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Watch Industry Insights
Matthew Bain Blog
"An inside look at what piques our interests"


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!


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.


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.


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.


(Almost) Unicorn: 1964 Rolex Milgauss Ref. 1019
We are very happy to have acquired this early and extremely rare Rolex Milgauss reference 1019 retailed by Tiffany & Co in 1964. The...


Grail Watch: Patek Philippe Ref. 1463
The Patek Philippe reference 1463 has always been one of my favorite chronograph models. Patek Philippe produced this model in the 1940s...


Grail Watch: Dato-Compax "Jean Calude Killy" Rolex Ref. 6036
We are very excited that we were able to acquire this Rolex reference 6036, known as a Dato-Compax or Jean-Claude Killy. The Rolex...


Grail Watch: 1968 Paul Newman Rolex Daytona Ref. 6239
I am extremely pleased to offer this incredible Paul Newman Rolex Daytona reference 6239 from 1968. I was very lucky to acquire this...


Barn Find: 5510 Rolex Big Crown James Bond Submariner
We are pleased to offer this reference 5510 Rolex Big Crown James Bond Submariner which is considered one the rarest of all the Big...


Uber Rare Grail Watch: Patek Philippe Jumbo Nautilus in 18k White Gold
We are blown away to acquire and offer this uber rare grail Patek Philippe Jumbo Nautilus reference 3700/11 in 18k WHITE GOLD . This is...


Barn Find: 1950's Rolex Lightning Bolt Milguass
The Rolex Milgauss was developed in 1954 for use by scientists and engineers who were working around high levels of magnetic activity....


Incredibly Rare London Cartier Crash Watch
The Cartier Crash has always been highly collectible but in the last few years this model has gained a lot of worldwide attention,...


Extremely Rare Rolex Big Crown James Bond Submariner Ref. 6200
We are very excited to offer this grail and extremely rare Rolex Big Crown James Bond Submariner Reference 6200. Of all the big crown...


All Original 1970 "Red" Rolex Submariner - Full Set
It is so hard to find a great all original watch, but finding one fully complete with all paperwork, hang tags, anchor and inner and...


Mint Rolex Bakelite GMT Ref 6542
About 5 years ago, I came across the best Rolex GMT reference 6542 I had ever seen. I purchased it from the son of a gentleman who sued...


Omega Speedmaster Professional "Red Racing"
This is an extremely rare Omega Speedmaster reference 145.012 from 1968 known as the 'Racing Model'. This Racing Model Speedmaster has a...


Rolex Submariner Explorer Dial Ref 5513
This is an incredible Rolex Submariner reference 5513 circa 1964 with the extremely rare gilt 369 explorer dial. Typically, this model...


Miami Watch Studio: Get an Inside Look
Once again the good folks at Hodinkee visited our Miami watch studio for a follow up to a wonderful photo report they published back in...


Collector's Smart Buy: Patek Philippe Ref 3970
The Patek Philippe reference 3970 is one of the most iconic and affordable complicated models on the market . This model was developed in...


2016 Geneva Auction Preview: My Favorite Picks
May 11, 2016 Getting ready for an auction trip to Geneva where there are 5 major auctions this weekend including a Phillips theme sale of...
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