Maranez Layan Hands-On
It's always exciting to find a deal on a watch, and I think we've struck upon a particularly good one. You've likely never heard of Maranez watches before, neither had we until a week or so ago, but we quickly realized that this was a brand worth taking a closer look at. Their website is sparse, and doesn't reveal a whole lot about the brand. Just pictures of the watches they sell and some basic relevant details. Initially, it might not garner much trust, but one glance at the watches and you'll likely think "those are pretty nice looking"��and then you’ll see the prices and say "holy #$!*@". Well, Maranez was kind enough to send over a couple of models for us to play with and see if they were worth the low prices they set, or perhaps much more.Maranez is based in Thailand and seems to be a very small operation, as these boutique brands tend to be. The watches are manufactured in China, and though I can't confirm it, I suspect they are made in the same facilities as Benarus, Armid

BASELWORLD 2011 - New Model - Patek Philippe 4897 R
(Info and images - Patek Philippe SA)4897R-010Ladies' CalatravaDescriptionAs a classic expression of feminine elegance, the ultra-thin Calatrava Reference 4897 unites a precious mechanical heart with a refined rose gold case and a delicately guilloched and lacquered dial in a new cream hue. Framed by a diamond-set bezel, the watch is worn with an elegant satin strap in pearly white.Technical dataWatch: * Caliber 215 * Mechanical manually wound movement * Bezel set with 72 diamonds (~0.47 ct) * Cream-colored guilloched dial, powdered gold hour markers * Pearly white brushed satin strap * Prong buckle * Sapphire-crystal case back * Water resistant to 30 m * Rose gold * Case diameter: 33 mmCaliber: * Overall diameter: 21.9 mm * Height: 2.55 mm * 18 jewels, 5 bridges * Balance: Gyromax * Vibrations per hour: 28'800 * Power reserve: 44 h max. * Number of parts: 130

A few questions about the new carbon cases
How well do you guys think they hold up? I know the diver is relatively new, but I've seen some of those infamous earlier versions of the forged carbons from AP being absolutely worn out.I sold my 15300 a few months ago and have been looking for something a bit more refreshing and new in a sense. What do you guys think about the Carbon or ceramic diver? Or should I go with the normal stainless version? The only reservation I have about the carbon diver is my uncertainty about its quality and also if black would look good.Any suggestions?

Perpetual Love
So. Had the funeral of Kathryn yesterday.And now wearing 'her' watch.Wow. What a journey life is.We played Springsteen at the service; and Wednesday we go to see him in Manchester! So if anyone knows the Boss!

Rolex on TV
Randomly came across this video and thought some here might enjoy... Great bit of irony given today's SS issues.https://.youtube/watch?v=AglU6cHI-70