Last week, I had the opportunity to go to Newport Beach, CA for an Omega Ambassador Training.  There were 50 other Omega Ambassadors from all over the United States.   The first day of training we reviewed the history of Omega, the technology, product knowledge and all the new products coming out.  We had two trainers, Alcinda & Andrew, who train all the US markets and Julien, who came from Switzerland.   Gregory Swift, President of Omega North America spoke to us on the history, marketing and communication of Omega.

I am very impressed that Omega has been timing the Olympics since the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, CA.   The Olympic Committee wanted a company that would be accurate and consistent.  Omega does not sponsor the Olympics, they get PAID to time the Olympics.  In August of 2008, Michael Phelps won a gold medal for his butterfly swimming match by 1/100th of a second.  Omega had patented this Touch Pad that was accurate to 1/100th to a second.  JB Hudson President & CEO, Jeannie Joas attended this exciting event in Beijing!  Omega has timed 24 Olympics so far and their next one will be in London in 2012.

I was very surprised how the Omega Speedmaster Chronograph was selected to go to the moon.  In the 1960s’, NASA purchased ten different brands of watches at Corrigan’s Jewelers in Houston, TX.  NASA gave each brand 11 rigorous tests to see which brand would be the most durable to go to the moon.  The Omega Speedmaster passed every test and was the first and only watch to be worn on the moon.  The space capsule landed on July 20, 1969 and was actually worn on the moon the very next day!  I remember watching that on TV and how excited I was. I remember being happy that we beat the Russians to the moon.

The second day of our training was with Bob Phibbs, who is also known as the “Retail Doctor”.  He is a retail consultant and had some great ideas on how to interact with customers. He spoke about giving the customer a product tour or a store tour to make them feel more welcome and comfortable.

I started with the Omega Ambassador Program in February of 2007 and our first training was in New York City.  Every one of the Ambassadors has received an Omega timepiece to wear while we are Omega Ambassadors.  I have been wearing the Ladies Speedmaster timepiece with a diamond bezel.  I wear this watch almost every day even though I have four watches that are carried at JB Hudson Jewelers including Jaeger-LeCoultre, Breitling, Tag Heuer and Raymond Weil.  The Omega Speedmaster is my favorite!

JB Hudson is a Premier Omega Jeweler.  We have the best selection available and are the first to receive new and limited edition timepieces.  Our stores on 9^th & Nicollet in downtown Minneapolis and Ridgedale in Minnetonka both feature Omega boutiques.

Working in the Diamond Department at JB Hudson has given me the opportunity to look at beautiful diamonds and learn a lot about quality from J B Hudson’s expert gemologists.  For example, I can clearly see the difference between the superior quality diamonds that we sell as compared to some of the more pedestrian diamonds I’ve seen elsewhere.  I’ve also become comfortable explaining what those differences are and helping my clients see the quality in a fine diamond, too.  But what really excites me about selling diamonds is the people I have the opportunity to meet when they come in to make that special purchase.  Some of them are famous, which is fun, but even better, most are just great, everyday people.

Yes, we talk about diamonds: the cut, clarity, color and carat weight.  But we also talk about food, art, entertainment, our neighborhood, living in Minneapolis, walking by the river, our dogs, the Guthrie, and the new Cowles Center for the Performing Arts.

By the time we manage to find the perfect diamond and mounting we find we’ve developed a friendship, too.  The next thing you know we are having a drink together after work or going out to dinner or attending a community function or fundraiser together.

Here are some pictures of some of my friends who started as diamond customers.  I feel extremely lucky to know them all.  I hope a picture I will be adding soon is of our Minneapolis City Council Member, and my friend and former neighbor, Lisa Goodman.

Minneapolis has a great arts and entertainment scene. What’s one thing that should be on everyone’s radar – especially if they were to plan a trip to Minneapolis?

How did you get into jewelry?

JB Hudson 

901 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55402-3201
(612) 338-5950

-Nick G. 

(as featured on south-of-canada.com)

Tonight I had the pleasure of attending Breitling’s Minneapolis unveiling of the B01. Here’s a brief report…
Approaching the “Rooftop” of the Chambers

Very nice crowd filled with great conversation. Almost to the watches…

The reps brought a very nice selection of all dials, cases, and bracelets.

SS on rubber, along with a movement on display. The movement was nicely finished and has been designed for high volume production and with the intention of adding complications. Winding was smooth, and the date can be quicket at any time, even midnight. I’m looking forward to seeing what they add to this caliber.

I haven’t seen a dial-side shot out there yet…

The pilot bracelet was slightly changed – the angle of the links is different and the bracelet hinges at the case.

The case is 43.5mm, as opposed to the current 43.7. This case, however, is longer and sits nicely on the wrist imo. The bezel script looks better in person, and I really like the new “quarter markers” as opposed to the rider tabs. To compensate for the low profile of the quarter markers, the bezel between the markers actually slopes downward into the marker, to allow extra grip while turning the bezel. And btw, the bezel ratchets 240 times – which I’m not sure is necessary considering there are no minute hashes, but it feels nice anyway.

I really liked the white MOP dial. I’ve never considered one personally, but it looked especially nice on this watch for some reason.

So that’s it. Thanks to Breitling for introducing this new movement, JB Hudson for the invite and cocktails, and Chambers for the artistic ambiance.

Have a good weekend.
~ Nick Pechman

 Well, for starters, people get bored sometimes with  watches  they bought on a whim, and now that we are doing trades–they say, why don’t I just get rid of the watches that are taking up space in my drawer, and pick out something new that I really like.

 Most preowned watches like that we see do have a significant amount of value that can be used toward a new purchase, or simply sold for a check. It seems the most common watches sold or traded are Rolex, TAG Heuer, Cartier, and Breitling.

It seems we have been buying a lot of watches passed down through family too – most of our clients are surprised at the value of their vintage and antique watches.

 Speaking of value–we just had a client in yesterday that had a watch appraised recently and he said he had to adjust his insurance on it north of $200,000.  That is a watch I’d like in my family.

What’s the coolest vintage piece you have had someone bring in?

 I have an affinity for vintage Rolex professional models and vintage Omega Speedmasters – so I always think those are cool. The most memorable buy was from a client who purchased a Rolex Daytona from JB Hudson in the late 1970s for approximately $700…today it’s worth $25,000. The buy was especially memorable because the client had no idea his watch was valuable and was extremely appreciative that we educated him and negotiated a very fair deal. I really enjoy teaching customers about what they have, the historical importance, and value – especially on vintage watches.

 As you know, I am extremely pleased that we are now selling previously owned watches.  I have had the pleasure of selling clients brands that we are not carrying in our regular lines and it’s fun to see them react to finding rare and unusual pieces in that case.  I find myself bringing someone to that case nearly every day and enjoy finding new pieces you have added.

Right now we have watches from Patek Philippe, Girard-Perregaux, Glashutte, Breitling, Ebel, Blanc Pain, and Jaeger LeCoultre.  There was a Jaeger LeCoultre I was consider buying and I ended up selling it to a client.  I kind of wish I had purchased it–but as they say–you snooze you lose.  That’s part of the fun of that case–it’s always changing.

 Because we take new trades every day, the preowned watches we have in stock change regularly. Whether you’re in the market for a preowned timepiece or are interested in selling or trading, think JB Hudson.

Nick Pechman and Bruce Huisinga

What does certified mean?  Certified or “certed” is a trade term meaning the diamond has been graded by a third party, an independent laboratory. 

 There are many certification labs out there including Gemological Institute of America (GIA), American Gem Society (AGS), European Gemological Labratory (EGL), International Gemological Institute (IGI), and the list goes on and on…..

There is a standard grading system that was created by GIA for grading diamonds (GIA International Diamond Grading System), but this standard is not followed as closely, or even the same by all laboratories.  The most highly regarded labs, like GIA, command the highest premium because they grade diamonds strictly and for what they really are, allowing the diamonds to be presented and priced accordingly.

For instance, let’s say we have a 1.00 carat round diamond.  We have the diamond graded by GIA.  GIA grades the diamond as G color and I1 clarity, Excellent Cut; this diamond is fairly priced by a retailer at $5,000.   Now….. we have the EXACT SAME DIAMOND, but we send it to another laboratory, the grading comes back as F SI1 and this exact same diamond is now sold as a 1.00 carat, F color, SI1 clarity Ideal cut and it is $5,500 (you could easily see this diamond priced higher too).

This happens every day, not just in Minnesota but across the U.S.!   Which diamond in the above example would you like?   Remember they are the same diamond.   Do you want to feel good and buy the diamond for what the paper says, the higher grade of  1.00ct F SI1 from XYZ lab that is $5,500, or do you want to purchase the diamond with a reputable laboratory report, from GIA and buy the diamond for what it really is as 1.00 carat G I1 for $5,000?  It actually costs less to buy it with the GIA laboratory grading report!  That is the fast way to not only save money but also to assure yourself of quality with a reputable laboratory report. 

You can’t buy a dollar for 50 cents — don’t be bamboozled by bogus paperwork!    

I hope you find the perfect diamond!  Best wishes, Patrick Nelson

Patrick Nelson   

Graduate Jeweler Gemologist

Diamond Buyer – JB Hudson Jewelers

What do I have?

Our experts can assess your timepieces and tell you the maker, approximate age, historical importance, and identify characteristics including case material, movement quality, etc. We can tell you everything you need to know about the piece to help you make an informed decision about its future.

How much is it worth?

We will provide an over-the-counter estimate of the fair market value, and provide insurance appraisal services if needed. Of course, if you’re interested in selling, we are always buying preowned watches and jewelry.

What should I do with it?

Well that one is up to you but we’ll provide the tools and information to make an informed decision. Most watches passed down have not been properly serviced for some time – we are here to recommend and carry out any required servicing if you would like to preserve or wear the timepiece. Some clients trade their watch in toward something new that fits their lifestyle. Many other clients take down the pertinent details of their item and stick it in a sock drawer for the next generation.

Whatever you have, we are here to provide information and help you realize the most joy from your inherited watches and jewelry.

~Nick Pechman

Who I am:  a guy who loves art, food, culture, music – the order of importance changes daily, er, hourly, to be honest.

This blog will let me share with you my impressions of great stuff happening around the Twin Cities and what makes Minneapolis a great city to work in, play in, eat in…

Let’s get started.

Living my dream

I moved to Minneapolis back in the early 80′s after college looking for great art, music, culture, and food.  Flash forward to a new millenia and I now have friends who are chefs, writers, artists, and musicians.  I even have an occasional spot as a co-dj on KFAI.  And, really, it’s impossible in the heart of downtown not to run into all the world-class chefs Minneapolis can now boast.

Not even kidding, here’s a day in my life…

Sameh Wadi, chef of Saffron Restaurant & Lounge, James Beard nominee, and the youngest chef ever to compete on the Iron Chef (he almost beat out Morimoto) walks into J B Hudson and says – “Bruce, Birthday.  Girlfriend.  Can you help me?”  Of course I can.  Ippolita, John Hardy, the Estate & Vintage Jewelry Collection, nice.  Ah, Bounkit–a new line we just added to our Trend Room.  He saw the cuff-style bracelet, with pieces of Mediterranean-blue turquoise and sparkling rock crystal, set in metal the color of saffron.  He’s happy, she’ll be really happy and hey, because Sameh knows how much I enjoy his food – I get to go to a private preview of his new menu, so I’m beyond happy.

Then, I’m ringing up the bracelet for Sameh, and his phone rings.  It’s my friend food critic for the Star Tribune Rick Nelson calling Sameh to find out what’s up with Saffron’s new menu so he can write about it in the upcoming Taste section.  (Scoop…new menu is expanding to be more small plates and more foods from Spain and Turkey. Tagines! Remind me to tell you sometime about my tagine experience in Paris.)

So Sameh leaves and in walks Jack Riebel, food stallion from the Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant.  Jack has been my client for years and catered many JB Hudson special events.  He loves jewelry, and even though he has purchased a Gurhan necklace and earrings for his wife for their anniversary, he is perusing the cases.  He drops of his Bell & Ross watch for service and salivates at the new Cartier Calibre 42 —  JB Hudson is the only independent jewelry store in Minnesota for this spectacular new watch.

An espresso later and he’s off to work.

The phone rings, it’s Tim McKee, James Beard winner 2009, who just catered a great special event at J B Hudson, a private dinner for clients and the President of the watch brand Jaeger-LeCoultre.  Do we want to do anything special for clients that are coming in for dinner at La Belle Vie--yes,  he knows who are clients are–yes, please, have a bottle of champagne ready for them from JB Hudson.  No problem, my pleasure.

I get off the phone and in walks Martin Weinstein–owner of the amazing Weinstein gallery.  He is looking for a birthday present for his wife.  He inspects the art placed throughout the store, coincidentally on loan from his gallery.  A few tweaks of the art are in order.  A stop to look at a new watch he thinks he should have.  He invites me to a private event at his gallery.  Back to the birthday…he finds a necklace in our Estate & Vintage Jewelry Collection that he thinks will be perfect.  Gift-wrap, check!  Delivery, check!

Was that Gary Louris from the Jayhawks I just saw at our Service window?  Yup–think so.  Didn’t he win a Grammy?  I suddenly feel like CJ–gossip columnist for the Star Tribune.

Oh–gotta go–Jason DeRusha from WCCO holding for me now.

So anyway–who knew that working at a place like JB Hudson could connect me to all the stuff I care most about in Minneapolis?  (Nothing personal Margot and Cynthia.)

I have to admit, this was a pretty great afternoon!  Still, I hope to give you the scoop on food, art, whatever and, for sure, some great jewelry and watch deals that I’d love to share with you.  Check back soon!  And join JB Hudson Jewelers and me on Facebook – always something going on.

I consider Nicollet Mall the Jewel of Minneapolis, Minnesota and JB Hudson Jewelers the Crown Jewel.  JB Hudson is located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis on the corner of 9th & Nicollet in the historic Young Quinlan Building.  JB Hudson is committed to Minneapolis and celebrating 126 years providing the best in diamonds, jewelry and watches in MN!

I am quite active and quite verbal (!) about my love of Downtown Minneapolis.  I am honored to be a board member of the Minneapolis Downtown Council and I am always so energized whenever I am surrounded by this group of dedicated business people.  Their vision and passion is truly infectious.

I also participated in the Minneapolis 2025 Plan by joining the development committee.  We were encouraged to “think big” and dream about the future of Nicollet Mall…Think vibrant light shows from the Walker Art Center to the Mississippi River pulsating to the sounds of the Minnesota Orchestra on a state-of-the-art sound system and featured on huge flat screens along Nicollet Mall.  Just imagine arches of water bridging the blocks of Nicollet.  Envision mammoth three-story torches of fire strategically placed to light up the dark of Minnesota winters.  Wouldn’t it be exciting to see the residential population expands from 35,000 to 70,000?    Our goal is to be the first major US city to eliminate street homelessness.  Think of the vibrancy downtown Minneapolis would experience!

This is just a sampling of our collective ideas.  But, these ideas ARE possible.  It simply takes determination and a strong community!

Nicollet Mall is great, but it can and will be world class!

First, your watch needs to be assessed for signs of damage, and then cleaned. Bracelet cleaning is done ultrasonically, in a warm bath of liquid cleaner meant to break down and clean out the weeks, months, or years of debris built up between each link. The case is pressure tested and cleaned to remove any troublesome dirt that might make its way to the movement. This brings up another thought – quartz watch movements are very robust when dry and clean, but are quick to shrivel and die when directly exposed to the elements. Because the mechanical components in quartz watches operate with no torque, one bit of dust can gum up a train of gears and grind them to a halt.

After cleaning and initial inspection, the case is opened by one or more tools specifically designed for that particular watch. Brands including Breitling, Rolex, and Omega have specially formed casebacks that require brand-specific tooling to enter – something that most jewelers do not have.

After opening the case, the watchmaker evaluates the condition of the gaskets, movement, and battery. Which gaskets need to be replaced? Is the existing battery the right size and has it leaked? Is the movement free of corrosion and does it appear to be clean and in good order?

The battery is replaced – simple enough – take out the old, clean the contacts, and install the new.

The movement is dry-cleaned of any remaining debris, a new set of rubber gaskets are fitted to keep out moisture and new debris, and the case is closed. After watching a few seconds tick off and setting the time, date, and any other functions, your watch is pressure tested to ensure the case and gaskets are properly fitted.

Pressure testing is a process done by few jewelers because of the cost of equipment, and the fact that hey, if it doesn’t pass the pressure test, they can’t do much about it anyway. So your watch is “dry-tested” first in a vacuum sealed chamber according to the specification of your case – 30M, 50M, 100M+.

Watch case is placed in the dry tester. Lid is closed and pressurization begins.

If your watch passes the dry test we are almost done. If not, on to “wet-testing.” In a wet test your timepiece is filled with compressed air, submerged in an inch or two of water, and the internal air is allowed to release, creating bubbles of air that escape from the case – pinpointing exactly where leakage is occurring. Once the problem area is identified, your watchmaker can make the necessary repairs to properly seal the case.

After, cleaning, changing the battery, replacing gaskets, dry cleaning, pressure testing, and installing the bracelet or strap, your timepiece is ready for quality control. A quality control expert takes a second view of your watch, enters the necessary comments and costs into our repair system, and gives you a call to inform that the watch is ready for pickup.

~Nick Pechman