Hajime Asaoka Tourbillon Watch
I am not too familiar with independent Japanese watch makers. There are lots of smaller brands making timepieces in Japan aside from the big three (Seiko, Casio, and Citizen), but most of those are less expensive or novelty pieces. Here is a high-end independent Japanese watch maker you should be familiar with named Hajime Asaoka - with a brand of the same name.His watch is the simply named Hajime Asaoka Tourbillon and it is a very attractive timepiece. The design is actually more architectural and art deco than it is traditionally Japanese. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but aside from the name and "Tokyo Japan" label on the dial, there isn't much to let you know this is a fine Japanese instrument.For me the design quickly becomes appealing as you begin to identify its values. This is about an expression of technique and industrial design. A good start is to look at the tourbillon bridge. It is formed out of a single piece of steel that has a bar through the middle and an

I Didn't Mean To
I just went in to look as a courtesy. Truly. I love the idea of a moon phase watch. I mean, it's just a super cool complication. But I'm gravitating towards smaller watches lately. That's not to say I don't admire larger size watches. I do. I just seem to be wearing my 39 or 40 mm watches. And all the reviews I've read state that this watch is BIG. I knew I was not going to like it. I was wrong. And it really doesn't feel big. In fact, on leather, it's downright butter on the wrist. Crazy comfortable. The looks just blew me away as I find it extremely attractive. i think it's the smallish lugs that make it wear smaller than it is. I wore it to sleep last night and I barely felt it on. And the lume was surprisingly strong for my nightly 2:00 ritual. Its definitely very thick, but I don't seem to notice that either. I'm 99% of the time with my sleeves rolled up anyway, so it's not a huge issue. Regardless of it all, and the fact that I continuously surprise myself with my ever evolving p

Speedmaster 9300 case finish...
Hello Everyone,I want to get one of the new Speedmaster 9300s and then add the other one's strap/bracelet. I was wondering if there is a difference between 311.33.44.51.01.001 case with leather and 311.33.44.51.01.002 case with bracelet. I checked them in two different stores at separate times, but I have a feeling 001 comes with a polished case, while 002 has a brushed steel case. Can anyone confirm this? If this is true, then I cannot get 001 and add the bracelet later, because the braceet is brushed steel. However, I can get 002 and put croc on it later.Thanks in advanced...

Calatrava 5120-J problem
Hi all, I have a problem and was hoping someone could help. I bought a PP 5120-J for my Dad last October from an AD in Israel, while I was there on business. I gave the watch to my Dad for Christmas. He has worn it intermittently, not very regularly, but now it has completely stopped working. You can set the time and wind it, but it won't start. Has this happened to anyone? Any idea what the problem could be?Thank you,VM

Help Panerai newbie with model selection
Ok I am looking for a watch that I can jump in my pool with and not worry too much about it.The model I am looking at is like this watch .ebay/itm/Panerai-Lumi...item43cbee034aOk so can someone explain this model to me. What I mean is Panerai has so many models your head can spin. 120 means?? Good inner workings??Basically if you can tell me if this model is worthwhile or to look at something else. I don't want to wind up with the Panerai that nobody wants, thinking of resale.How would the 40mm wear compare to say a Sub?I appreciate the help!Thanks