It's Karl Time! Lagerfeld's New Watch Collection By Fossil
Fossil may just be trying to recreate the magic it experienced with its Michael Kors relationship in producing their watches. Back in November I helped debut Karl Lagerfeld's new quirky collection of fashion-forward timepieces here on Departures. Back then we were given a mere glimpse of the new collection, but the message was clearthe typically high-end Lagerfeld brand was going mass-market with its timepiece collection. A tactic employed by many fashion brands when entering the timepiece field, but the opinion on whether to go high or low remains divided.Emporio Armani went low-end, also using Fossil as a manufacturer for its watches. Ralph Lauren went decidedly high-end. And from Burberry to Ermenegildo Zegna, to many more, you'll find everything in between. It brings up the interesting question of how a high-end clothing maker could or should enter the world of watches. To people like me, buying a watch from a fashion label should be an "honest" experience. The timepiece should be

Bring a Loupe: A Rolex With Tiffany Dial, A B-Series Royal Oak With Original Papers, An Early Zenith
You probably noticed that the HODINKEE Shop started offering vintage watches last Tuesday. What does this mean for this column? Well, nothing really. Bring A Loupe is still alive and kicking; each week, you can expect to find the coolest watches from all over the world. And this week, BAL will include a dressy Rolex with Tiffany dial, a B series Royal Oak, and a Bovet Mono-Rattrapante. There is also a great selection of chronographs, from a tropical Wakmann to an early Zenith El Primero. This is your Bring A Loupe for March 11, 2016. An Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 5402 B Series With Original Papers 1 OF 7 Launching the Royal Oak was definitely a bold move from AP in 1972, as this sporty looking watch in stainless steel cost more than a dressy Patek in gold at the time. Moreover, it relied on a slim and beautifully finished automatic movement in an era where quartz movements were already starting to become more common. The initial controversies faded away, a

As an investment is a new Diver okay?
I don't know much about the serial numbers for AP divers but I am about to close on a new AP Diver. Do I need to ask what the serial number is or anything like that or will this new watch be fine? I don't think I'm going to be trading and selling any time soon or buying for an investment. I just like the watch but of course I want to get a watch with a story if possible.Let me know your thoughts.

Olympic Omega Watches
What do people think of the Omegas designed for the Olympics? I really like the Speedmaster Broad Arrow except for the Olympic rings on the second hand.

The 5980r vs the 5711/1r
Hi guys, First off, i apologize for my absence due to my newborn baby and work, haven't been able to share much on the forum, I'm glad to be finally back in the game after a long while. I'm having a bit of dilemma right now. I recently put a deposit down for the 5980r on strap, and will get it in 3 weeks of time. now i'm having a second thought on getting the 5711/1R, really love the nautilus with RG bracelet, although I do worry a bit if it wears too small on my wrist as I have yet tried the watch. I generally like watches with wrist prescence, so the Rg bracelet somehow would make up for it. The reason i chose the 5980R is the contrast dial which really pops on the watch, and the thicker case looks absolutely stunning as well. I know this is the early version that came out yrs ago, the hype has certainly cooled down a lot, the 1/R seems to be the most favourite in the line up at the moment. Belive me i did seriously consider getting the full gold, but i'm not sure if I can pull it of