IWC Connect: The Latest “Smart” Watch Strap for Mechanical Timepieces
With last week’s announcement of its IWC Connect device �� an “intelligent tool” embedded in the straps of its watches �� IWC Shaffhausen becomes the latest Swiss watch brand to offer a high-tech alternative to both traditional mechanical watches and so-called smartwatches such as the recently released Apple Watch.According to the company, the concept behind IWC Connect is “to enable owners of IWC timepieces to control their connected environment directly from the wrist while also maintaining the integrity of a handcrafted mechanical timepiece.” In other words, to compare and contrast it with other “smart” and “connected” products introduced by Swiss watch companies over the past year or so, it appears to have more in common with Montblanc’s Urban Speed e-Strap (you can read about it here) �� in that all the electronics will be inside the strap rather than in the watch itself �� than with such “hybrid” devices as the M

Singapore visit
I popped into one of the the Singapore AP boutiques the other night to see what they had on offer and tried on some lovely pieces and experienced a great level of service and enthusiasm for the brand from the staff. All in all, it was a delightful visit. I'm not allowing myself to buy any more watches this year, so no incoming to report, but the decision on my next watch has become more difficult. In a huge fan of the blue dial ROC, but the 15400 in grey is quite amazing. Alas, the ROO PT is not in the cards for me!They had a couple of very nice vintage pieces on display. The re-release of the ROO now has me particularly excited.

Patek Madness (now 4)
Hi everyone,Just last month I had an opportunity to pick up 2 more Pateks BNIB from the AD -they are both pieces that I thought were good ways to build a stronger relationship with my AD without losing much if any money. They are still both unworn. Feel a bit funny since I'm sitting now on 4 Pateks.Current collection is now:5167a Aquanaut - On bracelet and on black deployment rubber with brown rubber oem as well.5711a Nautilus - White(New) 5711r Nautilus - Rose gold - Paid MSRP(New) 5130r Worldtime - Rose Gold - 15% discount off MSRP (interesting since this is a discontinued model)I am in no hurry but it seems that in the end, the 5711 White and the worldtime are the 2 pieces i would probably end up with (one for dressy casual and one for formal) and wear my rolex GMT 1675 as the beater. At the same time, I am wondering whether I should hold on to the 5711r long-term (safe queen), wear it (take off stickers) or sell now.With the aquanaut, seems that prices are now around $24-$25k and r

My attempt at Movement Macro
Macro shot of my 324SC

Watch Shops in Florence
Hi everyone!I will be in Florence for a couple of days. Any watch shops I should check out?