A. Lange & Sohne Datograph Up/Down Watch
One of my favorite A. Lange & Sohne watch designs of all time is the famous Datograph - and to think the design is over 11 years old now! For 2012 Lange is revisiting the Datrograph with a new and updated model that retains the desirability of the original watch. The new model will be called the Datograph Up/Down (Update: it was originally called the Datograph AUF/AB in German, but they changed the name to English).The original Datograph was named as such because in addition to the time, it featured a big-date indicator (which Lange called its "out-sized date") and a 30 minute chronograph. The "Datograph" name summed all that up nicely. For me the combination of light silver and black on the dial in addition to the symmetrical layout made it a gorgeous design.The new Datograph Up/Down ads a power reserve indicator, which is the source of the new name. "Up/Down" stands for "up" and "down," which are the indications on the power reserve indicator in all A. Lange & Sohne watches f

Seiko Power Design Project 2008 Results: Tokyo Looking Watches
Each year Seiko has a bit of a design competition in Japan called the Seiko Power Design Project. Utilizing a different theme each year, 2008 had 12 watches each named after a district or neighborhood in Tokyo. This is one of the very cool things that Seiko does, and I think that more watch companies should get involved in working with local artists to design watches that come from different points of view. The first Seiko Power Design Project was in 2002, and it has been occurring annually since. I am not sure exactly how the project is done, but the "winners" actually get their watches made. This means that as an artist, you can design a watch and actually have it be produced (if you are lucky), something that most people will never experience as watch production is no easy feat.The goal of the project is not all altruistic of course. Seiko is always on the lookout for new watch designs that will have market appeal. In the past, watches produced from the Power Design project have bee

Oops they did it again!
Just picked up my new 15400 last week, wore it for 4 hours then put it in the case whilst I wait a 1.5 link. I'll start off by saying I'm an AP fan having owned a largely trouble free ROC and SS 44mm Novelty albeit both only for a short period of time. my wife for her part owns a RG Milenary and a lady RO so I have spent a fair bit of money with them over the years. Their watches are stunning and whilst having flipped all mine my wife's watches and the new 15400 are keepers.My problem lies with their QC. From 5 Watches 3 have had problems all resulting in a lengthy stay at the APSC. The last straw is my 5 day old (worn 4hrs) RO as today whilst admiring, setting and winding the crown pulled right out in my hand.I'm in the midst of penning a rather strong worded email to AP but wanted to vent off to the TRF community for those of you that may be thinking of buying.A lot of owners have had no issues and they do make great watches but their quality control is poorer than poor

Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167A - insane or not?
Hello!I can't figure out whether I'm insane or not, and this forum might not be the right place to ask, but here I am :-)I'm by no means a watch enthusiast - I have had fairly basic things over the years, nothing special (popular Tag Heuer models). For a very long time I have admired the Aquanaut and thought about getting one when I could afford it - i.e. in many years from now!However, due to some potentially serious illness which I have recently recovered from, I will now receive a substantial amount from my health insurance. Luckily I'm not in need of the money.Therefore I want to buy a daily reminder of how lucky I am. It could be the Aquanaut, and I'm very tempted, but I'm a little afraid I might regret it.The upsides is the design which I absolutely love, the comfort, it's discrete appearance (which is important in Denmark) etc. However - I intend to use it as my daily watch for many years to come and with my fairly active professional life (retail, product development, visiting

No Interest in Panerai on TRF
Seems like interest in Panerai has virtually fallen off the cliff on TRF........has Panerai lost its luster????????