Leather and Lugs: The Making of a Herm��s Watch Strap
Watch straps usually play second fiddle to the watches they hold in place. Not at La Montre Herm��s, which takes its leather goods as seriously as it does its watchmaking. In this feature from the WatchTime archives, Gisbert Brunner explores how a fine leather watch strap is crafted.For many watch fans, connoisseurship stops at the case lugs; the watch strap, a temporary, easily replaced accompaniment, is no more worthy of study than a paper napkin. That isn't fair. Fine watch straps reward scrutiny the same way fine watch movements and cases do. Equipped with a little knowledge of leather-crafting techniques, a connoisseur can become as expert a judge of the former as of the latter.A good place to start one's study is at the world-famous, cr��me-de-la cr��me leather goods company Herm��s. The company makes some 120,000 straps per year, not only for its own collection of Herm��s-brand watches but for those of Parmigiani Fleurier as well.Hermes makes some 120,000 leather straps per year. Eac

RO or Sub for a college kid? :)
So, I work as a professor at a small private university abroad. The institution is well-known locally to be elite in nature to the degree that it seems every third 19 year old is sporting a stainless sub they probably got for HS graduation. The other day I am giving an exam and I look down to see a kid furiously writing with a basic 41mm Royal Oak on his wrist. I'll admit I was a bit disgusted at first....but then gave it some thought. The kid probably chose this watch knowing that VERY few of his sub-wearing buddies would know what the thing is. He didn't buy it for flash but rather precisely because it was, to some degree more under the radar in his peer group. When the exam was finished, the kid walked by, turned in his exam, and wanted to know when the grades would be posted. I told him and then complimented him on his watch saying, That's a nice change from all the subs around this place. The kids eyes literally lit up.....FINALLY...someone who doesn't think Rolex is the

sihh is a week away
any TRFer attending, so we can have pics from first hand, which new novelties are you hoping for?

What about the watches no one wants???
So I'm planning on picking up my second Rolex to pair with my 116040. Contemplating the 116234 36mm Datejust. I've seen no shortage of these in display cases lately. For those of you with gobs of experience, what would be a good starting point in terms of negotiating price at an AD. Thanks in advance for your input.

DJ 41 vs. DJ II
Hey guys. I went to one of my local ADs this past weekend to check out the new stainless steel DJ 41 in person. I am still waiting for them to get a rhodium / smooth / oyster configuration. I figured I'd still check out the blue dial because I used to own the same configuration in the DJ II and it would make for a good comparison pic to those interested. While I am still going to wait to see the rhodium dial in person before making my decision, I am now leaning towards the DJ 36 in the silver stick, fluted bezel, oyster bracelet combo. I hope everyone had a great weekend