GULF MECCA
fve things you should know about boat insurance
Are you ready to embark on your next on-water adventure? Before you set sail, here are fve things to know about boat insurance.
1. Boat insurance isn’t just for accidents
With comprehensive coverage, you’ll also be protected fnancially for theft, vandalism, and unexpected events like storms if you need repairs or replacements due to damage.
2. Accidents can happen to anyone
When accidents happen, boat insurance offers liability coverage for damages or injuries you cause while boating, up to specifed limits. It can also cover lawsuit costs if you’re sued.
3. Boat insurance can cover medical payments
Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you’re in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.
4. Most lenders require boat insurance
If you fnanced your boat, you’ll likely need boat insurance since most lenders require boat insurance to protect their investment. Additionally, some marinas or municipalities require proof of insurance for docking.
5. Progressive offers specialized boat coverages
Ever worry about getting stuck on the water?
Progressive’s Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage** can help. It’s an additional coverage that steps in if your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, paying for on-water towing, jump starts, soft ungroundings, and fuel delivery. Fuel cost isn’t included.
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PULLEY RIDGE: e O shore Fisherman’s
There’s remote, and then there’s Pulley Ridge. Sitting over 100 miles o! the coast of Florida, this underwater plateau is where the Gulf of Mexico drops into the deep blue, and it’s earned a legendary reputation as one of the most productive, and challenging, shing destinations in the U.S.
By Astrid deGruchy
If you’re heading out there, you’ll need a serious o!shore machine. ink a 47’ Freeman or a Viking, something that can handle the long run and unpredictable Gulf conditions. is isn’t a trip for small center consoles or light tackle. Last time we were out there, we loaded up with PENN Fathom electrics paired with PENN Ally Electric rods & PENN International 50 VISX ready to drop into depths that test both your gear and your patience.
Using chicken rigs, we hauled in vermillion and yellow snappers in over 500 . of water that lled the box, but Pulley Ridge has a wild side where giant groupers and the occasional “what-the-heck-is-that” monsters lurk in the dark.
Pulley Ridge isn’t just another shing trip, it’s a rite of passage. e distance, the depth, the unknown, it all adds up to one of those bucket-list adventures every angler should do once in their life, especially with a crew of buddies who live for the chase. While you’re out there, you can even make a stop at the Dry Tortugas, another incredible o!shore destination rich in history and beauty.
Check out the full Pulley Ridge expedition on YouTube, only on Bean Sport shing TV.
TWO SIDES OF THE CHEROKEE
Trout Fishing the Wild Waters of East Tennessee
By Julie Graham
The Cherokee National Forest o!ers some of the best freestone trout shing in the Southeast. Spanning 650,000 acres across the Southern Appalachians, it’s the largest block of public land in Tennessee and it’s divided neatly in two by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
On the north side, mountain streams tumble through hemlock hollows toward Cosby. To the south, the waters of Citico Creek cut deep through wilderness ridges near the Unicoi Mountains. Together, they showcase the Cherokee’s range. From roadside creeks to backcountry runs, the forest o!ers anglers a taste of freestone Tennessee trout water.
Cosby Creek: Northern Solitude
Below the Great Smoky Mountains National Park boundary, Cosby Creek winds through the community of Cosby, Tennessee, o!ering accessible trout
water without the added park permit. ese lower stretches are regularly stocked by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and can provide productive shing throughout spring and fall. While access is somewhat limited, anglers will nd several bridges and pull-o!s along Highway 32 where they can wade in. e streambed is rocky and slick, with plenty of boulder pockets and undercut banks—good traction and careful footing are essential. Expect stocked rainbows with the occasional brown trout.
Inside the Park, the Cosby Campground section is ideal for bank shing and light wading, especially for those who prefer easy access close to trails and picnic areas. Brook trout dominate the upper reaches, while rainbows hold in the deeper pools below.
Citico Creek: Wilderness Water
To the south, Citico Creek drains more than 20,000 acres of rugged country on the western edge of the Cherokee. Fed by the north and south forks rising in the Unicoi Mountains, Citico o!ers a blend of stocked and wild trout water—ideal for anglers who like a mix of easy access and adventure.
e TWRA regularly stocks Citico from Little Citico Creek to the Citico Creek Wilderness boundary, while the upper forks hold self-sustaining populations of wild rainbows and browns.
e Cherohala Skyway marks the southern edge of the Citico Creek watershed, and just driving it is worth the trip—sweeping vistas, ery fall colors, and the sound of water around every bend.
Fall Fishing Tips
Autumn is prime time on both sides of the Cherokee National Forest. Water temperatures drop, trout feed hard before winter, and the hardwood ridges turn to ame.
• Match the Hatch: Early fall favors terrestrials; in November, go small with blue-winged olives, midges, and caddis emergers.
• Go Light: Clear, low ows call for 6X or 7X tippet and longer casts.
• Mind the Leaves: Dri leaves can snag a line—look for deeper pools below ri&es where trout hold under cover.
• Start Late: Cooler nights mean shing o en improves mid-morning as the water warms slightly.
For more information, including licensing regulations, visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at https://www.tn.gov/twra.html.
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WHERE TO FIND
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A Tuna Tale
Written by: Jeff Eardley Mobile, Alabama
Saturday was one of those mornings that you sit back and daydream of a few days before any trip offshore; slick seas, plentiful live bait, and big tuna jumping out of the water!
We left the dock early with lofty aspirations. The wind was a bit heavier than what the forecast had promised, but that was no surprise. We made our way out to the ships while tying on Sabiki rigs to our smaller bait catcher setups. Once at our chosen ship the bait was plentiful. We were able to completely fill the live well up within an hour; we had cigar minnows, green backs, pogies, and blue-runner.
With the live well full we headed on out. We found ourselves roughly 85 miles offshore with the sun rising on our backs and the soothing salty breeze in our faces. It was time to fish! We started by checking around a drill ship with no luck. We stayed on the first drill ship for about 20 minutes; no fish were working, no birds diving, and minimal marks on the sonar. We decided to head out a bit further.
The next drill ship we came to had the action we were looking for. Birds were diving and large yellowfin tuna were jumping out of the water! We got our baits ready, boat positioned, and freelined a few small blue-runner out of the back of the boat. It didn’t take long before the Talica was absolutely screaming from the rod holder!! FISH ON we screamed!!
The excitement grew with every minute… it became a chess match of correct engine management, boat position, and skill on the rod and reel to try and defeat the large tuna we had on the end of the line. We wanted to do everything as perfectly as possible to give ourselves every chance we could of landing this fish.
We were engaged with this tuna for roughly an hour, in a tug of war, before the unthinkable happened; the handle of the reel broke off!! Quick thinking and problem solving led to a pair of gloves being located from inside the console and the fight was back on! We would pull the line down with the left hand toward the reel and use the right hand to try and spin the small piece of lever that was left with our fingers. This went on for another 30 minutes as we battled our fish. Eventually, our big tuna tired and started making those famous circles as she came toward the surface. We placed a gaff in the nearest rod holder, bumped the starboard motor in gear, and as she made her last large circle, we were able to sink the gaff in!!
This massive tuna had finally been defeated, and we were all overcome with joy and adrenaline when she hit the deck! What a day, what a fight, and what a memory to share with our close friends.
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Teaching Tomorrow’s Hunters: Safety First in the Field
As hunting season arrives along the Gulf Coast, many families are eager to pass on their outdoor traditions. Introducing kids to hunting is about more than harvesting game—it’s about teaching responsibility, respect, and safety from the start.
A safe hunt begins long before heading into the woods. Reviewing firearm safety, understanding how to identify targets, and practicing muzzle awareness should be routine lessons. Every young hunter should know the “Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety,” especially the golden rule: always treat every gun as if it’s loaded.
Equally important is proper preparation. Make sure youth hunters wear blaze orange, know their surroundings, and understand their hunting area’s boundaries. Pre-season scouting trips are a great way to teach how to move quietly, recognize safe zones of fire, and handle unexpected encounters with wildlife.
Mentorship plays a key role. Whether it’s a parent, guardian, or volunteer mentor, experienced hunters can model ethical decisions and good judgment in real time. Taking the extra moment to explain why safety rules matter builds habits that last a lifetime.
When taught with patience and care, hunting gives kids far more than a skill—it gives them confidence, focus, and a deep respect for nature. As we head into the fall season, let’s make safety the first tradition passed down to every new hunter.
Please Visit ROI’s Website (www.risingoutdoorinitiative.org) for more information or to apply for an outdoor experience.
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Oyster Reefs: The Unsung Heroes of Alabama’s Coastal Fisheries
By: Jackie Howell
Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, oyster reefs are more than just shell piles under the surface — they are living structures that keep our bays and estuaries thriving. From Mobile Bay to the waters off Dauphin Island, these reefs quietly support some of the most productive and beloved fisheries in the state.
Oysters have long been a part of Alabama’s coastal heritage. Generations of fishers and families have harvested them for food, while the reefs themselves provided shelter for redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and countless other species. But over the past century, oyster populations in Mobile Bay have declined dramatically due to overharvesting, pollution, freshwater influxes, and hurricanes that smothered reefs with sediment. In fact, scientists estimate that more than 80% of Alabama’s natural oyster reefs have been lost.
Thankfully, recent restoration efforts are helping turn the tide. Across the Southeast, scientists and conservation groups are rebuilding oyster reefs using recycled shells, limestone, and other materials to provide hard surfaces where baby oysters, or “spat,” can attach and grow. These new reefs do much more than support oyster populations — they serve as bustling underwater neighborhoods for fish and invertebrates that anglers love to catch.
Studies have shown that restored oyster reefs can increase the abundance of species like redfish, speckled trout, and flounder by providing both food and refuge. The structure of the reef breaks up currents, creating calmer water zones where juvenile fish can feed safely. Crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish thrive among the shells, attracting larger predators. For anglers, these reefs are hotspots for action — and for the ecosystem, they are engines of biodiversity.
Beyond their role as habitat, oysters are natural water filters. A single adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day, removing excess nutrients and sediment. This filtration improves water clarity and helps prevent harmful algal blooms, which can devastate seagrass beds and fish populations. Healthier water means better fishing — and cleaner coasts for everyone.
November is an ideal time to reflect on the connection between oysters and our fisheries. Many restoration projects ramp up after hurricane season, when conditions are stable enough for volunteers and scientists to rebuild reefs. Supporting these efforts — whether through local conservation groups, shell recycling programs, or simple awareness — helps ensure the future of the fisheries we depend on.
Oyster reefs may not grab headlines like trophy catches or record runs, but without them, the coastal ecosystem would lose one of its most vital players. So the next time you’re fishing near a shell bed or reef, take a moment to appreciate the unseen heroes below your boat — quietly filtering the water, sheltering your next catch, and keeping our coasts alive.
BRAG BOARD BRAG BOARD NOVEMBER 2025
carter vecsey
with a red caught in the marsh Andrea Bussie caught Bull Red while fishing out of a kayak, in Magnolia River.
tanner martiniere 19 1/2” flounder caught in the Mobile delta.
sean irby
caught near the Ram Powell oil rig in the Gulf caught 21” flounder Mobile Bay cason mayfield
redfish Reagan Nelson
Grey Carpenter
Caught his first red in the Mobile Delta. Allergic to fish, but absolutely loves fishing.
Ethan Watts
michelle bousson
harry ray
Dauphin island, Al, at Ram Powell
thomas smith
Sail On...
By Will Schmidt
Sail!sh are known as the fastest !sh on the planet, but they o er more than blazing speed to those who chase them o Florida’s east coast, such as I did on a recent !shing excursion. Spectacular surface bites and astonishing acrobatics make these !sh a coveted catch for even the most experienced anglers. For !rst timers, it’s an adrenaline !led !ght that will stick with you long a er the !sh swims back into the cobalt blue Atlantic. is trip was special for a few reasons. First, we had rising country star Ben Gallaher (IG: @Ben_Gallaher) with us. Ben is an avid outdoorsman and bass !sherman, but he had never caught a saltwater !sh. I was also excited to !sh with some new friends, Capt. Geoge Gozdz of “Unfathomed” (IG: @captgeorgegozdz) and Chris Bishop, VP of marketing at Yo-Zuri (iG: @Yozuri_Lures).
A er just a short run o Port St Lucie, we set our spread, and I could sense any strikes would likely be dramatic. e water was crystal clear and glass at giving us a great view of any action. e !rst !sh in, came crashing into the spread chasing and slashing at a bait with its bill. Unfortunately, as aggressively as it came in, it turned and retreated without eating.
As we reset the spread anticipation grew to !nd Ben’s !rst saltwater adversary. Fortunately, another sail came in a smashed the right rigger. However, it ran right at us, and we were never able to get tight. Undaunted, we set up again. Soon all the baits were nervously darting on the surface. e le atline erupted as the sail slashed, splashed and devoured the bait. Ben was on, and this !sh leapt and twirled with all the acrobatics of a Cirque du Soleil show. ere was still another to eat and moments later we doubled up. Both !sh cooperated with plenty of arial antics and a er a good !ght we had both !sh to the boat. To say Ben was pumped to land his !rst bill!sh is an understatement. Amped up with adrenaline and ready for more he could only beam with an ear-to-ear grin and say “let’s go!”
CatchMoreFish
Fall !shing o of Port St Lucie o ers warm water and a hot bite without having to battle high winds and cold temperatures o en associated with winter sail!sh !shing in Florida.. Moreover, it’s not di&cult at all. We were simply bump trolling large, bridled thread!ns. Bridling helps the bait last longer and doesn’t allow for the hook to turn into the thread!n causing a missed strike. Our tackle was medium Penn Carnage rods with Authority reels lined with Yo-Zuri Super Braid topped with Yo-Zuri’s Disappearing Pink Fluorocarbon leader. ese setups gave us the sensitivity to feel the “eat” and the stealthiness to fool even the most cautious of !sh in these clear conditions. On your next trip don’t rush past these exciting sails, stop for some fun acrobatic action.
Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about shing for more than two decades. Follow Will on Instagram @saltynstrong.
SPEND LE TIME ON TASKS More Time Fishing
It’s no fsh tale when you run with a John Deere. You can get everything done faster and easier, so you get more time on the water. Plus, our special offers make them the catch of the day.
FISH THE AMAZING U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
Anglers from around the world come to the U.S. Virgin Islands to !sh our incredible turquoise waters for trophy blue marlin, black!n tuna, wahoo and mahi-mahi. And with no passport required for U.S. citizens, it’s easy to plan your next !shing trip. Whether you want to set o on a crewed charter complete with a professional captain or prefer to simply cast a line from one of our scenic white-sand beaches, get ready to reel in the big one. Plus, many out!tters can customize your trip to include thrilling underwater activities like snorkeling.
O the island of St. Croix choose your own adventure, whether you’re looking to !sh o shore for mahi-mahi, wahoo, king!sh, tuna and blue marlin, or nearshore for tarpon, snapper, mackerel, rainbow runner and jacks. Seasoned crews who have been !shing the waters of USVI for decades will take you on customizable charters in search of catching your trophy !sh of a lifetime. Some out!tters o er complimentary !sh cleaning services, so all you have to do is throw your coveted catch on the grill or in the pan!
From St. John, troll for big game !sh—blue marlin, sail!sh, tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo—on an o shore charter. Opt for a nearshore charter to catch bonito, barracuda, rainbow runner, snapper and
sharks. Or join an inshore bottom !shing trip to cruise the USVI’s deep-water reefs. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice needing some guidance, you’ll !nd an out!tter equipped with all the top-of-the-line !shing gear you’ll need for a successful day at sea.
About 20 miles north of St. omas is the North Drop, an area unparalleled for its big game !sh. Book a deep-sea !shing charter and sail over to this corner of the Caribbean that boasts more blue marlin bites per boat than any other place in the world. Half-day to 10-hour o shore bait !shing charters are ideal for adventurous anglers eager to experience the island’s famous North and South Drops. A mix of trolling and live baiting makes for mega catches, with yellow!n tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi and blue marlin the most common catches of the day.
Surrounded by pristine blue waters, it’s no surprise that fresh seafood is a delicious part of nature’s bounty in USVI. You’ll !nd plenty of seafood-focused restaurants, from elegant !ne dining to laid-back waterfront eateries. Some out!tters even o er a stop at a seaside restaurant as part of their !shing excursions.
A PRO TOP FIVE LURES FOR FALL BASS— AND WHEN TO THROW ’EM
When the leaves start to turn and the water temps dip, bass anglers know what time it is—the fall feed. Bass are chasing bait like crazy, and it’s one of the best times of year to put big !sh in the boat. e trick is knowing what to throw as the season shi s. Here are !ve proven fall baits that will help you stay on the bite no matter what the lake throws at you.
Spinnerbait: Few baits scream “fall” like a spinnerbait. When the wind picks up and shad push shallow, it’s hard to beat a double willow blade ashing through the chop. e ash and thump imitate a school of eeing bait!sh, and hungry bass can’t resist. Target windy points, creek mouths, and shallow ats anywhere the bait’s getting pushed around.
Lipless Crankbait: is one’s all about covering water. Fall bass are constantly on the move, and a lipless crank lets you !nd ’em fast. Burn it over grass, rip it free when it hangs up, and hold on! at reaction bite is what fall !shing’s all about. Red or chrome patterns are money this time of year, especially when bass are chasing shad.
TECHNIQUES
Jerkbait: Once the water clears and the temps drop into the 60s, it’s jerkbait season. Work it with a twitch-twitch-pause cadence, and you’ll mimic dying bait!sh to perfection. is lure shines around suspended bass that hang
o points or creek channels.
THE BEST RED LURES
RJust be patient. Sometimes the bite comes right when you least expect it, on that long pause. Squarebill Crankbait & Swimbait: To round out your fall lineup, keep a squarebill and a swimbait on deck. A squarebill is your go-to for shallow cover stumps, rocks, laydowns, anywhere bass are ambushing bait in the backs of creeks. Meanwhile, a so or hard-bodied swimbait is ideal when you’re around big !sh feeding on larger forage. Slow-roll it through bait schools or along creek channels for some of the biggest bass of the year.
Fall is all about !nding the bait, and these !ve lures all mimic shad in their own way. Whether you’re slow-rolling a spinnerbait through wind-blown banks or ripping a lipless crank across a at, the !sh are feeding and it’s your job to get in on the action. Grab a few of these baits, follow the shad, and enjoy one of bass !shing’s most exciting seasons!
Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcott shing.com.
ed!sh are one of the most sought a er game !sh by inshore !shermen from Texas to the Carolinas. ey are great !ghters; they are great tasting; and they are perfect for sight !shing because they love super shallow water. Red!sh are part of the drum family and have four nostrils. is tells us that scent is their chosen sense while searching for food in dark and murky water.
e best red!sh lure that I have ever used is the 3-inch Berkeley Gulp! Shrimp. Berkeley Gulp! products are the smelliest baits that I have ever smelled and red!sh love them. ere are probably other stinky baits that work, but I haven’t found one that is comparable to Gulp! products. e best colors are anything with brown and gold glitter. Rootbeer and new penny are the best choices. e second best lure for catching red!sh is the gold or copper weedless spoon. ese are great search baits when you cannot see the red!sh. A slow retrieve with almost constant contact with the bottom is the way to !sh these lures. ese lures are exceptional for casting. ey cast a mile and let you cover a lot of water as you search for the schools of red!sh in the shallows.
e third best lure for red!sh are 3- and 4-inch paddletails rigged weedless. is is another great search bait for covering large areas of water. You will want to retrieve your paddletail in a similar way to your spoons. Make sure to bounce it o the bottom as you slowly retrieve it.
Contact Capt. Mike Smith, owner of Fish Your Ass O Charters, at (561) 339-2317, contact@ shyourasso .com or shyourasso .com.
Capt. Mike Smith
“I never expected it to be so beautiful that it takes your breath away.”
— Kaya C., on Stauer Opals
In a quaint village, nestled between rolling hills, lived a young woman with a deep appreciation for gemstones. Her grandmother gifted her a delicate cross pendant adorned with opals. "e opals shimmered with a mesmerizing play of colors, reflecting hues of blues, greens, and fiery oranges. Her grandmother shared the legend of the opals, believed to bring hope, purity, and luck to those who wore them.
Using this story as inspiration, Stauer brings you the Opal Spirit Cross Pendant. With over 2 total carats of Kyocera lab-created opals set in .925 sterling silver encased in yellow gold, this pendant is a radiant celebration of beauty and craftsmanship. Each opal captivates with a kaleidoscopic dance of fiery oranges blending into oceanic blues, streaked with flashes of vibrant green that seem to come alive with every movement. "e shimmering opals are skillfully arranged to create an enchanting, otherworldly glow, embodying the spirit of hope and harmony. "is breathtaking combination of color and craftsmanship is available as a limited availability of only 930 pieces, making it a rare and treasured addition
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Opal Spirit Cross Collection
ovember is almost a completely unique month of the year. We’ll start getting the !rst real cold fronts, and this will pile the bait on temp breaks. Structure on the bottom will certainly hold the grouper and snapper on the bottom, but pay attention to the recorder and the marks in the mid water column. ese marks can be a number of the targets we’re looking for. Black!n are a given during the month of November, but it’s “go time” for wahoo and yellow!n. e bait can stand colder water than the pelagics. is is one of their biggest defensive strategies, and why you should have a (realistic) jig ready that can !sh 75-150 feet deep around the bait balls because the surface water will likely be as much as a few degrees warmer that the surface water due to the cold wind blowing overhead. Keep live baits out on circle hooks and ourocarbon and try to get some lower in the water column. ese live baits are black!n bombs ready to go o , but I am always drawn to the bottom in search for the grouper and snapper. Some of these same live baits or frozen cigs and sardines on the correct jigs (hint, hint) are irresistible to the !sh I’m really looking for. I want the big grouper and snapper bite. When you !sh the correct baits using the correct presentation, you’re not asking them to eat it, you’re MAKING them eat it! BAM! is is also African pompano candy. e jig in the mid to lower part of the water column is deadly, but if there’s no bites !shing it deeper and deeper all the way to the bottom, bring it up to the surface and repeat the process.
A trolling motor will really help in this controlled dri , keeping the bow forward into the wind and/or current. is will keep the light line out back and the baits on or near the bottom slightly back depending on the current. is is the bottom line: bag the trolling crap, post up on stacks of bait with dedicated crew for the light line and/or jig and dedicated crew on the bottom to generate groceries in the cooler. is is my kind grocery shopping.
Learn the drill of how to !sh the entire water column nice and quiet with beautiful baits and tactics for results. Dress with proper !tting foul weather gear and take plenty of photos and videos you can enjoy for years to come.
Learn more from Tim Barefoot on his YouTube channel and at barefootcatsandtackle.com.
Spot Call: 352-447-1950
Tim Barefoot
1920s Style for a 1920s Price
It was a warm summer afternoon and my wife and I were mingling with the best of them. The occasion was a 1920s-themed party, and everyone was dressed to the nines. Parked on the manse’s circular driveway was a beautiful classic convertible. It was here that I got the idea for our new 1920s Retrograde Watch.
Never ones to miss an opportunity, we carefully steadied our glasses of bubbly and climbed into the car’s long front seat. Among the many opulent features on display was a series of dashboard dials that accentuated the car’s lavish aura. One of those dials inspired our 1920s Retrograde Watch, a genuinely unique timepiece that marries timeless style with modern technology.
With its remarkable retrograde hour and minute indicators, sunburst guilloche face and precision movement, this design is truly one of a kind. What does retrograde mean? Instead of displaying the hands rotating on an axis like most watches, the hands sweep in a semicircle, then return to their starting point and begin all over again.
Retrograde watches by the big brands can set you back thousands; one recent offering from a big French fashion house is selling for more than $150,000! But because we’ve designed the 1920s Retrograde Watch in-house, we can offer it to you for just $99!
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1920s Retrograde Watch
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“An elegant and exciting timepiece that every collector will love.”
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