Since they began their association with Phillips auction house to reboot the watch department, the power couple, Aurel Bacs Livia Russo, have been rocking the watch auction scene. They have done that with exciting auctions and impressive results. Their two upcoming Geneva auctions in May, including their thematic stainless steel chronograph sale (entitled Start-Stop-Reset), are again impressive. The catalogs are simple and elegant yet bold and exciting. The adrenaline filled action in the room during their auctions is something that watch aficionados fly in to see live or watch via streaming video.There are a few smart moves to note for this team that has put them on top. It begins with the fact that they get started early and they publish their catalogs before all the others, which may be easier since they have fewer auctions, but still results in collectors' seeing their watches first. They put together a strong team in Geneva as well as the satellite offices and a brilliant advisory board, having been followed by several colleagues and friends. Also, this team hustles. They are flying around the world and working like crazy day in and day out. Their dynamic approach allows them to be directly in tune with market demand and they do a good job of bringing the holy grails of watches to the arena for collectors to battle over.START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel ChronographsThe thematic Start-Stop-Reset auction, which takes place on the evening of Saturday May 14th in Geneva is comprised of 88 stainless steel chronographs. Perhaps the most sought after and collectible category of watches today, this is the definition of giving people what they are asking for. There is a wide variety of brands, prices and eras represented while they all share the attributes of rarity and top condition. My brother and I got to preview these lots in Geneva and picked some of our favorites out of the 88. It was hard to choose as there were so many beautiful and amazing lots, but we did. We also have spoken so much about Omega Speedmasters, that we though it would be fun challenge to omit these from our picks. As it was expected, there are some exceptionally rare Daytonas, Omega Speedmasters and Patek Philippes. What we really love about this auction is that attention was also given to some of the niche brands and lesser known watches from Omega and that a thematic auction should bring to light. Here are the ones we chose to discuss:LOT 8 Ulysse Nardin 7536-2, 1969Imagine a Speedmaster straight lug case with its black tachymeter bezel that has a black with silver counter Daytona reverse panda' dial, but is much rarer than either. This Valjoux 72 base Ulysse Nardin chronograph is a rare and beautiful piece that deserves the collector attention it is getting in the market. It is part of the same phenomenon that has has taken the Universal Geneve Nina Rindt' V72 chronographs through the roof. These are really hard to find, so when a dark chocolate tropical example comes around, we expect a good fight. We have the feeling this one will be out of reach for us, but it is well deserved.