On Trip.

Hi Swiss Monsters, currently away I will be back on the 17th and will load a full report. For now, here's a spoiler.

Random Act Of Beauty!

 Today's Random Act Of Beauty, is a 1675 with military history. This 1675 belonged to a forum member and is awesome! It has all of the traditional features of a 1675 with the bonus of a U.A.E logo. This piece was produced between 1971-1979 for U.A.E Helicopter Pilots. I have seen quite a few arabic dials in person, but have yet to hold this in my hand. Along with the U.A.E Daytona, this is one of my favorites. Please note all photos belong to  amanico of http://rolex.watchprosite.com (Very cool site).

-JKS

Random Act Of Beauty!

This is one of my favorite pieces from AP. Contrary to what many may believe, they can in deed make some beautiful non Royal Oak Offshore pieces. 

Audemars Piguet "Quantième Perpétuel Automatique Squelette"

Antiquorum Description:

Three-body, solid, polished and brushed, fluted lugs, transparent case back, stepped bezel, sapphire crystal, and correctors on the band for change of the date. D. Transparent, subsidiary beige ring dials for the date, days of the week, the months, in painted Arabic numerals, sector for the age of the moon, aperture for the moon phases. Yellow gold "Bâton" hands. M. Cal 2120/1, gilt brass, skeletonized and engraved, 36 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, shock-absorber, self-compensating flat balance-spring, 21K engraved gold rotor. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 36 mm. Thickness 8 mm.

Click for larger display.

-JKS

How to pronounce those fancy watch words!

I found this site linked on the VRF and thought I would share.

-JKS

http://www.chronometrie.com/watchsounds/watchsoundspage.htm

Repost #3

So, I realize that I've re-posted this a million times. The truth is, I love this mini-documentary. It offers an insight into the world of the luxury watch trade, that no other attempt has come close to. So, for re-post #3  here it is "Time Machines" featuring Tom Bolt, a super watch-dealer.

 

For more information on Tom Bolt. Visit HERE. This is his website and even features a few pieces available for purchase that were featured in the documentary (Including the rare Omani Daytona).

-JKS

It's Bay Watch Tuesday!!

Seriously, not that "Bay Watch"!!

Alright Guys, it's Bay Watch Tuesday. For those of you just tuning in, "Bay Watch Tuesday" is a once a week post that highlights two unique or well priced timepieces on "eBay".  In the past I have covered everything from Hamilton to Audemars Piguet.

Click Here:  First up is an amazing Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921. 

Seller's Description:
Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 Ref. # 82035/000R-9359
Brand New Box & Papers
Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 - stunning 18K Rose Gold Case and Design!
Brand: Vacheron Constantin
Series: Historiques
Retail Price: $34900
Reference: 82035/000R-9359
As Known As: 82035000R9359
Case Size: 40 mm x 40 mm x 8 mm
Gender: Gents
Movement: Manual Wind
Cadence of Balance: 28,800 v.p.h
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds
Strap: Leather Strap
Clasp Type: Tang
Signatures: Vacheron Constantin
Included Items: Manufacture's Box and Papers
Power Reserve: 65 Hours
Caliber: 4400 AS
Materials: 18K Rose Gold
Finishing: Featuring a departure from standard watches, the angled Dial in 18K Rose gold case is Unique!
Case Back: Transparent (See-Through)
Crown: Pull Out
Dial Color: Sand-blasted Silver Dial
Description:
What makes this such a unique watch, becomes apparent once it is on the wrist - the clever moving of the dial so that 12 o'clock is in the 1 o'clock position is the correct angle that the time is viewed - outstanding!
This watch does homage to a watch that was manufactured by Vacheron Constantin for the American market in the roaring 20's.
The design has been duplicated featuring the diagonal reading of the time, with the crown positioned at the 12 o'clock of the watch (or at the 1 o’clock of a traditional watch).
This watch will be produced in strictly limited numbers (although not a limited/numbered edition).
This watch features:
Polished/Gloss finished Cushion-shaped 18K Rose Gold case.
Sandblasted silver dial with black painted hour markers & minute/hour track.
Small seconds sub-dial located at the bottom right side of the dial (3 o'clock).
Vacheron Constantin in-house produced caliber 4400, beats at 28,800 vph, contains 21 jewels & has an approximate Power Reserve of 65 hours.
Each movement is stamped with the Geneva Quality Hallmark.

Second up, is a transitional Rolex GMT, available at a terrific value!
Click Here: 1986 Rolex GMT Master II ref. 16760 FAT LADY ~ NO RESERVE! 
Seller's Description: Offered for your consideration at NO RESERVE, we have a rare, 9.1 million serial numbered ref 16760, 1986 Rolex GMT Master II with the original 93150 Rolex bracelet with 593 end pieces. The watch was also the first GMT to be produced exclusively with a sapphire crystal. The rotating bezel, while remaining bi-directional of course, now had a ratcheting action. Interestingly, the only bezel insert offered on the original GMT-II was a new color combination of black & red. The 16760 was never offered in gold or steel & gold and was always fitted with a gloss/WG surround dial. This fine timepiece was serviced by Rolex in 2009 and at that time it was fitted with a factory replacement dial and hands and the bezel insert. This fine timepiece is in excellent condition, the watch is running strong and is very sharp and crisp all around with a tiny bit of stretch on the original bracelet.. There are 18 pics to look at.. ALL AUCTION SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE ASK QUESTIONS!









-JKS
Remember there are sharks out there! So be careful. Please remember that although an auction is featured on this site does not mean, I myself receive compensation or TheSwissMonster.com offers any guaranty.

Journey to Grand Cayman.

Alright Swiss Monsters, you all should expect some exciting post next week. I will be visiting Grand Cayman and the infamous Grand Cayman Rolex Store. I am planning on visiting a few authorized dealers, but will also  try to take in some  of the island's scenery as well. I have heard I should visit a beach or two while there. I will post tons of photos and who knows, maybe even pick-up a new timepiece. There are a few I have my eye on. There is one (a non-Rolex) I really have an eye on. So, stay tuned. This week will be hectic, in preparation for my trip, so I apologize in advance is content is thin.

-Cheers,

Jeremy

-JKS

Random Fashion NOs!

Alright Swiss Monsters, it's been a while since I've offered a bit of fashion advice. You see, my method for determining what is a fashion "NO" is not a simple one. Every morning, I sit in a chain coffee shop and observe. I observe not only what timepieces are being worn (luxury and economy, as most often the cheapest watch has a luxury equivalent ) but also what attire the owner's are wearing. I feel this method of observation exemplifies advertising in motion. I think its fair to say that most people's daily wardrobe in the United States falls between an acceptable margin.  However, I live in Louisiana (for international guest: Louisiana is an interesting and diverse state with a rich and sometimes dissonant history, making it in many aspects still very different from the rest of the United States.) In short, my perspective of norm extends to a business man wearing a suit, tie, digital watch and a hunting camouflage hat. You see, I've learned to just let "Jessie The Hillbilly" count as normal and as such my pointing out a "Fashion NO!" is a bit more difficult than say, if I were living in a swankier place. The other side of this, is that my examples are often more extreme and thus more comical!

Enter: Random Fashion NOs!

Disclaimer, I am not a fashion Guru. I have said this before, " I simply know what looks good on me and awful on everyone else". Further more, I truly believe that anyone who loves fine timepieces, fundamentally loves design. I feel it is important to be aware of trends and evolution in fashion. This can be financially profitable while ignorance can be irresponsible. One has to know when to buy in and when to sell out!

Fashion NO #1

- Now, after digressing quite a bit-

It is NEVER acceptable to leave a collared button up shirt unbuttoned four spaces, just to show either chest hair or a 9k gold necklace. It doesn't matter that your wearing a Rolex Day-Date, unless your first name is Tony and last name Soprano, button up! This is just my opinion. Do what you like, but a guy writing a blog may poke fun at you.

-JKS

Random Act Of Beauty!

I'm not sure it gets more beautiful than this classic manual wind Rolex Prince. This is one of my all time favorites. The dimensions and size of the case allow this timepiece to look modern enough for any watch lover to wear, even if caught in the fad of larger is better. It's classic Deco lines allow the wearer to enjoy the look and feel of sophistication beyond their own years.

Without further delay, The Rolex Prince. This example is in Rose Gold.

 

-JKS

It's Christmas Time Officially!

If you want to get into the luxury Christmas mood, check out the Cartier Site it is amazing! The site is holiday themed and done with the utmost taste. Cartier has even made a special movie featurette with their iconic panther.

Cartier SITE

VIDEO


-JKS