Decoding The MSRP: What Retail Price Means, And What You Should Pay
Prices are a funny thing. We often don't understand why we pay what we do, nor do we often understand why some places can or do charge more for the same goods. In the retail goods market, there is such a thing as the MSRP, or manufacturer's suggested retail price. I have no idea where this price comes from. The best I can understand, there is a secret smokey room meeting where such numbers are obtained. MSRP prices attempt to combine the cost of production along with design, marketing, administrative costs, distribution, and of course profit.The profit margin on an MSRP is rather thick. Not only because the manufacturer need to make a profit, but so does everyone in between. This involves at least one other party, which is the retailer. Often times the retailer is broken further down and various mid level or sales people need to make a cut. This is all part of the process of getting you valuable goods that you want!Another thing you need to know is that retailers are keen to the fact t

Christopher Ward Takes the C60 Trident Upmarket with new Chrono and Titanium Models
We've talked quite a lot lately about Christopher Ward's upmarket push, moving watches like the C9 5-Day SS Chronometer into higher quality (and higher price) segments of the market, but almost all of the conversation has centered around their flagship C9 line. The brand is hardly stopping their improvements there, however, and the next line to be overhauled is their popular C60 diver. The brand's approach to this is twofold, revealing both the C60 Trident Titanium and the C60 Trident Pro Chronograph 600 ahead of Basel.First up, the C60 Trident Titanium offers a titanium case swap along with either a partial or full DLC treatment, depending on the model. Variation #1 mixes the darker tone of brushed titanium with a blackout treatment on the bezel and dial, while Variation #2 is fully DLC cut through by stark white bezel markings and indices. Both looks are aggressive, tactical, and modern, but have slightly different appeal. Variation #2, with its full DLC coating, is louder but perhap

BASELWORLD 2011 - New Model - Patek Philippe 5298 P
(Info and images - Patek Philippe SA)5298P-001Men's CalatravaDescriptionThe legendary understatement of the Calatrava – quite likely the most iconic of all Patek Philippe watches – exhibits fresh radiance with this new platinum model framed by a bezel set with baguette diamonds. The unusual brown tone of thesatin-finished dial amplifies their sparkle.Technical dataWatch: * Mechanical self-winding movement * Caliber 324 S C * Date in an aperture * Sweep seconds hand * Bezel set with 38 baguette diamonds (~3.37 ct) * Satinated brown dial, diamond hour markers * Strap: alligator with square scales, shiny black * Prong buckle set with 6 baguette diamonds (~0.30 ct) * Sapphire-crystal case back * Water resistant to 30 m * Platinum * Case diameter: 38 mmCaliber: * Date * Center sweep second hand * Overall diameter: 27 mm * Height: 3.3 mm * 29 jewels, 6 bridges * Balance: Gyromax * Vibrations per hour: 28'800 * Power rese

Now it's perfect....
I've had my 15300 for a few months now, and it has been almost perfect. Almost... because the band was just a bit too loose (I am spoiled about fit thanks to the Glidelock on my Sub!)After reading here about an optional 1.5 link, I sourced one from Clearwater and had it put on today. Perfection!

Early birthday Air King��s first flight
Leaving for a convention with my wonderful girlfriend and we stopped by the AD before catching our flight. I'll get right to it- it was between the DJ41 and new Airking, both just arrived from Rolex and hadn't even hit the case yet. I tried on the DJ41 jubilee and it just wasn't for me. I put on the Airking and she and the salesman both said that's the one! It's the first Rolex I've received as a gift and that makes it so much more enjoyable to wear. We let the AD hold the box until we get back and left straight for the Airport. What a way to kick off our trip!