How Manually Wound Watch Movements Compare To Their Automatic Counterparts
One thing we have noticed over the years at ABTW is, with watches, nothing is as simple as it may first seem. Take, for example, the humble automatic watch movement that we see in numerous watches today. This could be the reliable ETA 2892 or 2894 that are used by various companies, the Soprod A10 that is seen more frequently nowadays, or an in-house watch movement made by Omega or Rolex. Whatever the watch movement, the automatic rotor and its works is a basic complication that is seen so frequently that it is almost taken for granted.As we know, the benefits of an automatic rotor are constant winding of the mainspring and �C thanks to the higher average tension in the mainspring when the watch is being worn �C more consistent power through the gear train. This means the watch should keep better time as you avoid the diminished amplitude and associated rate loss as the mainspring winds down. It is also convenient in our hectic lives, when we may forget to wind our watch each morning bef

Omega SM300
Has anyone acquired an original one off eBay? I've read where the fakes are so realistic, they even have original omega parts. Any words of wisdom or past stories (good or bad) are greatly appreciated.

To pass on to the next generation
Maybe I'm crazy but I actually thought about which watch I would wear on the day my first child was born, which was yesterday. I wanted to make sure it will never be flipped and able to stand the test of time with regards styling and quality. I think my daughter will enjoy this watch down the track as her own.The time was 9.32. She was born at 9.55. Nothing like a cesarean for speediness.

New to Panerai with a few questions
I have gotten the itch to try out Panerai again; I bought a Radiomir several years ago and had immediate buyers remorse. I've done my best to search out some answers/info but would like the experts here to solidify my searches.I don't really care for the rounder looking Luminor case and crystal, so this seems like the 1950 style is out -right? Do some 1950s have flat crystals? The manual wind cases are going to be slightly thinner than automatic?I think I am leaning towards the PAM 510. I can't find too many recent reviews or posts on this movement; most of what I see are from a couple years ago when the haven't had the test of time posts were common. What is the general consensus of this movement vs the eta in the PAM 111?I am open to suggestions from those who are far more versed than I. I think I would prefer the sandwich dial, small seconds, clear case back, water resistant to 300m. (The clear case back on the 510 is a little boring which is one complaint I have with that mode

Firenze!
I achieved one of my WIS goals last week and made it to the Panerai boutique in Florence! The spacious newly designed boutique is beautiful and smells of rich mahogany and leather bound books (Anchorman). It's about 4 times larger than any other Panerai boutique I have been to before and once they finish restoration and knock down the the wall to merge it with the original shop its going to be even larger. I tried to take pics of the inside but the sales rep told me that they wouldn't allow it yet because its only been open for 2 months and they havent even updated the Panerai website to showcase the new boutique.What I learned from this visit:1. You can save a lot of money over US retail in Europe. I was quoted $11,850 for a PAM 233 after VAT refund. Thats $4050 less than US retail. 2. PAM 233 wont have a domed crystal next year.3. I went in to try the 312, 233, 510, and 305 but came out LOVING the PAM 422. That thing is gorgeous in person but Im slightly unsure about its size. Hopef