Retro Modern IWC And Porsche Design Watches, Still Modern Looking
Impressive watch giant IWC and Porsche Design used to get together for watch making fun. IWC manufactured the watches, and Porsche Design, well, designed them. Now IWC has enough watches in its line (not that is was ever a thin line), and Eterna takes charge of making Porsche Designs' watches. Regardless, some of these watches are still made, and good deal of them from about 15-30 years ago are still around, highly collectible, and very cool.One wonderful example of this perfect relationship is the IWC Porsche Design Ref. 3551. A watch released years ago, but looking a modern as can be, this is one of the most modern and minimalist implementations of a moonphase complication. Nicely legible, with the moonphase on the top of the central cross hair design, the watch houses an ETA mechanical movement, and a little secret.Open the case upwards and the watch reveals an analog compass located underneath. A designer somewhere thought this was a very cool idea. And sure, flipping your watch up

With The Androgyne, Manufacture Royale Defines A Category Of Its Own: The Neo-Steampunk Wristwatch
Manufacture Royale is relatively new to the scene of independent watchmakers, having begun operation in 2010. Since then, the brand has positioned itself in the relatively crowded space?by offering a number of models with brash aesthetics and, notably, beautifully?designed in-house movements. One of these models, the Androgyne, distinctly symbolizes?the brand's unusual design ethos and commitment to technical dexterity.Undoubtedly, the case is the first thing you'll notice about the Androgyne. It is, shall we say, rather uniquely designed?with 52?components in total, including a system of multi-part articulated lugs that are intended to conform to various?wrist sizes. Seen here in PVD-coated, gunmetal-finish stainless steel, the 43 mm case is anything but discreet. But in all honestly, I doubt that discretion is of?paramount concern to anyone interested in this watch �C the Androgyne is meant to be worn and to be seen. 2 OF 11 The unabashedly-designed cases could well be d

Haven't Seen This One Before !
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New issue of Watchtime!
The June issue has a fantastic article on the Speedy Pro and also goes into the new 9300.If you guys don't subscribe, hit your local bookstore and get this one, it's a great issue.

Service now or wait?
Good morning TRF! The warranty on my GMT IIc is going to end in March of this year. There is nothing I've noticed wrong with the watch, keeps time just fine, and just a few signs of wear that I'd consider normal after almost 3 years. I'd appreciate some input/advice on sending it to RSC now to have it checked instead of waiting until it clearly needs service and the warranty is past. I agree that generally it's better not to open the case if it isn't needed, but eventually it will need service and it'll have to be opened. Another question on this if I do send it in. If there's nothing wrong mechanically will they do anything like polish or try to fix dings in the case/bracelet? There is one ding on the clasp I'd like to have fixed but I'd prefer it not be polished. I have the impression from past threads about getting work done at RSC that they will polish the watch even if asked not to, but I may be remembering this incorrectly. Thanks in advance. I've never sent a watch to RSC so thi