Rolex Official Formula 1 Racing Timekeeper, Replacing Hublot
Big news in the watch world today as Rolex has been announced as the long-term Official Formula 1 Racing Timekeeper, effective as of the 2013 season. Being both the Official Formula 1 Racing Timekeeper and Official Timepieces of Formula 1 is no small achievement and the role had previously been occupied by brands like Jacques LeMans, Tag Heuer, and most recently Hublot. Being THE watch brand for Formula 1 is a big deal for a number of reasons, most notably the considerable audience attracted by F1. Formula 1 has a global viewership of over 500 million fans, making it one of the most watched sports in the entire world. Combine that audience with branding that is hinged on prestige, innovation, cutting edge technologies, and sporting elements such as team rivalries, big egos, and highly competitive top tier driving and you have an ecosystem that is an ideal platform for promoting a luxury watch brand.Rolex is an interesting choice as their connection to racing, technology and luxury is e

Breitling Chronomat Unveiled
The new body for the Calibre of the Breitling B01 internal has finally been announced and images shown at Baselworld! The new Chronomat has a 43.5 mm case, which is very similar to the last Chronomat, with stainless steel, Rose Gold SS/18 options and 18 k. The new telescope is a telescope reversed, as seen on the Rolex Yachtmaster.

Why do APs not hold their value as well or appreciate like Rolex or Patek?
I am interested in eventually purchasing a SS Royal oak (likely a 15450) but find their isn't the same urgency due to price appreciation as there is with Rolex watches that I am also interested in purchasing. Rather than thinking in terms of investing, I'm thinking in terms of what to buy now as I may be priced out of the watch in 5 more years, that seems to be the case with some of the Rolex watches (for example the 16520 and 1016 are two watches that if I would have bought 5-10 years ago that draw my interest but not for Royal Oaks, why is that?I look at the prices of 4100 or 14790 Royal Oaks as a suggestion of how the price of 15450 may change over time, would you suggest the 15450 will perform differently in terms of the used or vintage market, if so why?

AP Strap Options
I don't remember where I saw it but it seems like someone said it was possible to order a custom strap directly from AP. Is this possible to do this with the 4101? And if so, how long does it typically take to receive it once you order it? Here are some obligatory pics because every thread needs them

Which would you buy? Near NOS or newer movement?
Question for the group. You have two different versions of an Explorer II 16570 to choose from, which would you buy:- 16570 D serial that looks almost as if it's NOS, still has hologram, box, no card. Watch was bought as a gift and then never worn according to original owner. No polishing whatsoever. Watch is from a local dealer with whom you already have a relationship and trust. Watch legitimately looks brand spanking new.�� 16570 M serial with the 3186, has signs of wear and lightly polished, bracelet has some wear, bezel not perfect with small minuscule dings, from trusted forum seller for about $400 more. Box and papers.You have no intention of reselling or flipping.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk