Sky-Dweller... I like it!

BUT.... $46K is a chunk of change!

A Rolex 6234 to be auctioned!

A few interesting pieces are up on the Auction Block!! I am sure most of you guy's know that I am partial to ref. 6234 http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20080/ -JKS

Patek Philippe ref. 2499

Below is a wonderful video review of the highly prized and beautiful Patek ref. 2499. The example featured is a Series III version. The video review talks about the variants and history. Enjoy:

Real Men Wear Diamonds.

This Rolex ref. 1803 in white gold features stunning factory set diamonds. The quality of these diamonds even made my Jeweler blush. I only hope that I don't look like a used car-salesman. In all seriousness, there is something interesting about white gold and diamonds. While this piece is far from being stealth-wealth, unlike other gold Rolex watches (in yellow gold) with diamonds, I think it doesn't scream nouvea riche. However, as a very wise man once said "The only part that matters in "nouveau riche"  is the "riche" :-)

So Bling, Bling, Bling:
Please visit here: http://bourbonandpearls.blogspot.com/2012/10/what-does-your-watch-say-about-you.html

-JKS

Lugs: Fat or Thin...

A bit of advice to the Newbie Vintage Collector.


Buy the best you can afford.

Polished lugs, overpolished lugs. Thin lugs, Thick lugs...


Watches are and were meant to be worn. Every ding is a recording of a moment. A recording of a moment that objects in the universe collided. An unworn watch tells a pale story. It holds little to no "Energy" of it's past owner (s) legacy.

In short. Don't ask me how thick the lugs are. These sort of questions simply mean you don't get the point of collecting vintage watches.

Remember: The guy selling a watch with a perfect dial and case and bracelet has a great watchmaker and also is a hell of a designer :-)

Dr. Frankenstein called and is flattered by the imitation.

-JKS

Veteran's Day Special: 5513 Meters First... or New Addition:!!

THIS PIECE WAS PURCHASED BY A SOLDIER ON ACTIVE DUTY AND WAS VIETNAM WAR WORN!!!!!

Rolex 6694. Refined, Elegant yet Rugged... Bond Like

Maybe its the fact that there is a new Bond movie coming out...

BUT...

I love this combo.

This particular ref. 6694 is a vintage model and has a tropic look on the center of the dial and ghosting on the text and markers! the look of the dial in direct sunlight is bizarre.

In my opinion, this is what it's all about. Finding the unusual/unique examples.

-JKS

A Real Wrist-Shot!!

But it ticks....

New Addition:


Rolex 17013.

I typically do not buy these OQ (Oyster Quartz) watches but this had box and papers! This watch also has never been polished and looks to have been worn a handful of time.


For more information on Quartz Rolex watches visit here: http://theswissmonster.blogspot.com/2011/09/spotlight-rolex-oysterquartz.html

What did I just buy?

One Word.

Sh*t.

Rolex 6518 on 78350...

Drool...

I love this...

Unfortunately this bracelet is for my Girlfriend's ref. 1500 (Rolex Date).

So, I think a  19mm rivet would fit the bill.

 

-JKS

There's just something about the 50's

-JKS

One of the rarest Rolex watches...

Ref: 6518 with text "Rite Time".
It's interesting to think that despite this beautiful piece being one of Rolex's rarest oysters, it is known only by Collector's.

A few interesting attributes of this particular 6518.

1. Tropic Dial (What was once a black honeycomb dial has become a beautiful peacock sunburst dial)
2. Under the hood Cal. 1000 (Most of these 6518s have caliber 1030 *1035 (5 denotes date aperature) The caliber 1000 automatic was also used in the Deep Sea Special!

Video Link to see "Tropic"effect on dial:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wyR1dN8cAk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

For more information on this rare piece visit here:

Two New Additions:

It's been a busy week!

Two New Additions: 

Rolex 1803 White Gold with Factory Diamond Bezel and Markers!

& 

Rolex 1500 in 14K gold w/Made in U.S.A bracelet.

JKS

Abercrombie & Fitch Heuer:

Under the hood!

Why Pawn Shops Suck.

Maybe im a just a sore loser...

Or...

Maybe I hate the fact that Pawn Shops are using collectors forums and references to sell their merchandise for more.

The truth is this...

The internet is a blessing and curse.

Kudos to whatever dealer beat me to the punch yesterday.

(I HOPE IT'S REAL)

 

 JKS

New Addition: Abercrombie & Fitch (Heuer) watch!

Hello Guys,

I've been super busy with a new home purchase and business and have not updated as much as I would like.  I have been on the prowl, however, for exotic and vintage timepieces.

In fact,
I recently attended a great watch GTG in Georgia ! (I will make a post soon on this).
In fact on the way back from the airport from this event, I stopped at a Flea Market and found this vintage Heuer (Valjoux 72) watch w/ Abercrombie & Fitch dial!

-JKS

Rolex 16013 or The Rolex of the 80's!

Rolex 16013 or "The Rolex of the 80's!"

Oh, BTW this is another new addition!

-JKS

"New" AP on the way!

Alright Swiss Monsters,

"The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated"

In fact, just to prove it. 

Here's a new addition on its way to me:

It seems that in my old age (27 years old) I have become quite fond of the former me. So much so, I have decided to repeat the purchase of an AP. While, I love AP I would be dishonet to say the service department was amongst my favorite. In short, after a few issues with a few APs I sold my humble collection and pursued other interest.

Round Two: Sometimes one must try something again (Enter Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 142790)

Below my former Audemars Piguet ref: 142790

I should receiver my AP within a few days and will do a full report on it. I won't spoil the surprise but this AP is a special one!

&

I will leave you all with this:

-JKS

From Hodinkee: Rolex USA Sues Melrose.com

FROM HODINKEE.COM 

Rolex USA Sues Melrose.com For Selling Counterfeit Watches: Further Proof You Do Not Want To Mess With Rolex

 

 

Swiss Monster Commentary:

This is pretty crazy...

I'm guessing Rolex has received one too many counterfeit/mix parts watches into the RSC (Rolex Service Center) and have decided to take action. I'm guessing Melrose is the first of many. 

 

 

READ MORE HERE:

-JKS

8/6/2012

8/6/2012

The Swiss Monster is returning!

Swiss Monsters.

Hello Swiss Monsters,

My life has been pretty hectic for the last two weeks. I am in the process of moving and have been super busy! I am still the Head Swiss Monster and plan on fulfilling my obligations as Site Curator as soon as I can.

For now...

A Random act of beauty!

(A new painting for my office!)

-JKS

New Video Review: Coming Soon.

Hello Swiss Monsters.

I have a new video review that I will be posting Friday. It will feature my new "Eddy The Vintager" Bracelet. The video will also detail a few upcoming things to expect from the Swiss Monster.  I realize, I have not been posting as much as I did in the past. It's been business as usual and it has taken me from TheSwissMonster.com

In any event, more reviews and post coming soon.

 

-JKS

"Stealth-Wealth" The Perfect Rolex Datejust

I think I've expressed before I am not a DateJust fan. While, I appreciate "what's under the hood" . The Datejust is a watch that I see daily.
I am offered several everyother day. So, I fear, it has lost it's charm.
However, even a self proclaimed  Datejust-Hater like myself has a soft spot for some models. Afterall beauty is beauty. The example below is dazzling! It is the perfect Datejust in my opinion!
This DJ is circa 2005 and features a satin finished bracelet (16200 was the last to feature satin oyster without high-polished center links) and for a little bit of panache a high polished smooth bezel!

-JKS

Random Act Of Beatuy: Guess What Brand?

-JKS

Thanks Alex for the photo!

Roger Federer Shows His Rolex Collection!

Hello Swiss Monsters, I saw a post on the forum featuring a nice clip where Roger Federer talks about his collection and what makes them important to him. For those of you who do not know who Mr. Federer:

Wiki: 

Roger Federer is a Swiss professional tennis player who held the ATP No. 1 position for a record 237 consecutive weeks from 2 February 2004 to 18 August 2008. Wikipedia Born: August 8, 1981 (age 30), Basel Grand slams: 16 Height: 6' 1" (1.85 m) Weight: 187.4 lbs (85 kg) Spouse: Miroslava Vavrinec (m. 2009) Children: Myla Rose, Charlene Riva 

-JKS

Rolex Daytona 16520 Porcelain.

A fellow forum member and watch enthusiast has written an excellent post about the rarest Rolex Daytona ref. 16520. This rare variant features the so-called "Porcelain" dial.

Click Here: http://hennabav.blogspot.com/2012/06/most-elusive-zenith-daytona-of-them-all.html

-JKS

Custom Rolex: Bamford Army VS. Navy

These have to be the most bizarre customized Rolex's I've seen in a while... 

Official Statement:

– Bamford Watch Department has recruited two of the most iconic military characters of all time — Beetle Bailey and Popeye the Sailor — to serve as the inspiration for an exclusive Americana and military-themed watch collection.
Through a unique collaboration with King Features Syndicate and fashion tastemaker Darren Romanelli, known for his popular fashion brand Dr. Romanelli (DRx), the world’s laziest private and the mightiest mariner will be integrated on the fronts of the custom-designed watches. The back of each watch will be engraved with the Dr. Romanelli logo and numbered edition.
Each watch comes with a custom comic strip and, through an innovative packaging concept, the collection stays true to the classic properties and celebrates both the Army and Navy.

For more information

Visit: http://drromanelli.com/blog/art/drx-bamford-army-vs-navy-release

-JKS

Leica Competition

From Leica: Last reminder - tonight is the deadline to submit your self-portrait photo with a Leica Camera for our special jubilee book! Here's the link: http://www.flickr.com/groups/jubileebookproject/

I am sharing this because I a Leica & Rolex fan.

Ok... So maybe I like this photo because of the watch! 

Random Act Of Beauty: Panerai!

Panerai Pam 390

-JKS

New Pickup: Rolex Air-King (Logo Dial)

New Pickup: I've never referred to a watch as "Cute" but this is a cute little vintage Rolex Air King. It features a "P" Logo on the dial that many collector's believed represented Pan American airlines, however it is actually an oil company "Pool Intairdril".

 A great blog with information on this previously called "Pan-Am" dial is linked below:

WATCHESANDART

-JKS