European Watch Company is a relatively small store, but has a fantastic selection of watches . . . many of the high-end brands that you would expect (Patek, Breguet, IWC, Blancpain, etc.), and always some interesting vintage watches, covering a nice range of high-end and more affordable brands (Omega, Heuer, Breitling, etc.). You get the sense that many of the vintage watches in the showcase have been traded in, against new purchases. No snobbery here . . . I have found reasonably-priced Heuers, Tutimas, Omegas and Hamiltons, even though this store is in the "high rent district".

The store is on Newbury Street (Boston's equivalent of Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive), so spouses and kids will also be happy with this neighborhood, as a shopping or dining destination. The store also seems to be something of a hang-out for watch lovers, where local collectors might drop in just to look at some watches and chat with the staff. It's a friendly place, with a knowledgeable staff of folks who care about watches (and their customers).

To me, one of the most exceptional aspects of European Watch Company is the selection of straps . . . they have amazing choices in alligator, crocodile, leather, cordovan and other "exotics", in all the right sizes. Good fun to dig through the boxes, to find the straps that are themselves fine pieces of workmanship.

So how do you like the "Paintless Wonder", with its new "Tabac" strap (cordovan)? It's probably not for everyone, but was fun this past "Casual Friday".