Introducing: The Piaget Emperador Coussin XL 700P (And An Old Japan Vs. Switzerland Controversy Revisited)
Piaget has just announced its first new piece for 2016, which we're going to see live at the SIHH in January. However, we've got a first look at it for you, right now, and it's something you might not have expected. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Piaget's in-house quartz caliber 7P – the company's first in-house quartz movement – it has released a hybrid quartz/mechanical caliber in its Emperador. Caliber 7P by the way was a very important step for Piaget and its small size (especially relative to the first commercial Swiss quartz caliber, Beta 21) made it possible for the firm to do amazing pieces like this one. The new caliber 700P is very different, however: it uses a conventional mechanical going train, powered by a micro rotor that winds the mainspring. At the end of the gear train there's no escapement; instead, there is a generator whose speed of rotation is controlled by a quartz timing package. The micro-rotor is at the 9-10 o'cloc

Aquanaut choice, 5167/1A or 5164A ?
I know there have been several threads on this, so apologies for yet another. It's more to bring all the relevant facts into one place for me.I have a 5711 blue bought new from my local dealer last August (a week before the price rise, which surprised me!). I now have the option of either a 5167/1A or 5164A for my 2nd Patek. I also own several Rolex, including Hulk, SD, Explorer and BLNR GMT. As I see it:5167/1A+ves: choice of bracelet or rubber, cleaner dial, ?10k cheaper, cheaper servicing, slimmer on the wrist-ves: identical case and movement to the 5711 (I think), some say the date breaks up the dial, some say less balanced case (as no pushers on left)5164/A+ves: different & more complex movement, arguably more balance dial and case, GMT function if needed, no date window (to break up dial), globe sub dial adds a nice touch but could be busy, slightly beefier case giving more heft on wrist-ves: ?10k more (alot for a GMT function), option of rubber only, more expensi

5270 UPDATE (sticking DAY issue)
Here's an update, and the resolution, on my 5270.To start, I have been working closely with my AD, who has been an incredible advocate for me throughout this process, on my 5270g-019 sticking Day issue (see the link below to the TRF thread). This experience validates for me the importance of building a strong relationship with an AD. It's not JUST best price that matters but also SERVICE and FOLLOW-THROUGH of the seller, whomever it may be. My AD knew my concerns re: the 5270g-019 sticking Day issue, and he offered to work with Patek. In the end, he asked if I wanted to exchange my 5270g-019 (blue dial) for a BNIB (sealed) 5270r-001. While at first I wanted (and bought) the Blue dial version, since I just purchased last week the 5140p-001 (BLUE dial), I gladly made the switch. I never owned a rose gold watch, and while the look of this 5270 provides a completely different experience than its blue dial brother, it is beautiful. It is so warm and inviting. My AD made this happen for me,

Crown guard help ...
Question related to service...After several years of heavy use, my old man is giving me his Panerai 299. While generally in good shape, the crown guard is pretty loose and jiggles around. Certainly not useful any more in preventing ingress of water. Is there a way to tighten it myself using inexpensive tools I can buy online, or would you recommend bringing it in to an AD for service/sending it to Panerai. All else being equal or nearly equal, I'd prefer the lowest-cost option. Thanks!

Brand new Sky Dweller, and going to RSC for service
Well, looks like I'm raining on my own parade I picked my brand new Sky Dweller last week and upon winding it up, the crown is very, very, VERY stiff. This isn't my first watch or Rolex so I know what winding is supposed to feel like, even when the mainspring is fully wound.So I brought it back to my Rolex AD and they agreed that the crown is very stiff. Well, it's going back to Rolex RSC in Dallas for repairs.Good news is it's still under warranty, with 4 years and 360 days to go.I just can't believe or understand how something like this was not tested or caught by Rolex's quality control? And how competent is RSC Dallas to work on this complication???