blancpain fifty fathoms vintage milspec watch with provenance accessories

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The Veteran Trick Every New Vintage Rolex Collector Should Learn

When evaluating a vintage Rolex, an expert’s hands often reveal more than their eyes. Matthew Bain shares a timeless lesson on “seeing with your hands” — how touch, not sight, can instantly expose condition, originality, and value. Discover the tactile skill every new vintage watch enthusiast should master.

Two Patek Philippe Ref. 5035 Annual Calendar wrist watches side by side

Patek Philippe Ref. 5035 – A Modern Classic with Vintage Roots

Patek Philippe Ref. 5035: a modern classic bridging vintage roots. I recall 1996 Baselworld's buzz as Patek unveiled its first annual calendar. Powered by Caliber 315 S QA, it auto-adjusts months with one yearly tweak—practical elegance rivaling perpetual calendars at lower cost. Its case echoes the iconic 1950s Ref. 2526's Calatrava poise. Personal for me: I witnessed its debut, unlike my pre-1960s trades. Wearable history for collectors.

Quick Take: Patek ref. 2431

As Aircooltime, I’m thrilled to examine the vintage rose gold Patek Philippe "Flame Lugs" Ref. 2431, now at Matthew Bain Inc. This 1950 masterpiece boasts a sculptural case with flared lugs and the precise Caliber 12-120 movement. The 18k gold retains crisp hallmarks, and the silvered dial with applied gold indices shines. A rare find—dive into its elegance at matthewbaininc.com!

I Wish I Had a Time Machine, Part III

Part III of the I Wish I Had A Time Machine Series. In this one Nicolas Zalles reviews historical sales and documents The Ones That Got Away

Pulsar Watches: Pioneers of the Digital Revolution in Horology

Pulsar watches revolutionized timekeeping in the 1970s with the first digital LED watch. Launched in 1972 by Hamilton, the Pulsar Time Computer was a Space Age icon, worn by Elvis and James Bond. From the P3’s date function to the 1975 calculator watch, Pulsar blended innovation and style. Discover our Pulsar P3 in 14kt Yellow Gold at Matthew Bain Inc. and own a piece of horological history!

Patek Philippe Ref. 2458, Observatory, J.B. Champion - Image Courtesy of Christie's

From $7,500 to $3.9 Million: The Most Expensive Watch I Ever Sold

Exclusive insiders lore on one of the most coveted watches in existence the Patek Philippe J.B. Champion Observatory Ref. 2458. Matthew Bain shares his knowledge and own experience in the historical trading of one of the worlds most storied timepieces.

Vintage Gold Cartier Cintrée Wrist Watch

Cartier Cintrée: A Century of Elegance

Matthew Bain explores his love for the famed Cartier Cintrée, including 'the one that got away', and a breakdown of their iterations through the years.

1920's Early Audemars Piguet Rectangular Complete Calendar in Pale Yellow Gold

Pulling the Trigger: A Rare Audemars Piguet Grail and the Art of Conviction

In my 30+ years as a watch dealer, I’ve learned to trust my gut. My latest grail, a 1927 Audemars Piguet Complete Calendar in pale yellow gold, is a rare masterpiece. Its Breguet numerals, cathedral hands, and soft patina stole my heart. At auction, I bid big, driven by conviction, not numbers. This watch, one of 10 surviving, is why I never regret pulling the trigger.