My First!
Hello allI've been lurking for about a year now and chime in once in a while. After the countless hours I've spent looking through this forum and the pictures of everyone's watches I thought my first nice watch was going to be a Rolex, specifically a 116613lb. I visited several AD's throughout SoCal and Vegas and was in love with the 2-tone blue sub after trying on almost all the modern models. About a month ago I stopped by Traditional Jewelers in Newport Beach and saw they had a 15400 black dial. I tried it on and really loved it but thought it was out of my price range for at least a few years. I figured I would get one in a few years after first getting a Rolex. Fast forward....On Thursday I was in Newport again and dropped by Traditional Jewelers. They had the same 15400 black dial and I tried it on again. And I really didn't want to take it off. I tried on the 15400 and the 116613lb side by side and there was no comparison to me. The AP was just so much more refined and the finis

Any experience with APBands.com?
I'm thinking of putting a hornback on my 44 RG and wanted to know if anyone had any experience with APbandsQuality, fit, feel, etc... how does it compare to the OEM bands?AP has a matt finish strap. Too bad they do not make a hornback for the 44.Particolare Capolavoro Black Hornback Crocodile For Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 44mm ChronographStyle# ROO44-PARTCAPO-BLKThis is the one I'm looking at... any thoughts?

Vintage SM 300 prices
I��m totally out of touch with the cost of this hobby but yesterday I glide into Jaceks site for a little browse around and saw a very nice SM 300 and was shocked at the 17K + price tag. My own SM 300 is not in the same league as Jaceks but anyone care to enlighten me about todays price levels?

Discontinued models repository?
Is there any online resource with information as to when modern Patek Philippe references were launched and discontinued? I first had this doubt when I browsed for information about 5711G, but have since been interested in checking many other references.

Would you trust a watch with a sketchy history from a reputable AD?
Long story short- very reputable local AD. I was checking out a Submariner circa 2012. He explicitly pointed out the watches warranty card was tampered with and altered by the former owner- he had literally taken a sharpie, blacked out all original info, and then written a 2016 date below it. Watch was in great shape and about $7500. What would you think in this scenario?