New Things at Steinhart and Archimede
In the last couple of months two of our favorite affordable German brands, Steinhart and Archimede, have both announced some new and exciting things that are very worth taking note of. Steinhart has made headway in the development of their self-labeled calibers, with the introduction of the ST. 5 automatic movement. UPDATE: Steinhart has also announced the Ocean Vintage One, which is the first watch to use the new caliber. Archimede has introduced a new dial and finish to their Outdoor's line as well as a handful of additions to their very popular bronze pilot selection.Steinhart ST. 5Several months ago Steinhart took a big step forward with the introduction of their ST. 1 caliber. Not to be confused with a manufacture movement, the ST. 1 is a heavily customized ETA Unitas 6497-1. The gorgeous and intense finishing added tons of unique character to this staple movement, and gave Steinhart some bragging rights as they began fabricating movement parts. They put the ST. 1 in their premium

New arrival in gold and steel
A friend of mine (large public company CEO) has been persuading me for months about the virtues of the Royal Oak. I've had the opportunity to spend some quality time with his in both gold and steel. I wasn't 100% sold on either until we discussed the new two-tone 15400SR. Two-tone tend to be a love/hate thing, but I'm the exception who likes it in some watches and not others.Anyway, after getting together earlier this week, I made the impulsive decision to acquire a RO in steel and rose gold, and was able to get one here just in time for a business trip out to the Bay Area. I'll have a few days to bond with the watch and see how I really feel.For now, here's a pic:The prior owner was gracious enough to get the first minor ding out of the way which allows my OCD a breather until it goes into Clearwater for its first servicements (even if you hate it) welcome. :-)P.S. For those who may ask or later wonder about wrist size, I'm about 7.2.Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Cool Movements shots of my 5711/1R
Some pics of the redoubtable cal 324, capturing some of the finer touches, love this watch both front and back.

Panerai Service Contact information
I have a Panerai 275 that has been in for service for 3 months. I amlooking for some contact information for upper management. Maybe thismight help. Maybe a brand manager. I found the name Hans Dekkers.I am not sure if he is in the US or not. Here is a copy of the last emailI sent:Here is a copy of the last email I sent on Nov 19, with no response:Kristie,I am completely frustrated by the way the service of this watch has been handled. I hadanother Panerai in my collection serviced last year with excellent results (service reference no 10886419/1).The watch was delivered as promised and looked new.The purchase and subsequent warranty work has been a fiasco. This watch is a premium luxury item witha retail price of $18900.00. I used the watch sparingly and only had used it for three month before it had tobe sent to be serviced. I sent the watch to Fort Worth Service Center where it sat for 3 weeks. I finallycontacted the Service Center and spoke with Tremain. He initially could not lo

Hulk Acquired
Reached out to my AD earlier this week on the timeline involved with obtaining the LV. Turned out they had one in route and it was mine if I wanted. Said yes and picked it up today!So stoked to add this piece and very lucky to have got one so quickly. Here it is with my BLNR and 1675. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk