Talking Like An Expert.

 Tip: Know your Hands.

Congrats, your on your way to becoming an expert!
-JKS

Repost: Las Vegas Watch Dealer Reviews (Updated).

Warning: Video Contains some choice words.

 

-JKS

ArchieLuxury is offering a few gems for sale!!

ArchieLuxury is offering a few gems for sale!!

For those not familiar with ArchieLuxury, he is a fellow blogger and youtuber. He has a wonderful site on luxury watches & Louis Vuitton.

http://luxurytolast.com/

http://collectingluxurywatches.com/

http://collectinglouisvuitton.com/

Below are Ebay links to a beautiful Ultra-thin Audemars Piguet & Cartier Timepiece.

-JKS

Another Example Of...

(Another Example Of...) How The Internet Has Fuc*ed Up The Chances of A Independent Collector To Get A Deal!

Read who the seller is...

GOODWILL!!!

So, someone donated an Omega Ploprof and instead of ending up in a junk box or case in a local Goodwill store. Ebay!

As much as the internet has helped Swiss Monsters share and learn. It also allows individuals/companies with 0.5% knowledge to charge 99.9% retail cost...

(CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Or The Example Below: A "We Buy Gold Buyer"  Last time I checked 2.2 million serial ranges were NOT FROM 1951 AS SELLER & BULLSH^% DOCUMENTS STATE.

(CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Please note that the above is my opinion. It is not meant to defame or discount .

-JKS

Answer Found!! Why One Should Avoid Wearing Two Watches!!

Answer Found!! Why One Should Avoid Wearing Two Watches!!

-JKS

James Cameron Resurfaces from Dive !! With Both Rolex Watches !!

 On March 26th, 2012, National Geographic explorer-in-residence James Cameron descended into the Mariana trench, making the first and deepest-ever solo dive into the trench. The only dive to the deepest point of the ocean since the two-man Trieste expedition of 1960. Only one passenger was on both voyages: a Rolex Watch.

Notice below the experimental Rolex Deep-Sea attached to the robot arm!

Official Rolex Tribute Video Below

-JKS

"New" To Me.

Just picked up a vintage Rolex 1803. The previous owner was a nice guy who included a custom pinky ring in the deal. It's been an interesting day! 

-JKS

Repost: Omega & Patek cal. 321 & cal. 2872.

I think it is interesting to think that to most watch enthusiast the brands: Omega and Patek Philippe are worlds apart. I think its fair to say, this is probably true. Omega, while being an incredible brand that has brought the world as many significant horological achievements as any of the top Swiss brands; simply pales in comparison to the luster and quality of Patek Philippe.

I would imagine if there were a poll between which of the two was "better quality" the votes would be unanimous (with the exception of perhaps a huge Omega fan, who has been living in a cave for the last 50 yrs.)

However, there is an interesting parallel between Patek and Omega. This being the Lemania 2310 movement.

The Lemania 2310 movement is known by Omega fans as cal. 321 and to Patek fans as the cal. 2872.

That's right, Omega & Patek Philippe used the same movement for a while. Even more interesting is that while one may expect Patek to be the member of the party to quickly make their own in house chronograph movement and abandon the Lemania movement, this was not the case. Patek did not introduce their own in-house movement until the year 2009. This was the ref.  5960 with cal. CH 28-520.

I fact, Omega, after getting NASA certified with their Speedmaster, decided to switch to a cheaper (more accurate, according to Omega) movement cal. 861 (still Lemania based). While, Patek continued on for 50 years.

So Omega fans, if the speed master you have says something about moon on it, the closest it and others like it have ever been close to the moon was approx. 238,854 miles away. (I love Omega, I'm just saying...)

It seems Patek has more moon DNA, than Omega. It is more interesting that if one has a Patek Philippe ref. 1463, the value is $300,000.

Below a video of Omega's cal. 321 & a video On a rare Patek Philippe being auctioned.

-JKS

Random Act Of Beauty! Rolex ref. 1803.

Refined. Beautiful. Classic. Grail.

-JKS

HODINKEE (The Swiss Monster's Favorite Blog) Has Online Shop!!

HODINKEE.COM, One of our favorite blogs now has an online store!! The store has beautiful straps as well as pouches and other watch accessorize.

 

-JKS

Rolex Beta 5100 On The Bay! (First Quartz Watch)

Rolex Beta 5100

You don't see one of these every day!  While, I will not be doing my "Bay Watch Tuesday" Posts anymore, Swiss Monsters can expect random ebay post!

EBAY LINK HERE.

-JKS

Vacheron Contsantin Patrimony Worldtime Review:

Vacheron Constantin Review:

A very good independent review on the VC World Time is 
posted on the Vacheron Constantin sponsored forum thehourlounge.com

CLICK HERE

-JKS

Rolex = FBI Tool now!

Knock, Knock: 

Who's there?

The F.B.I

No, Seriously...

 Apparently the F.B.I uses modified Rolex watches to catch mobsters...

Above article was shared by a forum member: azguy

-JKS

Rolex & Chrome Hearts?

Rolex & Chrome Hearts?

Who Knew?

Many Collector's, that's who!

Ok, So what is "Chrome Hearts"

It's a brand.

 

Chrome Hearts is an American luxury brand, founded in 1988 by motorcycle enthusiast Richard Stark, that specializes in high-end silver jewelry, leather clothing and furniture with gothic rock motifs. It is known for its luxury items which feature fleur-de-lys, dagger and floral cross designs. The boutiques sell Rolex watches with one-of-a-kind Chrome Hearts bracelets in place of the stock band or strap. They offer sunglasses and clothing with their signature designs. Gold items were added to the collection.
Celebrities who wear Chrome Hearts include:The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Guns N' Roses, Bon Jovi, Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Ricky Martin, David Beckham, Justin Timberlake, Ashlee Simpson, Lenny Kravitz, Cher, ZZ Top, Britney Spears, Pamela Anderson, Usher, John Morrison, Mischa Barton, Lynn & Wade LLP, fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, Andy Lau, Anita Mui, Zaina Alsabah-Binladin, Nicholas Tse, Takuya Kimura, L'Arc-en-Ciel, Luna Sea, Michi (song), Dir en grey, Koichi Domoto, Subaru Shibutani, Van Ness Wu, Show Luo, Rain, Taeyang, Daul Kim, G-Dragon, Sandara Park, 2NE1, Han Geng, Jay Z, Salman Khan and Lil Wayne. Chrome Hearts gear was also visible on members of the Osbourne family during shooting of the MTV reality show The Osbournes.


While, I have only become aware of the brand and their cool 19mm watch band (ideal for Rolex Daytona's) and 20mm watch bracelet ( ideal for pretty much every other Rolex Sub,Gmt, Explorer etc.) Many other Rolex collector's seem to love them. There are several boutiques for "Chrome Hearts"  in Europe and Asia as well as in my country the U.S.

OFFICIAL SITE

 The example above reminds me of the Olongapo style bracelets: Link to my post.

 Photos borrowed from Here & Here.

-JKS

Ebay Gripe...

So, I'm sure many of you Swiss Monsters have noticed I haven't been doing "Bay Watch Tuesday" (For those just tuning in, this is where I show 2 "deals" available for purchase on ebay).

To be perfectly honest, while I love scanning ebay for cool rare watches, I honestly believe ebay has become a cesspool of ONLINE JEWELERS & CON ARTIST.

ONLINE JEWELERS (Online Based Jewelers without an open store-front)

1. List 200 Rolex watches on ebay (most without the reference number and or date of manufacture)
2. Use Photoshopped photos and ask 30% more than market value.
3. "Drop Ship"--- Most only have a very small selection of what they host for sale in their actual inventory. So, when a customer does actually buy a piece they (A.) either call a friend who has the desired timepiece in stock and share the inflated profit or (B.) Customize a piece they have in stock to match the photo (Add diamond bezel etc. You know, Dr. Frankenstein style! )

CON-ARTIST

1. Steal authentic photos from watch forums/Internet.
2. Photograph timepieces in low-light with a flip-phone camera circa 1997.
3. Have blatant/counterfeit pieces for sale with bullsh*t stories.

In short... Bay Watch Tuesday is on hold for a while (I do have another plan for Tuesday's, however.)

-JKS, The Head Swiss Monster.

Audemars Piguet = Green Friendly !

Article Below Copied From: www.escapement.uk.com

First electric company cars for Audemars Piguet

• 21/03/2012

Since January 2012, Audemars Piguet has introduced two cars with electric engines that are used by the Manufacture for trips between the different company sites, but also made available for employee use. This ecological undertaking is being driven by the Audemars Piguet Eco-Group and is in line with the Audemars Piguet Foundation’s commitment since 1992 to be involved in a number of projects abroad notably in the context of the protection of forests around the world, but also at the local level, in the Vallée de Joux.

 

The two cars with electric engines are the first steps towards an environment-friendly fleet for the Manufacture. The choice of these cars was dictated by two main considerations. Firstly, our electricity is labelled “Swiss hydraulic”, and produced by the water station at Mörel, in Canton Valais. The energy used for these cars is therefore totally renewable, and every kilowatt consumed contributes to the modernisation of Swiss hydro-installations. Secondly, Audemars Piguet, which is strongly involved in the local development of the Vallée de Joux, has naturally entrusted the maintenance of these vehicles to a garage in Le Brassus, thus ensuring that they can be taken care of close by. This local enterprise has acquired the necessary know-how and equipment for their maintenance.

Initially used as shuttles between the Audemars Piguet sites in the Vallée de Joux, these cars will be increasingly made available in the evening for employees wishing to test drive them outside working hours.

Audemars Piguet heated by wood from the surrounding forests, lit by hydro-electricity, uses products from certified forests, and adheres to a detailed environmental policy encompassing activities ranging from the purchase of raw materials to waste management. Through all these measures, the company continues to implement the environmental policy inherited from its founders, who were profoundly attached to the natural environment that inspired their watchmaking creations.

Original Article Here.

Interesting Trivia:

I was watching one of my favorite shows last night, Pawn Stars. When a trivia question appeared on the screen. Pretty awesome answer.I wonder what vintage piece fetched $80,000 +. Keep in mid the 80K was the profit for the pawn shop, then again pawn shops are notorious for giving customers way less than what a piece is worth.

-JKS

The Beatles & Patek Philippe.

~Re-Post~

We all know the story of Charlie Sheen and his Patek. However, I'm guessing most of you Swiss Monsters may not realize that Patek was/is worn by three of the Fab Four as well. 

Below, John Lennon is showing off his 40th Birthday present from Yoko. 

It is a Patek ref. 2499 (Now worth, hundreds of thousands of $USD).
Sir Paul McCartney is seen wearing a Patek Aquanaut & Ringo is following his lead, after all bass is the backbone of the band and the lead for drummers. 

"Imagine No Possessions" ...(Scough)

-JKS

Rolex "Rainbow" Cosmograph...

(Alright Swiss Monster. I couldn't resist...)

ANYONE SEEN MY WATCH?

Sponsored By:

-JKS

Vacheron Constantin. Tourneu Montage 1912-2012.

Vacheron Constantin. Tourneu Montage 1912-2012

P.S I still think their new "Tourneu" design looks like it should go on the wrist of Christopher Lee in a Hammer-Film version of "Dracula".

But...

What Do I Know ?

-JKS

(P.S Since the original post, Count Dracula has called and said he actually has worn Patek Philippe for the last 50 years.)

Hublot. $5,000,000. No Punch Line.

Hublot. $5,000,000. No Punch Line.

 (BLING HUBLOT YOUR MONEY)

Article re-posted from HERE

Basel, 11th of March, 2012 - Presented by Hublot at BaselWorld 2012, the “US$ 5 MILLION” watch – the most expensive watch of the fair – has been sold to The Hour Glass Singapore. It will be showcased first in the Hublot boutique in Marina Bay Sands, and then in the Hublot corners at The Hour Glass boutiques.
It is a unique piece, an exceptional and incredibly rare feat. And a completely different approach was used for its creation. Unlike an Haute Joaillerie piece, where the design and technical construction are created to "emphasise and serve" stones which have already been selected, the opposite approach was adopted. The diamond cutters started with a design and then found the diamonds which best matched the complex construction of the case, dial and bracelet. Cutters and setters then employed all of their expertise to resize them to ensure a perfect fit.
First challenge: to develop the design of the Big Bang, whilst retaining its graphic codes to ensure it cohesively integrates more than 3 carats of diamonds. Once the technical design was finalised, then the diamonds had to be found and combined. It took one year for the largest stones which came from all four corners of the world, and the same for the 1276 others. Every stone was individually selected to ensure that all were of a consistent quality and colour. They then had to be resized, one by one, to make them a perfect fit for the watch. A renowned "master cutter" from New York with over 40 years' experience was responsible for single-handedly cutting the largest GIA-certified stones to ensure they all had the same cut "signature".
It was a lengthy process to complete: 14 months of work for all the different disciplines combined, including 7 months' work for 12 cutters, and the same for the 5 setters, with all the major specialists working on the piece full-time. A total of 1282 diamonds, more than 100 carats of baguette diamonds, a dazzling expression of the work of the best craftsmen in their field.

This watch can be considered as a veritable collection of diamonds. Like a collection of paintings. Each was individually chosen in relation to the others to create a harmonious whole. This is the most precious watch ever created by Hublot and its long-standing partner, Atelier Bunter in Geneva. The diamonds selected by Hublot are all of the highest quality, graded A VVS in clarity and Top Wesselton in colour.

 -JKS

Random Act Of Beauty! (Jaeger) Lecoultre.

Random Act Of Beauty! (Jaeger) Lecoultre.

This is a wonderful and unique piece. I can't help but be reminded of my grandmother's house when I see this, it looks so well...dated. Excuse me, the word is classic. The asymmetrical design produces a strange tone to spectators, one I think most will agree that despite being different it is interesting.

-JKS

Easily one of the most stunning collections of Vintage Rolex.

A fellow forum member shared a beautiful photo showcasing his collection. It's strange, I remember opening the post and staring at the photo on my computer screen. The next thing I remember is waking up on the floor. The good news is the bump on my head is healing nicely. The bad is most Swiss Monsters will also faint when they see this beautiful collection as well...

The only word I can use is "INCREDIBLE"

(WARNING: I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR FAINTING OR INJURIES SUSTAINED.)

(Click on Photo for FULL experience)

Photo courtesy of RolexPassion  

(Below is Rolex ref. 8171---This is my personal favorite.)

-JKS