Time Spec: 1970's British Military Asymetrical Chronographs
For over a decade, four companies �C Hamilton, CWC, Newmark, and Precista – supplied simple, sturdy, 30-minute chronographs to the British military. Their classic black, 2-register dials, workhorse Valjoux 7733 movements, and asymmetrical case design led to high usability and keep them popular and influential today.IntroIn the early 1970s, while the United States maintained and grew its military in response to the conflict in Southeast Asia and its cold war with the Soviet Union, the British government was in the process of reducing its armed forces in both size and cost. As a very small part of these austerity measures, the UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) revised the Defense Standard (DEF-STAN) that prescribed the design characteristics of military pilots' watches to allow for cheaper, commercially available movements to be used. This change allowed manufactures to begin using one of the classic workhorse chronograph movements of the 1970s: the Valjoux 7733. This movement and the un

Perpetual calendar popularity and some digressions
While out this weekend, I tried on the 26574ST. It is a lovely watch with a readable and interesting complication and the steel version is, by some standard at least, not unreasonably priced.That being the case, I'm surprised that there isn't a bit more hype around them or a more regular flow of incoming posts. The white was very nice and I would be very keen to see the blue face versionNow for digression #1:While at the AP boutique a fellow came in with what looked to be a 44mm Diver on a steel strap with a white face and no chrono. I hadn't seen one before and would be interested in any thoughts on what reference this might beDigression #2:Completely unrelated to watches, but kind of fun - on the way home our ferry was dodging some of the several hundred boats participating in the annual Around the Island yacht race. My regrets at missing out on sailing in it this year were soothed by the pouring rain that had appeared throughout the day.

Happy Easter, all Omega lovers!
Wearing this today:uploadfromtaptalk1458930873350.jpguploadfromtaptalk1458930905565.jpg

Maison Patek Philippe Shanghai
Hey guys as I do during most business trips I seek out local Rolex/Patek ADs to have a look around and to kill time while away from home. Well my latest trip had me in China for 10 days and specifically in Shanghai this past weekend with a free Saturday afternoon...having recently picked up my 5167 I searched for any local Patek dealers to tour and research my next purchase. Oh boy did I get a surprise when the Maison Shanghai was within walking distance from my hotel. To be honest, I had no idea something like this even existed and it was over the top!!!.patek/en/communicatio...lippe-shanghaiI have to say the nice fellow (Sam) that showed me around and let me try on a few pieces was very accommodating and knowledgeable...I sadly ran out of questions and watches to try on in my price range after an hour and a half. No photos were permitted inside the two story building, but they did send me with a small parting gift (a packet of post cards) that has a few photos of the inside. It was s

323 or DSSD
Contemplating swapping my DSSD for a 323?Any opinions on this watch or does anyone have good or bad experiences?