Archimede Pilot XL Automatik Watch
If you are looking for a good priced, well mannered, and large sized pilot style watch, this just might be the piece for you. Archimede released their next Pilot automatic watch with the Pilot XL Automatik. The watch takes everything you like about the traditional simple Pilot watch look and ups the size from 39mm or 42mm to 45mm. The crown itself is 8mm thick. This is actually a good size making for a decidedly large watch that I would NOT describe as being silly big. "That giant watch looks ridiculous on your wrist!" .is not a statement this watch will attract.The Archimede Pilot XL is housed in a steel case (made by Ickler) with a brushed finish, and the sapphire crystal has a double AR coating - so it is quite easy to view and won't really have glare. The dial is simple with high contrasting numerals and blued hands coated with lots of lume. It is a classic looking and highly functional watch face. Inside the watch is an ETA 2824-2 movement which is visible through the mineral glas

Finalists For The 2014 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve Announced, Public Vote Now Open (Where
It's that time of year! Yup, the finalists of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG) have been announced. For those who don't remember, the GPHG is the watch industry's equivalent of the Academy Awards, wherein a group of distinguished judges comprised of collectors (think John Goldberger and John Mayer), retailers (think Laurent Picciotto), watchmakers (think Philippe Dufour) and journalists (think our own Ben Clymer) decide on who has done the most to advance watchmaking this year. Today, the finalists for each category have been announced. The winners will be announced on Friday, October 31st, 2014, in Geneva. The entire ceremony will be streamed live right here on HODINKEE.Click here to see the finalists for the 2014 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG). BONUS: The public prize, decided by YOU, is also now open for voting, and once you register, you can win a Girard-Perregaux worth over $10,000 right here.

Picking an AD for ROC
I'm planning to have an AD special order a new 41mm ROC for me when that watch launches in a couple of months. When selecting from ADs for a special order like this, is price the only thing you think one needs to consider? Or do you think there may be timing / reliability variability between ADs?Thanks

Used Patek Calatrava in NYC?
Hi:I will be in Manhattan next March 18 and I intend to get a preowned Calatrava. Could you help me with data on trusted sellers were I can se the watches in person and be confident as regards authenticity, papers, etc.Thanks in advanceCarlos

YMII timer engaged perpetually
Can someone with actual knowledge on the matter please shed some light on the affect or lack thereof having chrono (timer) on all the time... I love the hacking seconds hand look of any automatic watch but the red hand on the YMII is always fixed position unless (I know the subdial is the actual seconds hand however it is practically unnoticeable) the countdown timer is engaged and I don’t really care for it like that in static position.... you think it will damage or wear down the movement much sooner, also what happens to the mechanics of it once the countdown hits 0 from 10 and it if stays engaged..