and now own only a 16613.I have the opportunity to have an 116619 customized to exactly match the 5-digit case profile. I don¡¯t expect to ever sell it if I do this, but never is a long time. I know some purists will call this a franken. I know some people will say ¡°I¡¯d never touch it.¡± The market to sell will be smaller.That said, I¡¯m trying to get an idea of the approximate real cost of doing this to decide if it¡¯s worth it to me. Real cost = cost of customization + depreciation hit.Thanks for helping!