Thanks much for all of this info. I find it interesting, but it is hard to get a lot of information of Chopard etc... When I make an investment in something like this or any expensive toy I like to know as much as posible. Thanks again!

Thanks for your replies... Steve you are correct I do have the steel version, not light weight Titanium. Mine is the 8997-3001like yours. Hard to find how many were produced. Kong, hope you here back as to the L.U.C. mark... This is curious to me. What does this mark stand for? Do you guys know?

Does anyone know how many of the Black Dial GT XL 16/8997-3001 watches were produced? Also, I just purchased mine and I am wondering what the "L,U.C." marking on the back below the crown means? Thanks in advance Dwayne

Are any of you familiar with Festina watches? The only information I can gather is the Festina group includes Jaguar and a couple of other brands, and that they originated in Switzerland. It appears they are at least moderately popular in some parts of Europe and have some affiliation with the tour

First off, I know Movado is sort of the stepchild of swiss brands, for reasons I don't fully understand. I do know that I don't recall anyone here singing the praises of their watches, and I know (or at least think I know) they dont manufacture their own movements. On the other hand, I have to say t

...a Longines for awhile now. Pretty sure it's my next purchase. You have a fine example there, wear it in good health!