RGM Starts Case Production in the USA
Following the debut of the first American-produced mechanical watch movement made since 1969, RGM Watch Company is now producing its own watch cases in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The first RGM cases to be produced are those of the 151 series of automatic watches, including the 151P (black-dial Pilot model) and 151E (classic style with engraved dial). In addition to having the ability to locally manufacture the standard 151 cases in stainless steel or gold, RGM is introducing a titanium version of the 151 – the brand’s first titanium production model. The next style scheduled to begin production is the 42 mm case designed to house RGM’s Caliber 801 – the large-size hand-wound movement that is also made in the Lancaster region, which is home to RGM and was the birthplace of some of the greatest watches in American history.

Watch Spotting: At The New York Launch Of The Book "Rowing Blazers"
On Tuesday night, the new Polo Ralph Lauren store at 711 5th Avenue hosted a launch event for the new book Rowing Blazers by Jack Carlson and principal photographer F.E. Castleberry. It was a packed, invitation-only event with about 700 guests visiting the two-story store. We thought it would be an interesting opportunity to see what watches were on the wrists of some of the attendees, both ladies and gentlemen, and of course take a quick look at this sartorially-focused book. 2 OF 97 If Jack's name sounds familiar, it is because HODINKEE sponsored his boats for two races last year: the winning boat in the Britannia Challenge Cup of the Henley Royal Regatta and the winning women's 8 boat at the Head of the Charles Regatta. Jack is a good friend of the site, and also happened to be the best man at my wedding. 3 OF 97 Rowing Blazers chronicles the distinct blazers worn by rowers of various clubs and universities, from the original eponymous "blazi

2 New Straps for 2 Classic Watches
The summer months are always rough because my wrists sweat and the metal bracelets on my watches get glued to my skin. I decided to try out a few new straps so I could loosen my watches throughout the day. I bought the Hirsch Liberty in brown for the Speedmaster. Always thought brown straps looked great with the Speedmaster. Wanted to go with something other than a Medici It is a calf leather strap treated with natural oils. I hear it can develop a nice patina like the Medici. I particularly like the stitching. It was very soft out of the packaging and does not need a break-in period. Only negative is that it is fairly thick and looks thick on the bottom with a thin wrist like mine.Second is a strap from Bradystraps. Sailcloth pattern in leather, but it is good in the water according to the manufacturer. I chose red stitching to go with the red accent on the second hand. It is a great micro texture but does require some break-in as it is fairly rigid. The buckle is a large brushed sta

5296r-010 vs 5172r?
Guys,Former Patek owner here, looking to get another.I have been looking at these two particular models, and other than the 5227 1mm wider difference in case size and the double 12:00 o'clock markers of the 5296-010 vs the single of the 5227r, are there any other significant differences between these two models? I cannot find any. The 5296r is a bit less expensive on the gray market as well.For clarification, I am looking at the 5296r-010, not the 5296-001, which has a very different dial.Any help would be great. thank you.Dave

What happens with most your other watches when you go Patek?
Just curious what you guys do.Doesn't necessarily have to be Patek, but basically a luxury high end watch that you work hard to purchase.When I purchased my First Rolex, no other watch got any wrist time.I just couldn't justify keeping the Rolex at home as she could be used as a beater, a dressy, a sporty watch.PP is a whole other league.I know it won't make my Rolex redundant, as she is still the perfect beater, but I am curious. How can your earlier watch purchases get any wrist time when you pull the trigger on high end watches like the Patek?Do you downsize to a smaller collection with more quality?Or keep them as still wear them at times?