Raven Vintage and Deep Review
The Raven Watch brand popped up a little while ago with a pretty singular mission: create affordable, well-made watches with looks inspired by classic Submariners. Their first watch, which was a limited edition with a 42mm case, sold out immediately do to successful marketing on forums. Their second production, which consists of 2 watches, also sold out immediately by pre-order. Luckily, however, they have produced more than the initial run this time, making them available to the general public. The models currently available are the 40mm Vintage? (with and without date) and the 44mm Deep. While both have styling roots in the Submariner family, they are actually very different watches with different goals in mind. One is an homage watch that pays tribute to one of the most iconic Submariners ever made, and the other is a beefy tool diver with design cues taken from a few different classic Subs.Specifically, the Vintage model refers to the Submariner Ref. 6538, which was a model from th

My first Breitling...
In 1999, my fianc�� and I walked into Feldmars, in Los Angeles. I was an Omega man, had been since my dad gave me his Speedmaster Professional in 1991...but was curious about Breitling. My fianc�� had a quartz Breitling, and was interested in a mechanical watch.We were just browsing, but spotted two watches of interest...an Old Navitimer II, dark blue dial, silver subdials, on a black crocodile strap, and a mid size Colt on a rubber strap. That Colt was mechanical, though the current line are all Superquartz.We got a great deal on the watches...the Navitimer went for a little under $3K...and left happy.I wore that watch the night 1999 turned into 2000, and on my wedding day and on the night my daughter was born. My wife and I have separated, amicably but irrevocably, but we still share a passion for fine watches.Over the years, I replaced the well worn croc strap with a Navitimer bracelet, then added a brown calf strap last year for a little variety.So, here is my first and ever favo

SMP Spring Bar Ordeal
Has Omega really cracked down this much on parts distribution? Otto Frei is no longer able to get SMP spring bars and I was told the only way to get any Omega parts is through an AD or watchmaker with a Swatch / Omega account.So, I placed an order with the local AD and provided part numbers for both the shorter bars (bracelet) and longer bars (strap). I was told they would be in a week. After following up three weeks in a row, I was told they couldn't find my order and their watch tech would call me back. The watch tech called and informed me they always have spring bars and I could come pick them up anytime. He also added SMP spring bars only come in one size. Hmmmm.My wife had to run an errand at the store next door, so she stopped by to pick up the order and she was told (rather rudely) I was misinformed and they will not sell spring bars. They will replace spring bars, but they need to see the watch and will only provide spring bars if they install them.Needless to say, I wi

Blue Speedmaster Chrono -- Thumbs Up??
So, I'm looking at a Tudor Chrono -- Real nice. Then, wow, find out I can buy a new Omega Blue chrono for about the same price. I like the blue dial and bezel, sorta like the white gold rolex Sub I can't afford. Though, of course the Rolex isn't a chrono. Anyone have one of these Omegas? Are they nice? Show some photos maybe?? Thanks, Chuck

Everose Gold GMT Master II - Collector's item
Calling it now. This is going to skyrocket in price as the years go by.