Audemars Piguet Royal Oak OffShore Wempe Scuba Watch Available On JamesList.com
This is an interesting limited edition watch that combines everything I like about diving themed watches and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak lines of watches. Bearing the name of "Wempe," a? line of luxury watch stores strategically placed all over the world, this limited edition of 175 watches is rare and very cool. This watch was created in honor of Wempe's 100th anniversary. The iconic eight sided octagonal Royal Oak watch bezel was never the type of design that was good for a rotating bezel - so Audemars Piguet inserted an internal bezel that resolved the problem of not having a round bezel. The internal uni-directionally rotating bezel is operated via the crown positioned at 10 o'clock. The case is 44mm wide and steel. A rose gold version was also available, but was not as good a value costing 2-3 times the price of this version. I also feel that this is one of the purest modern versions of the Royal Oak watch based on the original Gerald Genta design classic from the 1970s. There i

Hands-On: The New Seiko Prospex 200m Divers, SRP775 And SRP777, Two Dive Watches Made Like Quartz Never Happened
This year we've got two new additions to the Seiko family of entry and mid-level diver's watches. These are the new-to-the-Prospex line, cushion-cased-shaped dive watches, which for the U.S. market, currently consists of two references: SRP775 (with bracelet) and SRP777 (on a silicon rubber strap). Seiko's entry level dive watches have probably been the first automatic mechanical watch for more future watch enthusiasts than any other type of watch (except possibly the Seiko 5) and with good reason: they represent a combination of honesty, practicality, durability, and history that, along with a price that puts them in reach for anyone with an interest in mechanical watches, makes them a no-brainer. So how well do the new models measure up to the classics? Let's take a look. 1 OF 12 Before getting started on the watches, a bit about Seiko nomenclature. The vintage Seiko divers that the new Prospex models most resemble are the cushion-cased 6306/9, 150-meter

This 20-Minute Video Will Teach You About Watch Collecting & The History Of The Modern Timepiece Industry
Did you know that we, at HODINKEE, have published hundreds of professionally shot, highly produced videos on watches over the span of the last few years? You can see them all on our Youtube page. One video, originally published in June of 2014, the HODINKEE editorial team felt would be a particularly poignant clip to show today, when most Americans are away from work due to Labor Day. This video, Talking Watches with Jean-Claude Biver, not only tells us how he, and other top tier consumers collect (case quality and dial originality are a must!), but also about his early days in the watch industry, which date back to the 1970s. In sum, this 20 minute video is an amazing primer on not only serious watch collecting, but also how the watch industry came to be what it is today. Watch above and for more, you can see the full Talking Watches with Jean-Claude Biver here.

Review of the AP ROC QEII Cup LE
As some of you may know, I am a die hard PP collector/enthusiast. That's not to say I don't appreciate other brands...it's just simply where I choose to put my horological investment. So that being said, let me confess, it takes something pretty special from AP to really get my motor running. Over the years there's been a number of these special pieces from Le Brassus I have pined for...but until recently never acted upon. Back in the spring when I saw the press release for the Royal Oak chronograph QEII Cup limited edition, I thought to myself I have to have one! So after months of searching, hours spent surfing, etc...I finally have one. Let me just say the search was worth it in the end, this piece is truly amazing.Upon opening the box and seeing the watch for the first time, I immediately noticed how the metal had a somewhat of a muted grey-hue to it that clearly distinguished it from stainless steel. Also what stood out to me was the fact that the different finishes on the case ha

New versus Pre-owned
I thought I would try to summarise the key benefits and drawbacks of buying a new Patek (new from an AD) versus pre-owned. Obviously only in relation to references that are part of the current range.Benefits:-Price - a significant saving can be made by buying a pre-owned Patek from a private seller or unofficial dealer. This could be in excess of 30%.Availability - for those willing to pay a premium they can find references that are unavailable from AD's. The 5131 J or G is an example. Flexibility - it may be easier to part exchange or trade watches as part of a deal with an unofficial dealer.Service - there are many happy customers on this site that have purchased from one of the well known resellers who have delivered an exceptional level of customer service. DrawbacksNot being the first owner and missing our on the whole AD experience of opening the sealed travel box etc. In addition if the watch has already been registered then your name will not appear on the Patek ownership reg