For the most part I have great admiration for the watches that Tiffany & Co. has sold over the years. For a while, they combined their inventory with personally branded watches and ones from brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe. Tiffany & Co. branded watches from the 1990's for example were very cool. I wrote a lot about the famous Streamerica watch designed by Jorg Hysek (you can search for it here on aBlogtoRead.com to the right, as I have written about it several times), and I personally reviewed a Tiffany & Co. Mark T-57 Automatic watch here. Tiffany & Co. was very quiet about their watch operation. Little media, and more or less merely relied on in-store foot traffic to notice their watches. Watches were made and designed by outside partners, while in-house people at Tiffany curated the designs and styles.

Then a few years ago the Swatch Group wiggled its way in deeper to Tiffany & Co.'s watch making arm. Swatch Group became a licensee of the Tiffany & Co. name, and would make and design their watches (probably with some approval rights from Tiffany & Co.). Although Tiffany & Co. made some nice watches prior to this relationship, I understand that they had issues with supply, service, customer service, and other issues relating to the production and service side of the watches. That and the fact that only a handful of key Tiffany & Co. employees knew anything about watches. They rest of their staff in stores were clueless.

So whatever the reason may be, we are now faced with the fact that the Swatch Group runs the watch making side of Tiffany & Co. From a logistical side of things I am sure it is run well, but I have had issues with the watches that have been released out of this new partnership from day one. Last year I published this article discussing how I felt underwhelmed by the new Tiffany & Co watches at Baselworld 2009. This was the first time we had seen new pieces from the Tiffany and Swatch deal. My problem was all about the designs.

Let me explain what I think a Tiffany & Co. watch should be. Tiffany items have always had a very refined, lasting aesthetic to them. Nothing wild, nothing too avant garde, just tasteful pieces that look almost timeless in design. In addition to that, something wearable from Tiffany should be generation-less. Meaning that it should look good on a 20 year old, and still look good on that same person when they are 40. Thus, the items aren't about being youthful or mature, just nice looking. Tiffany has held this concept in high regard, and if you stroll around one of their stores you will see this underlying design principle at work in most of what they sell. So traditionally Tiffany watches have been like this. Good looking pieces that grown on you and are simple to live with. The very essence of prudent good taste.

And then 2009 saw lots of rubber, silly looking dials, and some questionable designs. Nothing about the new watches communicated a lack of physical quality or watches that were too hard to read, but rather they lacked the right design, as well as refinement. No longer was Tiffany & Co. the maker of classy watches. That isn't to say that none of their new watches is classy or well done, but such "proper models" are certainly more rare in the line up. I actually even like a few of their new watches. For instance the Atlas three-hand men's watch in steel and rubber is pretty cool. The chronograph looks too silly for me, but overall the watches are decent. Decent yes, but not Tiffany. These look more akin to watches offered by Calvin Klein (coincidentally another Swatch Group licensee brand). Maybe good for $500, not good for $5,000. So there is nothing wrong with them, but they don't match what Tiffany's exacting image requirements should be, and don't look at all like watches that should cost a few thousand dollars. Swatch Group apparently is really confident that the Tiffany & Co. name alone on a watch will overcome design not fit for the brand. These are lower cost looking watches with a Tiffany & Co. name on them. I would prefer watches that look more expensive than they are and have the Tiffany & Co. name on them.

The Atlas Dome models are about the only new pieces from the partnership that speak to me at all. Of course, these are based on the previous Atlas collection, so there isn't too much creativity going on. The women's watches in the new collection are often too girly or described as "cocktail watches." Meaning that they have cheeky designs are aren't meant for serious occasions? What happened to Tiffany being the brand you could wear on your wedding?

I've posted a few images of Tiffany & Co. watches here from the last two years. I met with the friendly people at Tiffany & Co. recently. Nice people and delicious cupcakes made in traditional Tiffany & Co. blue color. They did not allow me to photograph the watches - so I respected that. So I have seen the pieces, and I am not talking merely from seeing images.

Moving forward I have a few recommendations for Tiffany & Co. First of all, lose some of that rubber. Your men's Atlas watches on the steel bracelets feel like they are half rubber (can't see here but the sides of the case are all rubber as well). You want a nice two-tone look with steel and black? Fine, just use something else for black aside from rubber. Cut down on the SKU's. You have way too many new watches, and it is overwhelming. Yes, I know you have lots of markets to cater to, but none of these pieces has any personality or much character. They look like department store watches from a design standpoint, but they are supposed to be sold in high-end stores. Cease the too youthful designs. Again, when people want fun looking watches meant for young women they have lots of brands to choose from. When someone wants a sober and serious watch to make them feel proud and appear tasteful, they go to Tiffany. You've basically left them only a few options. I mean seriously, a watch with "5AV" (for 5th Avenue) meant only for tourists to the New York City store? Is that what Tiffany & Co. is all about?

Prices of the Tiffany watches here range from roughly $3,000 - $5,000 (more for models in gold or with diamonds). Perhaps you agree that all of these designs look like watches at those price levels. Personally? I think the designs are cool, but entry-level, fashion market cool. Tiffany isn't about 'cool,' it is a bout good taste and refinement. These watches for the most part are not that. I have high hopes that Tiffany & Co. in the future and hope that they start seeing the design and poise that their brand demands, and partnership with Swatch allows for.

See Tiffany & Co. Watches on eBay here.

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Vintage Tiffany Co Platinum watch marked platinum $800.00 Time Remaining: 39m Bid now

LADIES 14K TIFFANY WATCH $1,850.00 Time Remaining: 1h 30m Buy It Now for only: $1,850.00 Buy It Now

Perrin Tiffany SHORT 11mm Leather Watch Strap Brown $69.00 Time Remaining: 1h 31m Buy It Now for only: $69.00 Buy It Now

Perrin Tiffany Custom 11mm Leather Watch Strap Cognac $69.00 Time Remaining: 1h 34m Buy It Now for only: $69.00 Buy It Now

Tiffany Co Swiss Quartz Ladies Watch $239.87 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 1h 38m Bid now

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Ah, Tiffany & Co. With what reverence I hold your outsourced watch creations. No matter how much I understand your lack of personal involvement in manufacturing your timepieces, I can't help but be impressed by them. The pictures watch is the very nice looking Mark T-57 Tri Retrograde Chronograph model. The lineage of this model stems from the original Mark T-57 line. The Tri-Retrograde adds a customized automatic mechanical movement (of unannounced origins) that modifies a 12 hour chronograph with retrograde dials (instead of a full revolution, hands go to one end of a dial and shoot back to the start). The movement is further skeletonized. Thus, you can see some of the movement construction and operation through the dial itself. Hands remain bright red for legibility, and you have a white disc date window that is also partially exposed.

The Tiffany & Co. Mark T-57 Tri Retrograde came in both stainless steel and 18k gold. The steel version here retailed for over $7,000 (gold version was almost $20,000). It was a pricey model, but you got the Tiffany name, and Tiffany style. While the design certainly has a degree of grace, the Mark T-57 line was always very sports oriented in looks. The case features rare use of vulcanized rubber, which can been seen on the bezel and tips of the pushers and crown. It has a soft feeling that feels like high quality foam, but stronger.

The strap is rubber with an excellent folding and locking clasp. You do have to cut the strap for size though. The case is a large 45mm wide (and 17m thick which makes it thicker than the base T-57 model), but you have a domed sapphire crystal over the face along with a sapphire movement window. There you can see Tiffany's signature black rotor and the well decorated movement. Perlage polishing can be see on the movement from both sides, and looks particularly nice where applied on the face.

This rare Tiffany & Co. watch is currently available on eBay. It is a hell of a deal with an auction starting at $2,500 for a pristine example of this Mark T-57 Tri-Retrograde model. Worth checking out, as this increasingly rare model has a lot of desirable features and functions.

See Tiffany & Co. watches on eBay here.

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Tiffany Co Mark T 57 Tri Retrograde Chronograph 2 Tone 18k Rose Gold VERY RARE $12,349.05 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 28m Buy It Now for only: $12,349.05 Buy It Now

MENS TIFFANY CO MARK T 57 CHRONOGRAPH STAINLESS STEEL WATCH $1,995.00 Time Remaining: 3d 20m Buy It Now for only: $1,995.00 Buy It Now

Tiffany Co Mark T 57 Certified Chronometer Stainless Watch $3,600.00 Time Remaining: 3d 4h 22m Buy It Now for only: $3,600.00 Buy It Now

Tiffany Company Mark T 57 Quartz Resonator Watch Stainless Steel No Reserve $999.99 Time Remaining: 3d 22h 43m Buy It Now for only: $1,099.99 Buy It Now | Bid now

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Be clear that I didn't purchase this watch for the name, but rather for the looks. Though I would be lying if I said that I didn't like the fact that the name of the watch distributor (Tiffany & Co.) doesn't add some value to the watch in my mind. I am careful to say that Tiffany & Co. does not make this watch. They don't make any watches. They outsource the design and production (like they do with most of their designs and production), and sell it under their name. Sometimes they commission designs, other times they seek out designs that fit with their overall line. While Tiffany & Co. has been selling watches for a long time, it has not been their forte. Recently, they made a deal with the Swatch Group. They also made a deal to distribute Patek Philippe watches. What the future holds for Tiffany & Co in terms of watch is unclear, but it looks as though selling watches will be a greater part of their business model. More on their current capacity to sell watches in a bit.

So lets get back to the Mark T-57. It is a sportier extension of the standard "Mark" line of watches, which all are very classic in form, providing a mixture of quartz and automatic models. The Mark T-57 watches are the same in this regard. There are three-hand and chronograph models available, with automatic and quartz movements. There is an all steel version, and one that is interestingly covered with a thin layer of vulcanized rubber (sportier still). Lastly, there is a metal bracelet and rubber strap available. More recently, Tiffany & Co. released a much more expensive model in gold (and steel) that features a unique partially skeletonized tri-retrograde chronograph display. Read more about the Tiffany & Co. Mark T-57 line here.

With all these options I was happy to pick up a nice model; which is the all steel three-hand automatic version (which only comes on the metal bracelet). Tiffany & Co. did a good job making this watch "their own." It comes with a nice black display box, a too-thick instruction manual given the sparse information inside (about 5 pages of generic watch instructions are reproduced into many languages), the chronometer certificate, and soft leather travel carrying bag that I don't actually think is large enough to fit the watch. With a retail price at over $3,000, the accompaniments with the watch are about expected, no more, no less.

The Mark T-57 doesn't share too much design-wise with the rest of the Tiffany & Co. Mark lines of watches; other than the signature Tiffany & Co. use of Roman numerals, and the black rotor on the movement. In fact, the design is highly distinct for Tiffany & Co. as a whole. Although they have been able to retain a classic, yet "different" look for themselves, the T-57 is much more ambitious a look for Tiffany & Co. in relation to their existing line of watches. I wrote a while ago regarding the lineage of the design itself, you can read here and see a bit about how the looks of the Tiffany Mark T-57 came to be. My theory is that the non rubberized version of the Mark T-57 stemmed from a design exercise of the watch. Tiffany & Co. is not used to having too many sporty watches, and I think they made a good decision to include the non rubber coated version of the watch (which is the version I own). Just in case it was not clear, the vulcanized rubber that I am speaking of is placed on the middle of the links on the bracelet and between the alternating segments on the bezel.

Now lets get to the watch itself. I will begin with some positives. The moment you first handle a Mark T-57, you instantly find something to like about the watch. It is, in a manner of speaking, a beautiful design. Timeless, legible, and very attractive. It has a wonderful wealthy demeanor to it. Sometimes I will wear it and not know whether I am worthy. Is it the Tiffany & Co. name? Maybe the elongated Roman numeral on the face that reminds me of board meeting watches. Whatever it is, the watch is just a little bit better than me in personality. The case is extremely well defined. You'll find lots of details in the many lines and contrasting polished and satin finished areas. There are also areas of brushed steel. Think of the Mark T-57 case as being architecturally designed. The case is about 43mm wide. The bracelet is approx. 19mm wide.

The face is covered with a gently curving sapphire crystal. Curved crystals are more expensive to manufacture that flat ones. They don't always make a ton of practical sense, but they do look nice, and you find yourself appreciating them. You then find the very well constructed chapter ring (or flange) that is more steel sloped that most sloped chapter rings. On there are luminat covered hour markers, minute makers, and just for sporty effect, one fifth of a second markers. The chapter ring is nice because it makes reading the time easier, allow for more precision, and is an attractive gray polished metal. It is a minor detail. but one I appreciate.

Then you'll find a flat gray ring with the Roman numerals attached to it. There is also a date window (with nicely beveled edges) neatly included on this surface. Move in more and you'll see a lighter gray surface with a circular texturing that has the necessary text. "Tiffany & Co," and on mine "Certified Chronometer" above "Automatic." That lets you know that this watch has been sent to the Chronometer certification organization in Switzerland (as stated before, the watch also comes with the certificate), and that this version of the watch is not the lesser quartz model. I like everything about the dial and face. I've considered whether or not the darker gray area (where the Roman numeral are located) needed to be spruced up a bit, but then decided that the face would have looked to busy if that were the case.

You'll never get tired of the hands on the Mark T-57. Think of them as chunkier versions of the delicate hands on the standard Tiffany & Co. Mark watch. Thick with luminant, and not too short (as is the case with many watches in my opinion. Like the hands in a Glashutte Sport Evolution watch, those on the Mark T-57 end with mostly flat edges that do seem to work quite well. The seconds hand is bright red, impressively thin, and has a bead of luminant at the opposite edge. Very sporty, and a good touch.

Moving back, the rotating bezel on the watch has an interesting twist. You can move it by itself, but it is a bit too recessed to move comfortably. Instead, the watch had a second diagonally placed crown on the left side of the watch. Turning this crown will move the bezel, in only one direction as is common with diver style rotating bezels. Surprisingly, rotating the bezel yields an extremely satisfying metallic clank. Really makes the case feel solid and hefty when you hear it.

Underneath the case is the sapphire crystal covered exhibition case back. Most noticeable is the signature Tiffany & Co. black rotor with a cotes de Geneve polish decoration. The ETA automatic mechanical 2892-2 movement is further decorated with perlage polishing and blued screws. Don't worry if these things don't mean much to you. Trust that they seem to add value to a watch movement, and you should probably want them, just to know that they are there. The ETA 2892 is one of the best movements that ETA makes, and is in its highest grade in this watch being adequate (and passing) Chronometer certification. The exhibition case back window is obscured a bit with some lettering and a unique hand-written indicator of the movement serial number. Via these numbers, you can deduce that there are less than 100,000 Tiffany Mark T-57 mechanical movement watches out there.

True to the Chronometer labeling on the watch, the Mark T-57 is a very accurate timepiece, for a mechanical watch that is. It is the first certified Chronometer watch that I have owned, and I think I like this high accuracy mechanical watch effort. Last year the number of certified Chronometers reached a new level of about 1.3 million. Still, over 700,000 of those watches... were Rolex watches. Thus, compared to all watches made each year, non-Rolex certified Chronometers are among the most rare.

The Tiffany & Co. Mark T-57 is not without its flaws or drawbacks. My feelings are that the Mark T-57 gets a lot of good points, but seems to have missed a couple of things that watch lovers focus on, instead tending to the fashion conscious a bit more. Lets look at the bracelet first, which is very nice to look at. There is a bit of a loose fit where the bracelet attached to the lugs. Most people wouldn't even notice this, but a perfect bracelet fits perfectly between the lugs with the case. More importantly is the fit of the bracelet. There is no minor adjustment ability. You have the ability to remove links (with screwed pins), but no other type of adjustment options. For me, the watch is either a bit too loose, or a bit too tight. This will depend on your specific wrist of course. Many watches feature more marginal adjustments, which are one of the things that watch lovers look for. It would not have been too difficult for Tiffany & Co. to provide a "half link" that is smaller than a normal link for more precise fitting.

Actually, I went to a Tiffany & Co. store here in San Francisco to inquire about this. Remember, the instruction manual has no mention of fitting the watch yourself, even though doing so is really simple. Ah, and what a terrible experience visiting Tiffany was. Once I was instructed to visit "customer service" on the second floor, I had a feeling things were going down hill. There was no wait, and I got to sit down at an available desk station (think Lenscrafters) where a woman asked if she could help me (as though there was some other reason I was there). I then attempted to explain to her in as simple terms as possible, "can you find out if a half sized link is available for this watch, as there is no other means for precise fitting; and the watch is just a bit too loose or tight on me." What ensued was utter confusion at how I could possibly have this question (perhaps it was filtration of my words through her limited mental capacity). Apparently, it was too complex a notion that perhaps I was able to size the watch myself at home, given the fact that I don't work in the back room at Tiffany's. She of course had no idea what I was talking about and said the watch would have to be sent to the service center in New York. An idea that appalled me. "Look, I just want to know if such a part is available, and how much it costs." She then committed the biggest offense. I don't care who you are, but you don't take someone's expensive watch from them, and walk into another room and close the door. You just don't do that, especially without asking. So I sit there, extremely impatient and upset at her ineptitude, and ask someone else to go in and inform her that I am in a need to depart. A minute later she reappears and in no direct manner, says that no such part is available. I concede that I was stupid for even asking her, and left Tiffany & Co. in shame. Little lesson, don't ever go to a corporate store; A) expecting that they will place any value in your possessions, and B) with any hope that they will properly answer your watch related question, or even harbor the knowledge necessary to answer your watch related question.

Back to the watch. Looking at the crown and clasp on the bracelet, you'll find Tiffany & Co. engravings. These are laser etched markings that either say "Tiffany & Co." or the logo on the crown. More expensive pieces don't laser engrave, but rather have these markings in raised relief. I would have preferred that, give the value of the watch, as laser engraving is less expensive. Minor quibble though, I just expect a lot from Tiffany.

Oh, and don't get confused thinking that this is a sport watch. It has a modern sporty look, but is not a sport watch. That isn't to say it is delicate, but its not built like a sport watch. The 100 meter water resistance is not sufficient for any real type of diving, but you can easily go swimming with it. The crown is also not protected (though it does screw down). Comparatively speaking, a Rolex Submariner has a dressy look to it, but can handle most of what you want to throw at it. You don't really want to think of a Tiffany & Co. Mark T-57 as a beater watch. Save that for something else. This watch is much more suited to suits and swept floors.

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So where does all this leave me feeling? Still pretty satisfied. I can't help but be impressed with all the materials that went into the watch, the finely decorated movement, and the fact that it is very accurate. Tiffany & Co. may have a few things (or a lot) to learn about pleasing the discerning watch connoisseur, but I still smile with satisfaction each time I look to check the time. The Mark T-57 is an admirable timepiece with lasting aesthetic appeal, that just seems to feel good. While it's not perfect in my opinion as a candidate for a "if I had to own one watch" contest, it does make a fine addition to a collection, and I know I'll wear it often with pride.

See Tiffany & Co. watches on eBay.

Tiffany & Co watches on Amazon here.

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Vintage Tiffany Co Platinum watch marked platinum $800.00 Time Remaining: 39m Bid now

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So this Streamerica watch is a bit different, and represents one of the much more limited models that was sold. Unlike the standard three-hand model, this watch is a world timer. In addition to the normal time, there are two special windows. One with 24 city names (one for each time zone), and a 24 hour disc window. Hit the pusher above the sculpted crown, and the city name changes along with the 24 hour disc, moving one timezone. Minutes are always represented by the minutes hand on the main dial of the watch. Basically you have a wonderfully easy to use world timer in GMT with the benefit of the second timezone. These particular models likely contained automatic ETA 2893 movements with a special world timer module.

There are only a few thousand Tiffany & Co. Streamerica watches in circulation, and this one is in exception condition. I love the white glove treatment in the pictures. You can clearly see how beautifully crafted the case is in the images. Actually the watch is not too large, but almost midsized by today's standards. The case is just shy of 40mm wide, and less than 14mm thick. In addition to looking stellar, the case and bracelet are designed with comfort in mind. Having no sharp edges, but still looking crisp, the watch is comfortable to wear, but not cheap looking by any means. Sharp angles tend to be a sign of quality craftsmanship, but also can be uncomfortable if they dip into your skin. I've worn a Tiffany & Co. Streamerica and can attest to its ability to satisfy all wrist requirements.

The starting price for this Tiffany & Co. Streamerica world timer is on the higher side, but expected given the rarity and condition of the watch. This timepiece has entered the collectors realm, and is beyond just a nice watch to wear. So those of you interested may have to compete with such interests. Opening bid is $3,400, but the watch retailed for well over $4,000 over 10 years ago. Its not a matter of how much you can pay for one, it is a matter of whether you can get one at all.

See Tiffany & Co. watches on eBay here.

See Tiffany & Co. watches on Amazon here.

Tiffany & Co. also used to sell some Rolex watches. See some pre-owned Rolex watches.

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Since Tiffany & Co.'s new deal with the Swatch Group, things are quickly expanding on the watch side of things for them. One of their main benefits has been to make classic look cool. Tiffany & Co. takes the appeal of makers like Patek Philippe (which coincidentally they sell), and takes enough of the pretension out of it to make it appealing. The message sent is that you don't need to be flamboyant to look good, which seems to be the fashion message sent by many watches.

With a degree of British demeanor, though it is not an English company, Tiffany & Co. sells "proper" looking watches that seem to be timeless in their appeal. This particular model is just such an example. You'll notice the all gold case with the uniquely curved lugs that bend over the strap. It is just a classy look. In typical Tiffany & Co. motif, the bezel is thick with relief Roman numeral numbers. This model is likely a version of the Tiffany & Co. Atlas Perpetual Calendar. The Atlas line is known for the use of large Roman numerals see here.

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The shining point of this watch is the simple and effective integration of the perpetual calendar. Using as many black on gold contrast points as possible, Tiffany has made a full perpetual calendar look really simple! The thin black hands are simple like an Omega Speedmaster, and just as effective. You almost don't notice that this calendar has a moonphase, day, date, month, and leap year included on the face. Kudos to Tiffany & Co. for taking what is essentially a basic and classic look, and giving it unique flair.

I predict that in the coming years with the revitalization of Tiffany & Co.'s watch selling arm, we are going to see a richer, and more abundant variety of watches like this and more.

See Tiffany & Co. watches on eBay here.

See Tiffany & Co. watches on Amazon here.

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

Vintage Tiffany Co Platinum watch marked platinum $800.00 Time Remaining: 39m Bid now

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Tiffany Co Swiss Quartz Ladies Watch $239.87 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 1h 38m Bid now

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I've had my eye on Tiffany & Co. watches for a while. The company has a new distribution relationship with Swatch, in addition to carrying Patek Philippe watches. This means they have some serious clout in the industry. Still, there has been an intriguing line of Tiffany & Co. branded watches over their history.

In several instances I have mentioned the Tiffany & Co. Streamerica watch (design by Jorg Hysek). Tiffany & Co. does not design their watches in-house, but instead will buy good designs, or commission them. The Streamerica line of watches is no longer being made, but I anticipate a resurgence. Regardless, the newest line of men's watches by Tiffany & Co. is the Mark T-57 line. There are several iterations to the new line of watches, still some are no longer being made. There is the three hand model, a chronograph, and a retrograde chronograph. The retrograde chronograph Mark T-57 is the newest model, but I will focus on the latter two.

I stepped into the Tiffany & Co. store in San Francisco on Post St in Union Square yesterday to handle the watches. They had three of the watches on display, and each were the chronograph models, one an automatic, the other two quartz watches. The styling of the watch is very different, but I am convinced it has roots in the two-tone Movado Gentry watch. The Mark t-57 comes into models, a two tone with steel and vulcanized rubber covered steel, and an all steel version. Further, the three hand model comes with a really nice quality rubber strap for the sportiest look.

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My favorite part of the Mark T-57 is the hybrid styling of the watch. It retains a Tiffany & Co. classiness, but maintains a very sport like demeanor. Further, my pick is the two tone models for their unique look. The all steel version is a bit heftier, but not as distinct looking. For the price, I would also stay away from the quartz models. The movement is a decent quality ETA chronograph movement, but you can get the same movement in watches that are a fraction of the price. The ETA chronograph does add a second timer (timing two events), but but the overall luxury appeal of the watch is a bit lost to me. If you must have a quartz watch, then so be it. Alternatively, there are automatic versions of the three-hand and chronograph version available. The three-hand version has an ETA 2892-2, and I believe the same movement with a chronograph module, or a modified Valjoux 7750 for the chronograph version of the watch. Both watches are certified chronometers, which is nice. The rear of the mechanical watches has a window with a view of Tiffany & Co.'s common black finished rotor. It is a nice touch.

The face of the watch features the classic Tiffany & Co. love for Roman numerals, but done in a subdued manner. Of paramount focus is that hands, which more for good visibility. The crown at the 10 o'clock position actually functions to turn the rotating bezel, which can also be done by simply rotating the bezel with your hard. It is a nice little gimmick, but I'm not too convinced of its usefulness.

One of the most interesting aspects of this watch is the use of vulcanized rubber which I have not seen before. In pictures it may look like PVD, but it is not. A rubber treatment is applied over steel for a soft, slightly rubber touch. The color is a dark gray. To be honest, I am not sure how well this material holds up over time, though it is certainly unique and interesting. Personally, I am willing to give it a test.

The rubber strap on the three-hand version is a very high grade of rubber that makes for a lovely fit. The deployment is a delicate array of metal and rubber that has a very rich feeling to it. The watch is very hard to categorize, but Tiffany & Co. prefers it that way. As the San Francisco Tiffany & Co. store only had chronograph versions on display, I was a bit disappointed when I could not find a three-hand model. Only to realize on my way out that the security guard was wearing just the watch I wanted to see. Now I want to be a security guard as Tiffany & Co. Look out for more Tiffany & Co. watches, as they often impress as much as the other brands the store carry.

Read the aBlogtoRead.com Tiffany & Co. Mark T-57 watch review here.

See Tiffany & Co. watches on eBay here.

See Tiffany & Co. items on Amazon here.

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Therefore, it is plausible that Tiffany & Co. worked with NauticFish or Enzo Mechana, but it is doubtful in this case. NauticFish is a new brand that started in 1998 as an offshoot from Schaumburg watches in Germany. I don't know of any Tiffany & Co. relationships with German watch makers, but it is possible. Second, the specific NauticFish model that the pictured Tiffany & Co. resembles, came out in the last few years, and the seller of this watch claims that it was released in the 1990s. So that does not add up. It is further possible that NauticFish took design elements from this watch when it was designing its own Pro Diver 1000m watch. Looking at the two, you will no doubt see the striking similarity in bezel design, though the Tiffany uses a common Tiffany & Co. faces now most notable on the Mark T-57 line of watches.

Aside from the bezel design, the watches have many small differences. From the case design, and other little details. Because watch "flattery" is so common, It would not surprise me if someone was copying someone else. Though again, it is possible this was the result of a partnership between Tiffany & Co. and NauticFish, or a Enzo Mechana.

Actually I am going to dispel NauticFish's involvement for the most part as this case is certainly an Enzo Mechana EM001 case. Enzo Mechana is an interesting watch brand with a few basic but intriguing designs. The Logo on the back of the case is the Enzo Mechana (EM) logo. What most likely occurred is that a dedicated watch lover carefully placed a Tiffany & Co movement and face into an Enzo Mechana case.

The Tiffany & Co. diver watch in question is very sparsely labeled aside from the Enzo Mechana logo on the back. You know that it is an automatic (inside is a Swiss ETA 2892-2), and that it is a certified chronometer. Some of you might be thinking that the spare information about this watch signifies that it may be a fake or some Frankenstein watch. This is unlikely as it is common for short lived Tiffany & Co. watches to have little historical information available about this. Again, this is common with the Streamerica, which is another beautiful watch.

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Overall I have a deep appreciation for both NauticFish, Enza Mechana, and Tiffany & Co. watches, although in my humble opinion, I don't think these companies collaborated in this effort. The time frames just don't add up, and the watches have enough differences to make the relationship unlikely. Besides, you'd think that at least NauticFish or Enzo Mechana would have press releases reminding its customers of the relationship. Regardless, I could be proven wrong. This unlabeled watch remains a tantalizing piece of Tiffany & Co. history that shows the watch maker knows how to beguile its fans. Or it is simply fan work well done. I like this watch a lot. With a bit of cleaning and a polish, you'll get a very solid piece to any rounded collection.

See Tiffany & Co. watches on eBay here.

See NauticFish and Enzo Mechana watches on eBay here.

See Tifffany & Co. watches on Amazon here.

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The Streamerica has always been one of my favorite watches. Why? Because it is industrial and tasteful, modern and classic, dressy and sporty. It seems to defy classification, save for the fact that it is a well-made Swiss officially certified chronometer watch. The design elements of the watch are obvious. Take American industrialization pride, pre and post art deco design, and you have the riveted case with streamlined for movement and strength. That is the essence of the Streamerica, and the taste that Tiffany & Co. is known for.

The most common iteration of the Streamica watch was probably the white faced model with the watching bracelet. While this is a wonderful watch, there is something to be said about the more understated and classy look of the shark skin strap version. The bracelet model has a very pronounced look, that is toned down a bit with the strap. The black face and strap add a different character to the watch. More of rail car speeding through the night, than a steamship passing with clouds overhead (as the white faced model evokes in my mind).

Nothing Tiffany & Co. sells is inexpensive. Even when they resell Baume et Mercier or Patek Philippe prices there is a premium placed on them (as though a premium is even needed at such levels). This particular Streamerica can be bought for about $1,770 right away. Representing a fair price for the hard to acquire timepiece. Oh, and the seller was nice enough to quote my very own previous writings on the Tiffany & Co. Streamerica watch as discussed here.

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I have discussed the Tiffany & Co. Streamerica watch at length before, which can be seen here. This particular watch is obviously well kept, and to my surprise the seller quoted me in the watch auction. Thus I am particularly comfortable mentioning this eBay auction as the seller is obviously a watch enthusiast. I appreciate how he took the watch to a dock or marina for picture taking purposes, though I think a better location would have been on some railroad tracks or on a train to for full appreciation of the Streamerica's design heritage.

Now, I have a prediction for Tiffany & Co. and the Streamerica line of watches. Barring some legal issue or clash in personalities, I have a good feeling that Tiffany will either re-release the Streamerica watch, or issue an updated model. This prediction stems from Tiffany & Co's increased attention to watches along with their close relationship with the Swatch Group. Sooner or later the idea of paying attention to the wonderful Streamerica line is going to come up at Tiffany & Co's product development or marketing team meetings. I would say this is going to occur within the next 5 years. Lets see what happens, but until then we can enjoy the occasional rare Streamerica that pops up.

See the Tiffany & Co. Streamerica watch on eBay here.

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A particular favorite of mine is the contrast between matte black and polished steel. The austere look of the black works to immediately enhance the sheen of the polished silver colored steel. This effect is somewhat lost when the black itself is always glossy. Creating a series of sharp contrasts, the eye picks up a number of distinct shapes and patterns that come out of the design and construction of the watch. In effect, you get a much better appreciation of the colors and segmentation of the watch because the overall watch stands out so much more.

The three watches pictures from left to right are the Concord Saratoga, Movado Gentry, and Tiffany & Co. Mark T-57. These represent an evolution in the design theme produced in these attractive watches. Starting with the Concord Saratoga that really allowed for the contrasting black and steel to work, which was followed by parent company Movado's Gentry model. This particular model is the Movado Gentry Sport (as it contains a chronograph complication). Last is the recently released Tiffany & Co. Mark T-57. An obvious copy of the Movado Gentry, Tiffany & Co. would probably describe it as a flattering emulation of a successful design, which it is. While very different watches, the visual appeal is similar in each watch. In the event you do not love the watches themselves, you must admit they hold your gaze longer than you expected, as your eyes seem to subconsciously find some cognitive interest in the watches laid out before you.

See Concord Saratoga watches on eBay here.

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