Titoni Seascoper Dive Watch
Titoni is a Swiss watch brand I don't normally see featured outside of Switzerland. At least not here in the US that often. They are among the many more affordable brands that have actual histories but have decided not to ascend the steep luxury ladder into the serious lifestyle arena that defines many of the Swiss brands that we cover.For 2014, Titoni releases a relatively attractive new dive watch based on some historic models from the 1970s. The collection is the Titoni Seascoper ref. 83985, and it includes a range of models with various dials and either a red or blue bezel. Watch lovers will no doubt feel that the black dial with red bezel version of the Titoni Seascoper is similar to the Tudor Heritage Black Bay. It is true that in the modern context, many brands have tried to feature their own versions of the popular vintage-style dive watches. However, in my opinion a more natural analogy to the Titoni Seascoper comes from Tissot.Titoni Seascoper dive watch from the 1970sCoincid

What About Value? Won't Somebody Please Think Of The Value!
Watches In Today's Retail MarketThis topic is really important. And discussing it is going to piss off a lot of people, but I need to get it off my chest. Funny enough, due to a mix-up on our end, this article was published before it was finished, retracted, and then eventually completed. Cries of censorship filled our inbox! Consider this a follow-up to a previous article I penned that discussed Why Watches Are So Expensive. OK, this isn't exactly news to many people, but watches are really expensive. And to be honest with you, they are usually too expensive. Way too expensive - and whether that is good or bad is another topic. This (longish) article is about value, and what the hell happened to it. It actually isn't just about the watch industry and I am not really trying to advocate for change, but rather using the luxury industry perspective to discuss a particular set of observations.The previous article I linked to above discusses all of the reasons watches as luxury goods are ex

My first Breitling...
In 1999, my fianc�� and I walked into Feldmars, in Los Angeles. I was an Omega man, had been since my dad gave me his Speedmaster Professional in 1991...but was curious about Breitling. My fianc�� had a quartz Breitling, and was interested in a mechanical watch.We were just browsing, but spotted two watches of interest...an Old Navitimer II, dark blue dial, silver subdials, on a black crocodile strap, and a mid size Colt on a rubber strap. That Colt was mechanical, though the current line are all Superquartz.We got a great deal on the watches...the Navitimer went for a little under $3K...and left happy.I wore that watch the night 1999 turned into 2000, and on my wedding day and on the night my daughter was born. My wife and I have separated, amicably but irrevocably, but we still share a passion for fine watches.Over the years, I replaced the well worn croc strap with a Navitimer bracelet, then added a brown calf strap last year for a little variety.So, here is my first and ever favo

Vintage Omega dial question
Hey TRF, I know this is a Rolex forum, but I've been checking out an early 70s Omega chronograph I really like and I have a question about one I found. Per the attached photo, I have highlighted a couple of areas where it looks like there is perhaps old lume flaking? I've seen the same thing in pics of other watches of the same model, but I'm not sure exactly what this is. Any feedback is appreciated and thank you in advance.

Thoughts on Omega Caliber 3603 Movement
Hello,I'm considering an Omega Aqua Terra Chronograph GMT with the 3603 movement. I like how this movement has the 3 sub-dials as opposed to the 2 sub-dials of the new 9300/9301 movements (if and when they come to this particular watch). From what I hear, the new movements based on the caliber 8500 are a lot better then the old Omega movements, being completely in-house etc. However, I really like the look of the older version with 3 sub-dials.Any thoughts on whether the old 3603 movement is any good? Or should I wait to see how the new Aqua Terra Chronograph GMT will look, when it comes out?Thanks a lot.