Doomsday Coming For Wrist Watch Retailers?
Watch brands are systematically killing off their network of authorized dealers that historically have helped them so much. One by one, retailers get ominous letters in the mail informing them that a long-term partner will no longer be sending them inventory. Why are the major watch brands doing this? And what does this mean for the future? Read on...After years of struggle, and a complex accumulation of factors, the industry of selling watch is about to rapidly change. It isn't so much a matter of a black and white distinction (in terms of one thing is totally in and another thing is totally out), but the old business model is more or less - dying a slow, painful, and less than quiet death. Here is how it used to be - for well over 100 years. Watch brand sells watch at wholesale rate to watch retailer (known as the authorized dealer). Watch retailer sells the watch for the retail price and keeps the difference as its profit (usually about 50%). In exchange for buying watches from the

Watches and F1: The Schumacher Omega Speedmasters
The Omega Speedmaster is perhaps the greatest icon in the watchmaking world. For over 50 years, the Speedy has been the gold standard by which all high-end chronos are measured, and the history of the line can fill volumes (in fact we have: check out our series on the history of the Speedmaster here). However, for all that game-changing, moon landing history, and the dizzying array of variants, there's one line of Speedmasters that always seems to fall by the wayside somewhat: the Speedmaster Schumacher. It's easy to forget with the NASA heritage and the Moonwatch designation (which, even as a racing fan, I can't argue, is the coolest distinction ever awarded to a timepiece) that the Speedmaster line was designed as a racer's watch, and the Schumacher Speedys take that to the nth degree by partnering with the man who, by the numbers at least, is the single greatest racing driver of all time- Michael Schumacher.Now, I grew up watching Michael dominate the championship again and again wi

Question about Speedy Alaska Project
Hey all.First time posting in the Omega forum, and I was hoping to get some opinions from owners of the Alaska Project Speedmaster.A local AD has one in stock, and unfortunately I didn't have time to look at it. I haven't been in this shop in years, and was just passing through to see if they had a Speedmaster Pro in stock, which they do. I'm hoping to get back sometime this week and get a look at their selection.Anywho, as an everyday watch, on the bracelet, how is the AP watch? I do a lot of driving, and if it's the middle of July, and the sun is bearing down on me, when I take a quick glance of the watch, would I see the time easily, or just get a glare off the white dial? I remember reading a comment back in 2009 on the other popular forum that all it would be good for is to sit and look pretty, and the white dial would make it useless as an everyday watch. Does anyone have real life daily experience with the watch to belie that statement?Any opinions would be appreciated.

Movement PO vs Rolex Sub
I'm curious what thoughts you guy might have regarding the movements of Omega vs Rolex comparable models. How would the movement be rated with respect to the quality, accuracy, capability, etc. Also, the presence of the watch on the wrist. What are your thoughts?Much appreciated.

OPINIONS PLEASE - 5164 or 5167 & Royal Oak?
Ladies and Gentlemen,Having been greatly influenced by JorgeCCW, I am in the process of reducing my Rolex collection from 6 to 2 or 3 with a view to entering the rarified world of PP and AP.Whilst I like both the 15400 and the Diver, I am slowly coming to the conclusion that many of you have already reached....however wonderful AP is, PP is a level above.The only PPs that are correct for me at this time are the Aquanauts....I only wear sporty watches (no leather straps) and unfortunately the Nautilus just don't do it for me. I love the clean face of the 5167, whilst I prefer the thickness and weight of the 5164. I think the travel time complication is fantastic, and that the date wheel on the 5164 is unattractive and a waste of space!So.....if you had the choice of having either the 5164, or the 5167 and an SS Royal Oak.....WHAT WOULD YOU DO?All of this is unfortunately made slightly more urgent by the recent actions of the Swiss Central Bank.....so I really look forward to your opinio