SalonQP Watch Show: 2012 Report
By Adi SoonThe recent SalonQP in London was certainly an eye-opening experience for me being a first time watch exhibition attendee. I had high expectations of going to this event and in many ways I wasn't disappointed.Unlike Baselworld where new products are announced and launched, the SalonQP in London functions more as an opportunity for the brands to interface with their potential customers in a plush, cosy environment. Surrounded by resplendent grounds and set in an area in a high-end part of London, the Saatchi gallery played host over three days to a crowd of connoisseur watch lovers. Fittingly chosen as a location as well, due to the fact that many of the pieces on display did certainly rise to the level of art. What more a compliment to be paid to the watches than being in an art gallery?On a personal level, it was an extremely good opportunity for me to set eyes upon and sometimes handle the watches that I had heard about but not seen in person. Without exception, the brands

The Aviator Watch Stripped: Archimede Pilot H Is A Likeable Bare Bones Genre Exemplar
While there are a lot of "pilot" watches out there, this one particular design is something that everyone can agree on as being a "pilot" watch. It is one of the 'original' looks, and has fared very well over the years. Many (I mean many) companies have attempted to provide their own interpretation to the design, or additions to the look. Few have been able to improve on the look, and the countless iterations of the theme have remained constant. The benefits of this look is simplicity and legibility, which translates well on a petite watch, or a 55mm beast.Archimede has been making pilot watches of this ilk for a while. The various models skewing the look in various manners, but now with the Pilot H, they have taken things back to the drawing board. The result is something totally stripped down; bearing what is arguably the essence of the genre. You have a brandless dial, with blued hands, and a sober black and white color scheme. Instead of the "historical" manual wound movement, I am

315 series movements versus 324 series
I'm considering some annual calendars, some with 324 series movements and some with 315 series. Other than the assumption that a newer movement is improved over the one it replaced, has anybody experienced 315 movement reliability or performance issues that resulted in costly and lengthy repairs? The 315 equipped references I'm considering are 5035, 5036, 5056. Thanks for your comments....

From 42mm to 36mm and back
I have a bit of a conundrum. I have a SS SkyD which is my daily driver at the moment. My other watches are a Tag chrono (40mm) and an Omega seamaster chrono (41.5mm). My wrists are a tad under 7.I've always liked the DD, and have been eyeing the 118238 or a 18238. I went to a AD and tried one on and it felt so small. It didn't look right but I'm assuming it's because I haven't warn a 36mm since who knows. Does anyone here alternate often between a 36mm and a larger watch? Am I just so used to 40mm+ that 36mm will always feel small? CheersRSent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk

So so pleased
This is the watch I've always wanted more than any other. But it's always been out of my reach. This week I finally have one to call my own. I did have to trade two other watches [inc an Exp 114270] but it was well worth it.It's original dial and domed plexi but service hands from 2001 [I'm fine with this and secretly rather like being able to tell the time when I wake up in the night] and it has been polished a little more than I'd like, but to me it's perfect.I'm posting here so I can have an excuse to see it again since it went straight to the watchmaker for a service today.. Anyway I love it and have gotten more of a thrill from owning this than from anything else I've bought. Thats all really.Oh and it came with box, service papers, original booklets etc and original Rolex Ad sales receipt [it was first sold in 1984] but oddly [to me] not original papers. Either they were sold or the original owner kept everything even the receipt but didn't consider the Rolex papers important..