BEST FROM: watches-dealer & Friends May 22, 2015
We have recently introduced a new series called "Cost of Entry" which features the most affordable model offered by a popular watch company, and we are kicking the series off with none other than Rolex. Speaking of Rolex, we are also taking a close look at their sister company Tudor, and how their newest watches and recently announced in-house movement are going to affect the market for Swiss tool watches.It is often said that the best way to engage customers (and the press) is to invite them to tour the manufacture �C we have dozens of manufacture visit articles published here, on watches-dealer. The chance to go on a trip aside, it is through these articles that we can get?closest to the craftsmen and artisans who manufacture the watch,?and such trips are always enlightening and eye-opening. In this round-up, we show you what goes on behind the scenes at one of the oldest and most respected names in the business - Minerva.And to end the month of May, we are also looking at new watches

Spoke with my favorite dealer on the phone and . . .
he had some interesting info for me.As has been reported, Omega is increasing the MSRP of the Speedmaster Professional line of watches. This will be in the range of $500-$600 to cover the cost of the new box and goodies:Always thinking ahead, my dealer has greatly increased his inventory of Speedy Pros in their various flavors. These he will make available at the current MSRP but when they are gone, there will be no more.Don't know about you but I wear the watch and not the box. No way I am going to spend that kind of money on packaging. I've even put a couple of my special Omega boxes (one mahogany and one leather) on the market. They were just taking up space in the closet.He also mentioned that he still had a few of the Gen I, cal 2500 Planet Oceans in stock. I am now awaiting arrival of my BNIB, 42mm, cal. 2500D, Planet Ocean. (It may become a safe queen.)

Swap 116520 & 16610LV for 116719
Got the option to swap my 2004 16610LV AND my Black Dial 2002 116520 for an early 116719 White Gold GMT Master II.Do I or don't I?

Sub Date caseback openned by hand
Has anyone experienced this before? Today I accidentally managed to open the caseback of my Sub Date by hand. Not sure how long it had not been tightly screwed down. I was frightened. Fortunately to my eye the movement looks still clean. The watch has been my daily beater since 2003, though recently other Rolexes get more wrist. Since it has never been serviced I now intend to bring it to the RSC.

More rumors
Figured I'd pass on the news. My AD said this AM that Rolex has informed them that they will not be receiving any professional line SS watches as regular stock for the time being. She said if they want a professional model it will need to be paid for before Rolex will ship. They also told them that there will be no price increase this year. I'm convicted that with so much different info flying around that there is obviously change coming. My thought is that they are waiting for Basel and all the professional line will be receiving a new movement. This is the only thing that makes sense to me as to why they are making retailers lose money. Where there is smoke there is fire. Passing along what I heard and my opinion.