BEST FROM: watches-dealer & Friends January 31, 2014
SIHH 2014 has just concluded and in this round-up we will cover all the highlights from the show - including Panerai's new vintage looking chronographs, A. Lange & S?hne's mega Terraluna watch and Van Cleef & Arpels' romantic Complication Poetique Midnight Planetarium. We also examine why we should rethink Chinese made watches and find out why our Editor-in-Chief Ariel does not have a favorite watch.1. Panerai Radiomir 1940 Limited Edition ChronographsEvery year at SIHH, Panerai releases a couple of limited edition watches and this year was no different. For 2014, Panerai introduced three new Radiomir chronograph watches using the 1940 Radiomir case. The highlight, however, is its retro-style dial and underneath it, the Panerai OP XXV caliber which is in fact based on Minerva 13-22 movement. I must admit that I was slightly taken aback when I first saw these watches, but I'm gradually warming up to them now.Source: watches-dealer2. Why There Is No Best Watch And How I Don't H

Van Cleef & Arpels "Art On The Dial" Allows For Convenient Custom Watches
The ultimate luxury, for anyone, is getting something made custom for you. This can come in many forms but custom art is the best, in my opinion. Custom watches have been around for as long as there has been a watch industry. The idea is that a client goes to "their brand" and says "make this for me." Then the brand decides if one, they can do it, and two, making it doesn't degrade the brand.Today, the idea of custom work from a major brand doesn't often cross the minds many. I think Westerners aren't as used to it as Easterners. In fact, in the watch world, most customization is done for Asian people. Yes, it is a cultural thing, but I think people there are more used to the concept that they can ask. Would you, for instance, assume that you can go into a Vacheron Constantin boutique and ask for a totally custom watch? Well, you can.From an artistic standpoint, one of my favorite watch and jewelry houses is Van Cleef & Arpels. I sat down with them and they shared with me details a

Review: Maratac Pilot Watch
For those of you that have been following worn&wound for the past several months, the Maratac Pilot Watch should be familiar territory.? We highlighted it a few months back and included it in our holiday gift guide for guys.? I've owned a Maratac for some time now, and having it as a part of my watch collection has been a pleasure. With a quality automatic movement, sapphire crystal and outstanding pilot watch styling, all for under $200, how can you go wrong?Case: Brushed stainless steelMovement: Miyota 8245 21 jewel automatic movementLuminous: Super Luminova C3Lens: Domed sapphire glassCase Back: Screw-downStrap: Maratac Brand Mil-series nylonWater Res.: 100 MDimensions: 46 mmThickness: 12.5 mmLug Width: 22 mmCrown: Screw down oversized onionWarranty: UnknownThe headline to any discussion of the Maratac Pilot has to be what an outstanding value it is, and not just for its superb mechanical and material components.? Of course, the Miyota 8245 Automatic movement is a surprise in an

Panerai Open 6 & 9
2 of the main reasons I cant stop looking at the dial of my 673...

UK Dealers selling to Foreigners
So wanted to just pose a general question out there. How easy is it for someone coming from the US to purchase a Rolex from the UK. I am obviously trying to get a better price on the watch and get back the VAT. I have heard that AD's in the UK are starting to get peeved about this practice and reluctant to do so??And same question with regards to getting your name on a waitlist for a Batman or Hulk. Can someone from the US do so in the UK?