Roger Smith Hand-Made Watches - A Visit To The Isle Of Man
Series 2The Isle of Man is an island off the coast of the UK mainland that is not known for many things except perhaps the TT races and also as a place for lower tax rates.If, however, you are well versed with high-end watch-making, you will instantly know that this is the place where significant things have happened in the world of horology. This is after all, the place where the late George Daniels had his workshop as well as where his prot��g�� Roger Smith is currently carrying on and continuing his legacy of the English hand-made watch.My visit to the Isle of Man was something of a personal pilgrimage due to the utter uniqueness of the watch-making history that has transpired there. While the Swiss have dominated the watch industry in more recent times, it was from the mind and imagination of one man, George Daniels, celebrated as the greatest watch-maker since Breguet, where an overturning of conventional ideas had begun, establishing at the same time, an outpost in this unique plac

A little experiment...
Greetings TRF,I have posted a few threads over the past months where I'd buy new bands for my watches. However, lately I've been thinking about doing things a bit differently...I found this gold plated bracelet on Ebay and thought I would give it a try. Given that I have a few gold watches I thought that one of them would be able to handle it and surprisingly it seems like my AP, despite its very thin case, can be worn on it without looking too odd (in my humble opinion, that is). I understand that it may sound a bit strange to put a gold watch from that company on such a cheap bracelet but I'm that type of man, I personally like the look of it and I think life is too short to avoid trying new things out every once in a while. I'll let you all comment and give your honest opinion on that new combo. Fear not, the leather band is still around and already ready to be put back on when needed. Thank you for watching, feel free to comment.

Speedmaster, Hexalite vs Sapphire?
Looking at getting a Speedmaster. Leaning towards the Hexalite Domed crystal version with SS case back, compared to the Sandwich Sapphire Crstal case.Any opinions on the Hexalite model. Seems more true to the original, I like the engraved case back and the domed crystal. How easy to polish out crystal scratches?Anyone swim often with their Speedy? (I hear different opinions on this)Have to admit, also like the new Brown Dialed Speedys. Kind of gives it a worn patina look. Cheers!

Omegas pulled from Tourneau in King of Prussia mall
I was in KoP today doing some LEGO shopping with my son. While there I wanted to check out Omega Speedmaster Professional, but was told by staff at Tourneau that they have been asked to remove Omegas from their display since Omega is building new Boutique across from their store that should open in about a month. In case you wanted to shop form Omega in KoP you will need to wait or head over to their dealer in Warrington where I stopped later in the day to check out the watch. It looks very nice.Few pictures of the Omega Boutique front in KoP - well the pretty pictures of what is the door of the construction site.

Don't trust AD's to change and fit the strap on your watch.
2 weeks ago I purchased my 5167a from an AD and they fitted the strap. I quickly realised after wearing it that fitting in an air conditioned AD it was perfect fit, but in normal temperatures it was too tight. Went to my local AD today as the new strap had arrived for my 5167a (at a cost of ��180). This was not the AD that cut the first strap where I bought it from, as it is much further away and she was wanting to send the watch to Patek to get the new strap changed over as she was not confident in removing and fitting a new strap to the lugs. When I arrived I explained the situation regarding fit and also I was nervous about getting any marks/scratches when changing strap and sizing. He explained that he has never scratched a watch before (in 30 years in the business), but no-one can guarantee it 100 per cent as we are all human. I explained that I am OCD with watches and asked him to tape the lugs and be very careful. I asked him to confirm before he started that the watch had no m