AP Band Leather Strap -Received Defective Item?
Hi Everyone,I just received an AP Band Capolavoro Black Alligator Strap for my ROO, but it seems like the leather is defective? It's my first watch and also my first time purchasing leather straps so I'm not sure if that's just the nature of real leather/crocodile leather? It also looks very dry...I was really looking forward to putting these on and finally wearing my watch since the AP leather strap is on backorder and wouldn't be available for another 4 weeks...Should I contact AP Bands about it?

I want to buy a Bond Seamaster. What do I need to know?
Is there a big difference between the Bond Seamaster and Seamaster. Is it the same watch, only one has the Bond name on it? This is my first higher end watch, and I want something nice that will hold its value. I was thinking about a Rolex, but it's a little more than I want to spend and the authorized dealer offered no discount.

Oem strap and buckle prices
Does anyone have a UK price list for oem strap and buckle prices. I contacted Panerai online to ask for the price for the tantalum adjustable buckle and was quoted ?900. Is this the correct price? ?900 seems very expensive for a small piece of metal

Torn on the 422, thoughts?
I had a PAM127 when they were first released, and loved the watch but had other Panerai's at the time and wore it very little. When prices went crazy I ended up selling it, though sadly well before they peaked. I think I sold it for around $10k. I've pared down my Panerai's to just an 111E that I bought new when that model was released, and only the historic models really appeal to me. I've been collecting Rolex's and a few Tudors and Omegas over the past three years, and sort of lost interest in Panerai's and haven't paid much attention to their recent stuff. I saw a 422 in a mall watch dealer and it sparked my interest again, as it reminds me so much of the 127 and the pricing seems somewhat reasonable. My biggest concern is that I'll get the watch and find that it's not a much different look than my 111, and ultimately the size will have me wearing the 111 much more than the 422. I've thought about selling the 111, but I've got it in for a full service and polish right now an

Help a girl choose - DJ TT or Black dial w/ Diamonds?
Hi, I usually read but rarely post... seems a lot of posters here are male, which is great. I have polled my girlfriends, so it will be interesting to hear some male opinions!Help me choose - I currently have a 31mm very simple silver dial for everyday wear. I am looking for a dressier Rolex, so I have narrowed it down to the 36mm DJ black dial with diamonds, or two-tone DJ with white dial. They are both approximately the same price.I want something that is eye catching and dressy as my current Rolex is quite simple.Some of my considerations:I don't have any yellow gold jewelry and I tend to choose white metals. Both my Love and JUC are white.However, I find myself drawn to the two tone as it screams classic Rolex to me. Do you agree with this, in your opinion is the two tone more classic and timeless than all white?I'm not sure if yellow gold would even complement my skin tone... opinions please?I don't want a watch that looks too similar to the one I currently have.I love diamonds on