Close-Up: 5 Grand Seiko Watches That Pay Homage to 1964 Classic
Last year, Seiko added several new models to its prestigious Grand Seiko watch collection. Along with the new hi-beat GMT models, which we covered here, these Grand Seiko watches include five new models that pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of a fondly remembered Grand Seiko from 1964.The Grand Seiko Homage to 1964 watches are all limited editions, with three of the watches equipped with Seiko’s hybrid mechanical-quartz Spring Drive movement and the other two containing a high-precision quartz movement, Seiko Caliber 9F82. The clean simplicity of the new Grand Seiko models echoes that of the 1964 Seiko “Self-dater,” the very first Grand Seiko watch to incorporate a date window. The “Self-dater” �� intended to be a more “practical” version of the original Grand Seiko �� is a favorite among devot��es of Seiko’s historical watch models.The three watches with the Caliber 9R15 Spring Drive movement (References SBGA103, SBGA105, and SBGA107) in

Visual Quiz: CEOs
Their faces regularly appear in stories you read, but would you know them (and their brands) if you bumped into them in a watch shop? We’ve lined up a dozen high-profile CEOs to test your visual memory. So grab your favorite writing instrument and see how many you can identify. As always, the answers are revealed at the end. Good luck!     

In-House Made At Parmigiani Watches
The sleek Parmigiani Tonda Hemispheres and a superb 1931 Bugatti Type 50SIn our first article about my visit to Parmigiani Fleurier, we covered the history of the brand, its strong connection with restoration, and we also discussed how the company strives to keep the watchmaking and restoring trades alive.?In this second segment, we will discover what it takes to make a Parmigiani watch by taking a special tour of the "Watchmaking hub" that is behind the brand. Officially called MHF (Manufactures Horlogeres de la Fondation), it is a network of five superb manufacturing sites, all primarily owned by the Sandoz Family Foundation, the founder?of Parmigiani Fleurier.Out of the five facilities, Atokalpa SA, is responsible for most moving parts, such as gears and pinions, as well as for components of the escapement, while Elwin SA makes balance shafts and other extremely fine parts. Without them, creating a true in-house calibre would not be possible. This time, however, we will concentrate

One Year After The Death of Gerald Genta, We Learn More About Him Than Ever Before
One year ago today, the world of horology lost its greatest designer - Gerald Genta.? Responsible for more iconic designs than any other man in the history of timepieces, his trademark aesthetics are ingrained in countless watches we see, and speak of every single day.In an incredibly detailed and revealing interview just published via Greek watch blog VeryImportantWatches, Mr. Genta opens up about his earliest days - when he was getting paid 15 CHF to sell designs to American brands and Swiss suppliers - to how he designed the Royal Oak in a single night.? He mentions many of his less well-known work, like that of his Cellini for Rolex, a limited edition Seiko, oh, and a digital watch for Timex that was made in a very limited run of just 30,000,000 watches.? The article is not available online, so you must download a PDF.? This is an article you need to read if you have an interest in 20th century watches, design, or Genta himself.? To download this incredible interview of Gerald Gent

I'm In Loveeee!
Hey Panerai lovers!Today I joined the club. It was a difficult 2 weeks I had to wait but today I collected my Pam 312 and what a beauty. I immediately swapped the strap once home, yes I already had bought a strap even before I got the watch, to the one shown in the picture....and what a joy it is to swap straps! Well done to panerai for coming up with this smart solution. Sorry I didn't do any unboxing pictures etc but I was just too excited!If I don't mind saying so myself, but it looks amazing on this strap. Love it. I'm just lost for words. When I tried it on in the AD I wasn't in love with it as much as I am now. That's not to say I didn't love it then too, otherwise why would I get it, right lol....Wore it and went to my sisters house and got comments by family immeditely about how they like it. No one did that with my Hulk. Maybe the size of this thing says 'Oi, look at me!' No, I just think putting it on this strap makes the dial pop and stand out more. I love the OEM alligator