Panerai Breaks Ground on New Manufacture in Neuchatel
Ten years after opening its manufacture in Neuchatel, Switzerland, Officine Panerai has announced that it will be breaking ground on a new factory at Pierre-��-Bot, on the hills above Neuchatel. All the company’s development, production and assembly of watches and movements will be transferred to the new production facility, set to open by the end of 2013. The new factory aims to streamline Panerai's current production process. Currently, all the stages of development �� including manufacturing the various components, assembly and quality control �� take place at different production sites. The unification of these various stages in a single, significantly larger location is intended to yield higher production capacity, greater independence at all stages of production, and better quality control.With 10,000 square meters of space, the new manufacture will house 290 employees, including master watchmakers �� 130 more than are presently employed at the current manufacture building in t

GIVEAWAY: Trip To American-Made RGM Watch Manufacture In Pennsylvania
It is no secret that in its heyday, the American watch industry was the best in the world. Brands like Hamilton, Bulova, Elgin, Waltham, and others were known for producing the best industrialized timepieces and today that legacy is kept alive in scant few places. Perhaps the only true watch manufacture left in the United States is RGM. Started by watchmaker Roland G. Murphy, RGM is located near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a historic hub of American timepiece production.For the 2013 watches-dealer holiday giveaway, the lucky winner will accompany me (Ariel Adams) on a several day trip to RGM for a unique experience at how watches are made in America. We will spend two days at the RGM manufacture learning about how they make American watches the original way. We will also get a personal, and probably, a behind-the-scenes tour of the nearby National Watch & Clock Museum conducted by Roland Murphy himself (who by the way isn't a regular tour guide at the museum).At the RGM facility you'l

Speedy Pro - Meteorite dial (Apollo Soyuz)
What is general consensus of the meteorite dial on watches? Are they hard to read? What about the aesthetic appeal of it?I know the Daytona Meteorite dial is popular, what about this Speedy Pro? Do you think it suits?

Do I Have A Problem With My SMP 2594.52.00
I have a Seamaster Professional Chronograph 2594.52.00 and a converted 2531.80.00. When I hand wind my 2531.80.00 the action, is as smooth, as silk. However, when I hand wind my 2594.52.00, it feels as though something is grating either within the case or the crown is catching on something. The 2594.52.00 keeps perfect time, all functions work properly and the chronograph hands reset exactly where they should. Should the 2594.52.00 wind as smoothly as the 2531.80.00, or do I have a problem with the 2594.52.00 that requires repairing? The 2594.52.00 is just over four years old. Thanks in advance, Brian Thanks in advance, Brian

Rolex Air King keeping its value
Hi all,I am about to purchase my first Rolex watch (Air King). Of course, I have seen many topics on the internet how the overall brand keeps its value. However, specifically for the Air King I have not yet seen anything (perhaps due to the brand new model).Can someone perhaps tell me what I can expect? I am not looking for a profit or a nice investment, but just curious whether its a safe choice. Thanks :)