Louis Vuitton & Rolex

Perfect Match!

So, I just got my LV President briefcase. I am planning on making a full video review before I convert it to a watch briefcase (simply getting a bespoke insert designed to hold 6 pieces). The quality of this vintage piece is amazing. The wear and patina may detour some collector's, however for someone like myself who plans on actually using the piece it is perfect. Photographed with my briefcase is the 16613 I picked up on Thursday. I have a video review being uploaded now onto Youtube.

-JKS

So How About (Another) Act Of Bling !!!

 Spotlight: Eric Clapton.

So, you know your awesome when you have a "custom" Patek Philippe. Most Swiss Monsters know that Mr. Clapton is not just an amazing musician, but also a watch-nut. A few years back Mr. Clapton downsized his collection by way of a charity auction. Eric Clapton, like John Mayer or vice versa, is a huge fan of vintage Rolex Chronographs. In this photo Mr. Clapton is wearing a $150,000 Patek Philippe. Please note that his "Patek 5970" is not the standard, if one can call any Patek standard, but an example with a custom dial configuration. The indices are numerals not white gold markers. This may seem insignificant to someone who may not realize some of the wealthiest people in the world wear Patek Philippe and persuading the company to make a custom anything is not an easy feat. 

-JKS

It's Monday , So How About An Act Of Bling !!!

Bling. Bling. Bling.

Bling. Bling. Bling.

Bling. Bling. Bling.

Bling. Bling. Bling.

Bling. Bling. Bling.

Bling. Bling. Bling.

Bling. Bling. Bling.

Bling. Bling. Bling.

Alright, I'm out of breath. 

 There's really no point in talking about how much these two would even $et you back. I can assure you however, that even a Sultan would blink once. Cheers!

-JKS

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween Guys!!! So, I've made an official Selection. My Halloween watch will be a TT Rolex Submariner ref. 16613. I will be wearing my costume tonight as well, so 
Trick or Treaters Beware!

-JKS

Stealth Wealth Saturday. (Although it's Sunday!) Patek 5970

Alright, so someone said something about undercover Bling. Well, I have just the piece. This watch is one of my all time favorite watches. The design is modern yet has traditional traits that enable the piece to enjoy absolute "*Timeless*" balance. This piece is a real looker! I really cant praise the design enough, pictures cannot accurately illustrate the wonderment of this timepiece. The apparent attention to detail is obvious to those who are "In the know" but to non-enthusiast it's just another watch with "pushy things on the side".

Patek 5970

approx cost. $175,000

The above video shows some of the many steps Patek Philippes must undergo. Truly Amazing!

-JKS

Halloween Party!

So, you know your a watch-nut when you put your watch over your costume. Here I am wearing a TT Rolex 16613 over my Big Bad Wolf costume. Apparently Little Red Riding Hood thought her Rolex 34mm Date did not match.

 

-JKS

"New" To Me! 16613 Rolex Submariner

Just picked up this U-series 16613. Pretty cool piece, I rarely buy TT but I think it's coming back into vogue. Next week this piece goes to the spa to get a full service/refinishing.

-JKS

Random Act Of Beauty!

Stefano Mazzariol, an Italian collector, has a magnificent blog and takes some of the most amazing pictures. In terms of history and photos this guy has one of the best blogs around. If you haven't visited yet, here is a tease. 

The Submariner below features a beautiful meters first gilt tropical dial. This is one of the finest examples I have seen. The strap is amazing as well. The Bund strap reminds one of the utility first design approach of the Submariner.

-JKS

Theswissmonster.com

 Alright guys, it's official! The Swiss Monster has a ".COM "

WWW.THESWISSMONSTER.COM

-JKS

AP Halloween!

Hello Swiss Monsters, it's just four days until Halloween!  If you haven't picked out a Halloween watch or costume here's one more inspirational picture below.  A fellow TZ (Timezone.com) member (nycguy) posted these beautiful pics.

P.S Mr. Tim Curry has a special message prepared especially for Theswissmonster.blogspot.com (well, not really but still...)

-JKS

Louis Vuitton & Watch Collecting = Perfect!

Alright Guys, So my girlfriend thinks I've lost my mind and I fear she may be right. I purchased a vintage Louis Vuitton President Classeur today. You see, I saw this photo on the right and stars appeared before me! I was inspired! I had to have my own briefcase-watch holder. So, I found a LV piece available and purchased it. I am hopeful a local leather shop can make an insert to house my timepieces.

P.S Archieluxury (Youtube channel) did not help me restrain from my purchase! Please see the video below. Paul is an avid watch and LV collector whose videos have greatly influenced me. If you haven't subscribed to him definitely do so!

-JKS

Random Act Of Beauty! 5513 Bart Simpson.

Today's "Random Act Of Beauty!" 

The So-Called "Bart Simpson" Logo Rolex 5513.

These beautiful dials are some of the last of the "Gilt" dials ("Gilt" dials are dials with the text written in gold). These dials are highly collectable and appeal to vintage collectors who love "Gilt" dials and those who are fans of meters first Submariners (example 200m=660ft year span 1960-1969/70)

So without further delay.

-JKS

(Please note I borrowed these photos from VRF)

Someone Say Something About Halloween?

 5 Day Until Halloween!!

Now, this is a pumpkin-looking 

watch! This definitely joins the leagues of Awesome Halloween Watches! 


-JKS 

Bizarre! Rolex Papers Go A Long Way!

A fellow forum member posted this originally. Apparently there were Rolex papers in Gaddafi's escape bag? 

This was originally posted on TRF.  If you haven't joined yet do so! 

-JKS

Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec.

Many of you know, I recently visited Las Vegas (Made a post on my misadventures as well as a video). While in Las Vegas I visited countless AD's (Authorized Dealers). One of the absolute best was the Montblanc Boutique. The salespeople there where knowledgeable and truly inspiring. While I saw many amazing writing instruments as well as timepieces, the one that captivated my attention was the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec. Most Swiss Monsters are familiar with the Father of Chronographs, Nicolas Rieussec . This piece offered by Montblanc is an homage to Mr. Nicolas Rieussec and is an exceptional example of what is in the works in the future for the company.

-JKS

It's Bay Watch Tuesday!!

Seriously, Not That Bay Watch...

"Ebay"
For those of you just tuning in to The Swiss Monster, "Bay Watch Tuesday" is a weekly post that shows two unique/rare timepieces available on Ebay.

My first Bay Pic is for:
RARE Rolex 6542 GMT! HERE

Seller's Description:
RARE 1958 Rolex GMT Master 6542 "No Crown Guard" Model with Intact Bakelite Insert 100% Authentic Rolex In Box ~ With Letter of Description ** Priced To Sell With Low Reserve **
Our family has decided to sell this rare 1958 Rolex GMT Master 6542 watch.
This is a one owner timepiece. Was purchased new in 1958 by a Pilot in the United States Army. He wore it while flying missions over Vietnam in the 1960's. This Rolex has been in storage for over 30 years. Interesting details about the owner and watch can be made available to the buyer, if desired.
Mr Bob Ridley, Certified Horologist, professionally examined this watch and produced a detailed Letter of Description. This signed document will be included with your purchase.
100% Authentic Rolex GMT Master
Model: 6542
Serial Number: 427XXX
Case: Very good condition. No major dings or scratches, Caseback stamped "IV.1958"
Dial: Glossy black Rolex Service Dial in very good condition
Hands: Original hands in good condition with very desirable small period 24 hour hand
Insert: Highly collectible original Bakelite insert in good condition, with only minor lines visible @ 13, 16, 18. Wear consistent with age
Bezel: Excellent condition
Movement: Rolex caliber 1030 - serial # N827129. Watch is keeping time, can be manually wound and the all black date wheel advances. Has not been worn in over 30 years & some service may be in order
Bracelet: Handsome Rolex rivet bracelet with tight links: #80 / 7206, clasp is stamped "I.66".
Box: Comes in original green leather Rolex box with Letter of Description.





2. For my second Ebay pick I chose:

Rare Audemars Piguet Star Wheel Here!
Seller's Description:
This is extremely elegant, classy and very cleverly designed, Pre-owned in very good condition – Audemars Piguet Star Wheel Automatic Men's watch featuring mechanical movement with automatic winding, Audemars Piguet 2124/2812 Caliber, 33 jewels, Power reserve 45 hours, adjusted to 5 positions, Heat / Cold, Winding rotor and bridges are decorated with Cotes de Geneve, rhodium-plated.

The round-shaped stepped case is crafted in 18K Yellow gold, in three parts, high polished bezel, brushed case band, Case diameter is 36 mm (excluding winding crown and lugs), Height is 8.25 mm, Flat anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Partially White and 18K Yellow Gold Guilloche-decorated dial, Black printed minute chapter in the upper part of the dial, Printed minute chapter in the upper part of the dial. Black-colored Arabic hour indicators are located on three rotating transparent sapphire discs, which progress as rotating satellites as hour changes. Pull-out winding crown. Screw-on case back with sapphire exhibition window showcasing beautiful works of the movement. Dark brown genuine crocodile skin leather strap with 18K Yellow Gold tang buckle. This watch is pre-owned in very good condition,and it's in very good operational order, with normal indication of wear on the strap. This great timepiece comes in the after-market box and without papers. Don't let the opportunity to own this magnificent, hard-to-find, and collectible watch pass you by.



























-JKS

Remember to swim safely! There are sharks even in friendly waters!

Spotlight: John Mayer. Great Musician & Avid Watch Enthusiant (2)

Alright Swiss Monsters, there's no point in lying . I am a John Mayer fan. I truly believe he is one of the most talented musicians around and the fact he is a Rolex fiend doesn't discredit him in my eyes.  In a former life (5 years ago), I owned a recording studio and recorded many individuals who claimed to have cosmic talent.  Some were extraordinarily talented while others had a talent to push me out of the business.  Considering my misadventures as a recording engineer, I think it fair to say I know a thing or two about great musicians.  If you guys have dismissed Mr. Mayer before as a teeny-idol, I urge you take a listen to his album Battle Studies.  It is really an exceptionally recorded album with some amazing tunes.  So, in short this post is a tribute (another one!) to an amazing musician and fellow collector! LINK FOR ALBUM

-JKS

It's Monday , So How About An Act Of Bling !!!

It's Monday So... BLING BLING BLING.

Today's featured watch is obscenely expensive. It is owned by the likes of Saudi Princes not to mention "The Gloved One" A.K.A Michael Jackson. The piece is white gold and has 192 ultra-fine set diamonds ( 101.27 karats ). This piece of total Bling is made by one of the oldest and most prestigious Swiss watch makers, Vacheron Constantin. V.C (1755) is known for their understated stealth-wealth timepieces, so, it is interesting that with this example they show they can be as Blingy as anyone. So, without further delay: Vacheron Constantin King Kalla.

P.S This piece can set you back a whopping $2,000,000 USD!!!

Photo above, the ladies version.

How's This For Bling?

-JKS

Spotlight: A Bulova w/ fancy lugs (Flea Market Find!)

Just wanted to share a Flea Market find with you guys. I was out watch hunting this weekend and picked up this old Bulova. This watch is running strong and looks so... well, "Vintage". These pieces are so under appreciated and can be had for an amazing value. When I found this watch it was fitted on the ever-present Spiedel stretchable bracelet.  So, the first thing I did was remove the bracelet and did a quick case clean. The results in my opinion are amazing. Please note these vintage Swiss pieces can be had for $200. Some Bulova watches that feature fancy lugs (or with cases made in precious metals) can bring a premium! So, keep your eyes open and if you find one of these in the wild, snatch it!

-JKS