While the dial is truly a work of art and cannot be discounted in any conversation. I am also a big lover of the movement side of the watch. I find the movements can be every bit as stunning as the dial side! I am always fascinated by the movement and how it works, to the point that I have started tinkering with Watchmaking as a hobby. This movement is move of an industrial sheik style movement but you can still see some wonderful perlage work. While some older movements have a lot more intricate pelage work this one is still really nice. Most people don't know that the Jewel count is a sign of the quality of the movement, not because they are "Ruby" jewels and they are all synthetic now, but because it shows the owner how much care was put into the movement itself. Back in the day when real rubies were used the Ruby count was stamped into the movement so the correct import duties could be collected. Now that isn't the case. This has 33 jewels, which means they have decided to have more Ruby (bearings) in places that don't typically get them. Most movements that were considered quality had a minimum of 17 jewels. That was the basic standard for a "Railroad Grade" watch or pocket watch. The movement has a very architectural look. On the left side you can see the large exposed barrel/ratchet-wheel area, finished with a bright radial sunburst that catches the light beautifully in the video. Around it, the teeth of the winding/going train are visible, which gives the back a more mechanical and less “covered up” appearance than many modern automatics. The upper bridge work shows straight graining/brushing, polished screw heads, several visible ruby jewels, and gold-filled/toned engraving. It is not decorated in an old pocket-watch style; it has more of a contemporary Swiss manufacture feel. The bridges are clean and angular, with broad brushed surfaces rather than heavy Geneva striping. The decoration is restrained, but the details are there when you get close.

Giving the Mudmaster a run out on a cold winters afternoon. I can't believe I'm coming down with the flu, I can't remember the last time I had a cold or flu🙈

Although I recently shared this story on RMRS, I thought it needed visibility in this forum too! While visiting a local jeweler, my wife spotted a watch she absolutely loved. The sticker price was $395, but my inner WIS (Watch Idiot Savant) couldn’t resist doing a little reconnaissance first. Sure enough, I found the exact same watch online for $350. Armed with that bit of intelligence, I returned to the store and launched my opening salvo. “Is $395 your best price?” The sales associate didn’t even flinch. “Nope… I can do $340.” At that point I was already beating the online price, so I smiled and said, “Deal!” As we continued talking watches and swapping stories, a little rapport developed. While she was boxing up the watch, I casually asked, “Do you happen to offer a military discount?” “Yes, we do—and thank you for your service.” Just like that… another 10% vanished from the total. Final score: * MSRP: $395 * Negotiated price: $340 * Military discount: 10% * Final price: Just over $306 before tax. Not bad for a few minutes of friendly conversation. Watch collecting teaches patience, research, and timing. This time, all three paid off. Better yet, my wife walked away with a watch she genuinely loves, and I got the satisfaction of knowing the only thing sweeter than a new watch is getting one without paying full retail. I guess you could say this purchase was right on time