Roger Smith "GREAT Britain" Watch Specially Made For Prime Minister David Cameron
One of our favorite English watchmakers Roger Smith (Roger W. Smith) just announced that he has completed a watch commissioned by the British government for Prime Minister David Cameron's Legacy to the 2012 Olympics. Called the GREAT Britain, this is the latest in Roger Smith's series of bespoke timepieces produced on a made-to-order basis. The watch was commissioned by Conrad Bird, the Prime Minister's Director of Communications in 2012. Why? It was part of the Prime Minister's 2012 Olympic Games Legacy. Is Roger Smith late in delivering the watch at the end of 2013? No, in fact he is probably a bit early.Roger Smith produces each watch by hand, by himself, in the most traditional of manners. He is THE protege of the famed English watchmaker George Daniels, and he lives and works on the Isle of Man located between the UK and Ireland. There is a several year waiting list for his watches and he produces two types of pieces. First are ones in his "Series" collection that are limited in p

Going To Be In The Netherlands In Early December? Attend Watch2008: The Independent & Innovative Watch Maker Show
Wow, I really want to go, but being in the US makes things hard. Watch2008 (Yes, there will be a Watch2009, etc...) is going to be an excellent show and dedicated to smaller and innovative watch makers that are more dedicated to the craft of making quality watches than some marketing image. An impressive list of manufacturers includes several I have never heard of, and plenty whose watches I will be lucky to ever see at all. There is something exciting about this. Especially owning one of these watch and knowing that you are likely the only person in your county (if not state) to own one.See the complete list of Watch2008 exhibitors here.Watch2008 will located at the Castle??Hoogenweerth in the Maastricht region of The Netherlands between Belgium and Germany. I've never been anywhere in the Netherlands outside of Amsterdam, and the Masstricht really couldn't be much further than Amsterdam and still in the country. It is situated in a scenic region between Germany and Belgium. Interesti

Basil 2011 reflections from an old Omega fan
In a sense, I am disappointed with the Omega introductions and Rolex as well, but on the other hand, I am delighted.First off, My Liquidmetal LE is looking better all the time. I have never had a problem with any of the seven 2500 movements I have owned, including A, B, & C versions, so the larger, thicker 8500 movement is not an attraction for me. And Ti is a deal killer for me. With all the changes to the Planet Ocean, my LM LE will be a one-of-a-kind along with only 1947 others. Thank you Omega for making it a true collectible.Certainly, the new SMP models cannot hold a candle to the classic sword hand models. And who needs any Speedy other than the Professional with the classic Lemania manual wind movement?So bottom line: I am quite happy with my LM, my 2255.80, and my Speedy Pros.Omega's Rolex marketing decisions have made me ask If Omega wants to be like Rolex, why not buy Rolex? That is why I have recently added two classic discontinued Rolex models to my collection,

Falling in love with the 5196
Hey All,I've been wanting to add a precious metal dress watch for while, but my eye has been firmly set on my next stainless sports watch acquisition. My friend and I have been talking dress watches and took a trip to NYC to do some browsing. After having the 5196 on, I'm obsessed. I have a Rolex Sub and I've always been a one watch guy, but I really want a piece of Haute Horlogerie. Before being derailed by the 5196 my plan was to get the RO 15202 and it be my only watch. It's obviously not as robust as the Sub, so I've been having doubts. With the price difference between what the 5196 is available for and the 15202, I would be able to justify the stretch and keep the Sub and get the 5196. I feel like I'd have a pretty well rounded two watch collection. Does that make any sense to anyone?? haha Am I nuts to be thinking to forgo the Jumbo? I looked at the 5196J and the 'R'. I only tried on the 'J' because the strap was already flexed and I felt bad bending the perfect strap of the 'R'

Steel bracelet on a PAM233
Has anyone ever tried to put a steel bracelet on a PAM233. I wonder if it is even technically possible ?