Extra value: Tiffany-dialed Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman”

Hello, Newman: A Collector Looks Askance At The Cult Of The Paul Newman Rolex Daytona – Reprise

/6 Comments/in , /by

For watch lovers, the name “Paul Newman” is associated first and foremost with Rolex, and in particular with a subset of that brand’s Daytona watches with specific dial characteristics, including a recessed outer seconds track and subdials that feature block-shaped hashmarks and Art Deco-style Arabic numerals. But what does this nickname mean for these references on the vintage market? And what does GaryG think about it?

Read more
Rolex Submariner Reference 1680 from 1978

The Superficial Value In Refinishing/Refurbishing Rolexes: A Watchmaker’s Rant – Reprise

/5 Comments/in , , , /by

A common question in watch servicing/restoration is, “Who does the ‘best’ work?” In a word (or three), what is meant here is superficial case refinishing. And in other words: huge chamfers on Rolex cases, perfectly flat surfaces, and well executed sunburst patterns. And that’s got Ashton Tracy ranting. Find out why here!

Read more
: Supporting the brand: group wristshot at the Jaeger-LeCoultre Costa Mesa OCNA event

Jaeger-LeCoultre: A Collector’s ‘Gateway Drug’ And Ongoing Pleasure – Reprise

/0 Comments/in , , /by

While his friends’ paths into serious collecting have been fairly diverse, GaryG started with Jaeger-LeCoultre, which opened his eyes to the world of fine watchmaking and served as the foundation for his ongoing fascination with horology. Take a look here at Gary’s history collecting fascinating timepieces by this revered Swiss brand.

Read more
Vintage Jaeger "Panda dial 4 ATM"

Vintage Watch Restoration: Should You Or Not? A Guide To The Oft-Controversial World Of Making Things Worse By Trying To Make Them Better – Reprise

/2 Comments/in , , , /by

Deciding whether or not to restore a vintage watch is a tough decision to make. The internet is awash with tales of watches butchered by an incompetent independent watchmaker or, worse still, the brand itself. Even more confusing is deciding which options offered should be accepted. Refinish the case? Change the hands? Replace the crystal? Here is some help for you.

Read more

Dial Restoration: Aesthetics Or Functionality? And How To Decide – Reprise

/3 Comments/in , , /by

Most will agree that re-painting a dial is a big no-no. Vintage pieces with re-painted dials can be had for a steal as they are difficult to shift and mostly unwanted. But not all dial restorations are created equal, and we do encounter varying degrees of “upgrades.” Some of these upgrades are purposeful deception, while others are not. Here is what one watchmaker feels about the subject.

Read more
A gaggle of Rolex Submariners

Why I’ve Never Owned A Rolex – And Why I Might Yet (Update: I Do Now!) – Reprise

/16 Comments/in , , /by

Once in a while on the collector forums a question is posed: is there anyone in the collector community who has never, ever, owned a Rolex? As a general rule, respondents to these queries tend to express disbelief that such a creature could possibly exist given the quality and ubiquity of the brand’s watches. Well, folks, GaryG is here to tell you that such people do exist, and that he is one of them. And then what happened . . . ?

Read more
Movement of the Philippe Dufour Simplicity

Here’s Why: Manual Winding Watches Are For Horological Connoisseurs – Reprise

/3 Comments/in , /by

Joshua Munchow explains why he thinks manual winding watches are for horological connoisseurs and why more complexity isn’t necessarily better in some cases.

Read more
You know you’re a watch guy if . . . at a restaurant you photograph everyone's watches but not the food

You Know You’re A Watch Guy Or Gal If . . . – Reprise

/3 Comments/in , , /by

Horophiles are pretty unique people and have some pretty unique traits and habits. In the theme of Jeff Foxworthy and his “you might be a redneck if” routine, John Keil pokes a little fun at our WIS brothers and sisters as well as ourselves. So without further ado, you know you’re a watch guy or gal if . . .

Read more
De Bethune DB28 with silicon/platinum annular balance

The Schmidt List: 5 Extraordinary Balance Wheels – Reprise

/0 Comments/in , , /by

The balance wheel, the critical regulatory organ of a mechanical watch, is expected to deliver a consistent frequency with a tolerance of as little as 0.001 percent. With so much at stake, why complicate things by altering a pure and simple geometric shape? Why reinvent the wheel? Well, here are five balances that definitely did reinvent the wheel.

Read more
Coherent finishing: the Greubel Forsey Invention Piece 1

Does Hand Finishing Matter? A Collector’s View Of Movement Decoration – Reprise

/14 Comments/in , , /by

Many of you are likely to have come across at least a few heated discussions of “finishing,” a topic that seems to fascinate, and divide, watch enthusiasts. Like many people, GaryG’s starting point for serious watches was with a well-priced brand long known for its expertise in developing movements, justly viewed as offering good value for money – but not necessarily for the refinement of its movement finishing, at least on its less expensive pieces. Read on to discover what he has learned since then.

Read more