Blancpain Dives to 500 Fathoms
On the eve of Baselworld 2009, Blancpain presents the big sister of its now famous Fifty Fathoms watch: the brand-new 500 Fathoms. More high-performance and high-tech than ever, the brand's latest diver's watch is water resistant to 1000 meters. The 48 mm brushed titanium case is equipped with a helium decompression valve. To enhance readability, Blancpain has designed large phosphorescent Arabic numerals that are hollowedinto the sunray-brushed metal appliques. The luminescent coating on the hour-markers, bezel markings and hands, along with the red tip of the sweep seconds hand, enhance readability in all circumstances. The luminescent base of the black dial reveals its fluorescence only in the dark, while the date appears in white against a black background at 4 o'clock. The unidirectional ratcheted bezel facilitates handling and avoids any involuntary extension of the dive time. Crafted in titanium and sapphire crystal, it features a gentle cambered relief that reduces the risk o

Astronaut Chris Hadfield In Love With Space And His Omega X-33 Watch
He loves his Omega watch as much as he loves space! A few days ago Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield returned to earth after what seemed like an extremely long stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). He was up there for six months! When we?interviewed American astronaut Mark Kelly, he told us that despite exercise attempts in space, it takes the same amount of time to recover on Earth as the time you spent up in space. Meaning that Hadfield now faces a six month recovery time. Sadly, there isn't a function for timing that on his beloved Omega X-33.The Omega X-33 is a now discontinued professional aviation watch that contained a high-end multi-function ana-digi quartz movement in an all-titanium case. It became quite the cult watch and many lamented the fact that Omega ceased to produce it. Omega did however release the follow-up Z-33 aviation watch last year (debuted here), though the older Omega X-33 and newer Omega Z-33 models look very different. Though we like them both

New Arrival... a classic GMT
Just received a minty 2534.50. A nice sibling for my 2254.50.Here are some pictures from Scott Grossman's original listing (hope that is OK... I am a terrible photographer and his pictures were great).btw...Scott was very good to deal with... highly recommended.

Planet Ocean Casino Royale - Rubber Strap cracking (yet again)
Hi, amongst my collection of Omegas I have a 2006 Planet Ocean - Casino Royale, I like the watch but have a recurring problem....the rubber strap.Presently, the watch is on its third rubber strap and taking it off today noticed that just like its predecessor. the strap is beginning to crack and split in several places. I do not wear the watch everyday and always wash it and clean after swimming. I am somewhat bemused given that the straps retail at ��230 and the AD's attitude is simply buy another strap !Has anyone else had a similar experience (all my other watches are on steel bracelets).Is it worth contacting Omega directly and seeing if they will offer some sort of compensation on what will be the fourth strap in 6 years ?

Pam 512
Hey guys, I'm new to the panerai forum, and was looking for some help. In the past, I wasn't very interested in panerai, as most models I had seen were too big and/or too thick for my taste. However, I came across the 512 online, and was curious if others either purchased or tried on that reference, and what sort of impressions you had. Sports watches I have or had include a pp 5711, pp 5167, omega speedmaster, daytona 16520, gmt 1675, exp 16570, etc, so any comparison in reference to those pieces could be helpful.