FC is here to stay!!!
Howard from TZ has done a nice interview with AP's new CEO to clarify many post-SIHH doubts and speculations circulated in the Web lately. Amongst all doubts, it is confirmed that FC will NOT be discontinued (YES!!), and the blue dial 15400 & ROC will go boutique-only, which will make them very exclusive! We will also see some changes to the RC in the near future as it will be 're-imagined'... Very interesting! There is also a clearer insight about AP's short & long term strategy towards pricing and retailer network. Overall a great interview... and I believe AP is in good hand for better sustainable growth

SMP "Speedy" bracelet vs. Speedmaster "Speedy" bracelet
Over the years, Omega has offered the Seamaster Professional with two bracelet options: The basket weave Bond or the Speedy styled bracelet.Someone on another forum asked why the Speedy Pro (3570.50) bracelet seemed lighter than his SMP Speedy bracelet. FYI, here is the answer I shared.The only difference between the two bracelets is the clasp.Top view:Side views with the SMP on top:Side by side with SMP in the forefront:The design of the SMP bracelet makes it heavier. Note that the SMP clasp is longer and contains a diver expansion; i.e., more steel; ergo, more weight.As most of your know, I do not care for the ref. 1998 Speedy Pro bracelet due to the extreme arc of the clasp. The SMP clasp is flatter and wears more comfortably on my wrist.I also prefer the SMP Speedy bracelet over the Bond. I prefer the fit and taper of the Speedy. And over time the Bond links wear and become unsightly. The Speedy links are more easily maintained.

First PP watch - Advice?
I am relatively new to the watch collecting, but like most forum members have referenced the bug catches quickly! I have acquired a number of Rolex, JLC, Panerai, Breitling and Tudor watches, but want to add my first Patek Phillipe to the collection.I am interested in purchasing my first Patek Philippe watch, but want to keep under a $30k budget. I really like the Aquanaut (5164 & 5167) and am beginning to lean in that direction.Any other models I should consider? Any advice/guidance on discounts from an AD?Thanks!

Panerai & the war
.hodinkee/articles/the...igence-officer

Differences between p.2002 and p.5000
This question came up while I was reading about various PAM movements, in particular two of the manual wind 8 day power reserves. I did a bit of digging and this is what I could come up with:p.2002- 247 components with 21 jewels- 28,800 oscillations per hour- 6.6 mm thick, 13 3/4 lignes diameter- GMT function- Quick hour set- seconds reset function- 3 spring barrels in seriesp.5000- 127 components with 21 jewels- 21,600 oscillations per hour- 4.5 mm thick, 15 1/2 lignes diameter- variable inertia balanceSo it looks like the p.2002 is the more complex of the two movements. It appears though that the p.2002 is not simply an advancement in the p.5000 but a completely different architecture.