The Old World Benzinger Way Of Luxury Watch Production
Watch news is always filled with stories of innovation, exotic materials, new complications, and novel ways of displaying information. While "new" is often exciting, there is something splendidly serene about seeing traditional, as opposed to modern, watch art. There was a time around the turn of the 20th century when watch making went in two directions. While watches began to lower in cost enough to become available to many more people, the ultra rich needed something to brag about. Hence came a golden age in the long history of watch decorations. While this was by no means a new endeavor as "engraving" really started in the 15th and 16th centuries, it was a time to become uniquely creative and literally shove as much detail on each available empty space on watches and other items as well. While this design ethic is the absolute antithesis of "minimalism," it is a testament to one's dedication to their craft. Today the rise of industrialization has all but eliminated the role of the c

Question about various Royal Oaks......
Bear with me as I'm relatively new to the world of AP. I've been doing some research as of late and talked to one of the AD's from whom I bought my Panerai and Breitling from, and have learned about the extent to which AP is limiting production and distribution. Rolex and PP are starting to do the same, all of which will likely reinforce the already good values of the Rolex SS professional series (prices of second hand hulks have gone up in the last year), the Nautilus line, and of course Royal Oaks. I'm debating between a Royal Oak, Royal Oak offshore (less so), and the PP Nautilus 5726-- which I'm next in line from my AD when she gets another one at retail price. I know the 5711 and 5712 are out as they've got waitlists of 5 years (especially the 5711). My AD--like many other AD's -- lost their contract with AP, as AP continues to pull back production and distribution to AD's nationwide. I'm going to check out one of the boutiques in June and see what they have there, but I'v

Daytona 116509 grey racing dial or AP 15400st black dial
Which one would you guys choose? I know we're on the Rolex forum but any other opinions or pros and cons of either would be appreciated. I would just like some discussion to help make my mind up!I am after a pride of place watch and I was about to buy the AP 15400st (2016) for ?12500 (I understand you can get a discount on new ones in the US?) when I saw the 2013 116509 for ?16000.I know there is a price difference but that is not the point, either of these will be the most I have ever spent on a watch. This buy is for a watch that I will keep rather than sell on, having said that value retention is still important to me. I really liked the AP and still do but the 116509... It just seems more special.Thanks all

My prize has arrived!!!
It is the prize for the picture contest hosted by Hal aka Submarino! It might have taken some time but it is finally here! Hal, thank you so much for the nice gift and your effort to make TRF such an enjoyable forum to share our passion. The parcel all the way from Chicago!My prize - A cool IWC cap! My award-winning ROC posting with the prize!

correct strap and buckle for 63 Constellation?
I guess I could just buy a metric ruler, but could someone tell me the correct lug spacing and likely buckle size for a 1963 Constellation?I have just received my lovely new birth year pie pan, and would like to get an omega buckle and maybe a new strap.Thank you