Introducing The Hamilton Pan Europ, Vintage Inspired And Budget Friendly (Details & Pricing)
Back in 1971, Hamilton introduced the Pan Europ, one of the first automatic chronographs on the market (using the famous chrono-matic / Calibre 11 movement). Here we have a new non-chronograph watch inspired by that original design and bearing the Pan Europ name. The new Pan Europ still takes advantage of the cushion case shape and the bright colors but offers an overall simpler package. That it's relatively light on the wallet only adds to the appeal.The new Pan Europ is housed in a distinctive 42mm cushion case that looks just like what you'd find with many of the classic 70s racing chronographs. The integrated lugs are short and thick and it looks like the top of the case is brushed with polished bevels and edges. The aluminum bezel insert is marked in 15 minute increments with single minutes marked from 0 to 15 like what you might find on a dive watch. 2 OF 2 There are two dial color choices, one blue and the other grey. Both feature bright white Superluminova

I found oem quality spring bars for 44mm Chronomat dive straps
I found reasonably priced OEM Breitling 23mm x 1.8mm stainless steel spring bars to be used with the 44mm Chronomat series of watches with 22mm lugs. Any time you switch from a bracelet to a strap, it is advised to go up 1mm in spring bar size. So a 22mm lug should have a 23mm spring bar with a strap. This way any twisting of the strap will not cause the spring bar to fall out. If I use the OEM 22mm spring bars that are used for the pilot bracelet with the Pro 3 Dive strap, I can push on one side of the strap by the case and the spring bar will compress enough to POP OUT. A 23mm spring bar locks the rubber strap in solid and any amount of strap force wont push the spring bar out. That 1mm longer collar makes all the difference in strength and security. I dive with my watches and have been very particular with what spring bars I use with rubber dive straps on all my watches. Omega also goes up 1mm in their straps over the bracelet and have been doing this for years wi

Vintage Chronomat ref. 0818 W/Venus 178
Just back from a complete overhaul including a new factory acrylic Crystal. Very much enjoying this Big Case (48mm) vintage circa 1969 Breitling Chronomat three register chronograph. Waiting for a custom leather strap from Peter at Gunny Straps...rockin a comfortable matching Nato for now.

Customizing a Speedy Questions
Hi and thanks.If I want to put a different bezel and a steel mesh bracelet on a speedy - what is the best way to go about this?Do I take it to my local AD (an Omega Boutique, BTW) and ask for it to be sent to the factory and the changes performed? Will they even do that?or... Do I acquire the parts from Ofrei and have a local watch guy do it?Also, is there a specific steel mesh bracelet that is appropriate for the Speedy?

Decision, advice needed.
I recently had the opportunity to try on a few beautiful watches in NY but given the exchange rate, duties, taxes, etc, I decided to hold off and see what was available back home.I initially contemplated getting the AP 44 RG in the summer but since I have the 42 ROO, I decided to hold off but its hard especially looking at some of the beautiful pics posted by fellow members (next year perhaps lol).Anyways I have narrowed it down to two, I am lacking a MP in my collection, love them both, 5205R-001 and ALS Grande Lange 1 MP (easy answer would be why not just buy both right?!? ).Are there any reasons from personal experiences or knowledge why I should not own either one of them?Thanks in advance!