Timezone.com Founder Worries About The Fragility Of High Watch Prices
Why does it seem that all the watches we love are priced like a year of tuition at an Ivy League college? It wasn't always this way.For more years than I care to remember, I've been collecting watches. Also, being a fourth generation watchmaker and retail jeweler, I've had the privilege of being an authorized dealer for several high profile watch companies including IWC, JLC, Ulysse Nardin, to name just a few. I've also had the distinction of watching the death of the mechanical wristwatch in the 1970's, the birth and dominance of the Japanese quartz watch shortly thereafter, and the resurrection of the modern Swiss mechanical watch in the late 1990's. But even though I've been brought up in the business and have a historical viewpoint of the industry, I'm still sticker shocked by today's prices.Whenever I see a really great watch that I covet in a magazine, or on a great blog like this one, or in an uptown watch store, I'm always amazed at how expensive the watch is. In the past, I've

the watches of Concord Night Vision range
Sometimes we appreciate a timepiece that brings something extra to your arm apart from straightforward time-keeping. Take, for example, the watches of Concord Night Vision range. Originally released in 2003, the Swiss-made range was relaunched this year at BaselWorld and attempts to bring the utility of their famous pocketknives to your wrist wear.

PP 5167 or AP 15710 ???
Looking for a Rubber strap PP or AP for my next watch. Definitely PP or AP and definitely rubber. Also looking to spend only $15-$20K.I like the PP 5167 which was my leading candidate, but the more I look at the new AP SS Divers (15710), the more I am liking them (probably black over white, though both are nice).The thing I like about the AP divers compared to other ROO is they are only 42mm, as ROO 44mm is just a little bit big for me (but not too much though). I tried the AP 41mm 15400 and that size was fine. My wrist is 6.5 inches (about 16.5 cm).ConsiderationsSizing on my wristComfort on wristLook and finishCoolness factor - which turns more heads and gets more complimentsDoesn't have to dress up too much.Durability and resistance to scratchesAlso is aquanaut going to remain same style? 15710 is new this year, so I am less worried it will go out of style.Curious for feedback of anyone owning either or better yet anyone have both?Thanks

AP ceramic
I have read an article saying that the white ceramic on the diver is 1850 vickers, while the black is 1350, don't speak to me but they say the white is 9 times harder than steel, I find that a little hard to believe, what do you think?I read post of some owners that chip their bezels without big shocks, if it was so hard would it chip?Have read posts of ceramic cases breaking when falling on tile floor, but that was Panerai, I suppose the ceramic they use is not the same quality as AP, I know that when I go bike riding I don't take it as if I fall and it hits something it will surely break, steel bends ceramic not, I wanted a ceramic watch in part because of it being very hard to scratch, has anyone here chipped or scratched a bezel or case in ceramic from AP?Thanks guys

PP Calatrava 5296G - Loud winding noise
Hi allMy friend just brought a PP Calatrava (exact model no is 5296G-001) with an open caseback to see the movment. The watch's winding mechanism is quite loud (i.e. everytime it spins, it makes the winding noise). You can hear it if you closed the door in your office (i.e. no need to put it right next to your ear). Is it normal to be that loud? As I am not familar with PP movements, any help appreciated!Thanks all!Vincent Looks like this (the gold winding mechanism makes the loud winding noise when it spins):