Okay, it is small, very small and even with a loop some people can’t find the hidden crown on a Rolex watch. I assure you it is there. At 6:00 just before the bottom of the crystal it will appear. Try and get light to reflect on the surface of the glass and look (Coffee Eye) the spot. This is an excellent tool to identify Rolex watches that are fake. This little laser inscription can save you a lot of trouble. CTWG

The acquisition of a pre-owned watch or a passed down treasured timepiece can have ups and downs. The older pieces often come with problems or slight blemishes that could detract from the beauty or does it? People often come to me wanting to switch dials on these older timepieces hating the look of the antiquated T(Swiss)T dial (“SWISS T < 25 more specifically indicates that the wristwatch emits an amount of Tritium that is less than the 25 milliCurie limit") In perspective these pieces have the look that most collectors want. We want the real untouched look for our collections! That dial you look at with disgust is the very dial we treasure. With the exception of small fragments going into the movement, a real collectible piece always has the “real deal” dial. So, don’t jump right in to the switch, you have the retro style covered, sport it! CTWG

I never have been a big fan of cross marketing brands with watches. Disney pulled this one off years ago, and this is a first I have witnessed.  Mickey and watches have been a match for years, but this is not. Let’s leave high end watches, just that way classy. CTWG
     

Oris had a cool watch for your collection this year at Basel.  The Titan Pro ” Monster “diver has a click system to ensure your uni- directional bezel stays that way! Just squeeze the sides, lift and move to the desired time of the dive. It then locks to stay put. 51mm, yes, a Monster diver. Don’t be surprised if you are stuck to the Ocean floor. Hope it makes your rotation. Coming in at $4195.00!

Apparently, Swatch has made the push “Once Again” to stop producing movements for everyone and their neighbor, to concentrating on their own strong holds. Most watch fanatics are familiar with ETA movements produced by the Giant Swatch group. “ETA as reported by National Jeweler produces still 80% of the high end movements for the industry.” I have heard these reports before and strong resistance has been made by the industry that it will cut the necks of many companies. With all that said it looks like that ETA will be for Swatch only sooner than later. Lesson: Make your own movement or pay a premium. For more on the topic try http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/06/08/swatchgroup-idUKLDE6671FF20110608. CTWG

I have had the pleasure of working with Master WatchMaker Chris Travelstead for about seven years now. He is a talented Watchmaker and certified as such for many years. Chris was a WOSTEP graduate before it was even called WOSTEP We have decided to launch this section called “Ask the Master Watchmaker” for questions people may have concerning their watches and service. I hope it is enjoyable to you and bring the questions to our attention.
This installment addresses service needs. Today a bad Pivot and the damage it can cause.
A Pivot the center portion of a watch jewel stabilizes the jewel and gives it a rotational point. Below is the start of the problems that can arise.

The Jewel being red or ruby has the pivot protruding through the opening. When it starts to go bad the metal shavings start to move out of the jewel and Wreak havoc.
Here is the wear on the Pivot:

Again, below the surface of the jewel and pivot functions lies the second wheel and the problems caused by the one bad pivot.

These are all just portions of the watch that need attention during the service and a reason why not to let the watch go too far. CTWG/CT

Just in case you missed Nepal news!
Our Michael always a hit, by the way you can find Kobold Watches at Henne Jewelers. This episode Mike teaches the children of Nepal, that there is no can’t! Youth in Asia, your killing me.. CTWG

Photo: CT/CTWG

If you think pushing it to the next year for an overhaul makes sense, check the picture. The oscillating wheel has touched down and started scrapping. The pivot went kaputski and started to let the rotor hit and HIT. This causes small pieces of metal to go through the movement. Get that watch checked on occasion, it will save you bucks in the long run! CTWG.

It has been a great while since I have had the pleasure of selling Oris watches. Now, they are back on the scene with some great new looks and the classics are still there. The family owned business out of Holstein, Switzerland makes watches the old fashion way. Cottage Industry production drives the focus, with help from their neighbors, Oris makes a solid go to everyday watch. Hence their slogan “Real Watches For Real People”.
Glad to have you back old friends. CTWG

Man, I mean man! Breitling does some killer watches and then they go and throw out some Green! I mean green is the man’s color. Ya, have to be original in the game. You can’t go don the color of your Arch enemy, that is just plain crazy! Thank goodness for the redeemer below the green nightmare! Come on, Breitling step it up! CTWG.