Seiko Here I Come: Going To Japan
Japan here I come! Today I leave for a week to the motherland of one of the most popular watch brands in the world. I like that even "non watch people" know exactly what I am talking about when I say "Seiko." I've been invited by them on a media trip, and am going to take pictures and cover it as best I can. My travels there for the week will take me to many places deep into the heart of Seiko, from meeting their master watch makers who lovingly assemble the Spring Drive movements,?? to seeing the assembly floor of their rank and file models consumed the world over.The bad news is that I may not have too many opportunities to blog. While in my grandest perceptions of Japan (I was there once), the country is blanketed in a warm embrace of universal internet access, I have a feeling that I won't have access to it. My time there is pretty regimented, so I can't promise as regular writing as I would like, but be patient. I will be back, and you'll get to hear all about it. As I know there

How does the AP RO Dual Time compare in size to other 39mm ROs?
So I was able to try on a 39mm Royal Oak Dual Time today at my local AD. Does anyone know how the Dual Time compares to the 15202 & 15300 size-wize? TIA!

SMP GMT Great White
Hello all...I'm just looking for some info/feedback on my SMP GMT white dial, known as the Great White. I bought it new in 2001 in Montreal and have kept it minty. Is this a rare piece and if so why? I have no intention of selling b/c of sentimental value but I'd like to learn more about it, the lure, etc. I stumbled across the nickname on the net and now I'm curious. Do I have a gem here?Thanks in advance for any info.

20 minutes with Thierry Stern
Was lucky enough to be invited at the gala dinner at the Saatchi Gallery last night.It was relatively cosy with a small-ish number of people and they walked us through all the galleries and watches with a personalised explanation and a few anecdotes.The most interesting was the 4 Patek Craftsmen (and woman) working in one of the galleries. I chatted with all 4 of them in French and they were the most down to earth nice persons you could find.Just out of that, i bumped into Thierry Stern, introduced myself and started chatting in French. My interest is more cars than watches and the conversation oscillated between the two. I made a reference to Ferrari's and Aston's from the 1960's and pointed to him that all cars made in small series had their own individual specificities making each and everyone unique. And that he should aim for that individuality..Then he explained how the stone encrusting guy I had just spoken to went to school with him and they were mates rather than boss / employ

Question - is there such a thing as a half link for the Daytona bracelet?
Seems the only way I can get my Daytona (or could get my 116520) to fit perfectly is to use the easy link extended and the micro adjustment all the way out - when I close the easy link and add one link and adjust the micro adjustment all the way in it wears just a little too loose. It appears there is something in between when the easy link is out. Has anyone else experienced this? I've got it fitting fine and never had an issue with my 116520 easy link wearing out or stretching but would prefer a solution that doesn't involve the easy link engaged 99% of the time.