Giveaway: Nixon Steelcat Watch
Nixon, the California-based watch brand, wants a lucky aBlogtoReadwatches-dealer winner to wear a Steelcat timepiece for the rest of the summer. The Steelcat is a large 48mm wide, steel cased watch available in three styles. Inside the watch is a Swiss quartz chronograph movement which also has the date. According to Nixon, the Steelcat is made for the "waterman's life." Funny since steel sinks and cats tend to dislike water. Though as a diver, it is water resistant to 300 meters so perhaps sinking is a good thing. It certainly has a fun surfing flair to it. Attached to the watch is a custom silicon strap. Price is $600 - $650 depending on the style. Winner gets their choice. Enter for a chance to win one below.To Enter You Must: 1. Comment on this post below (on aBlogtoReadwatches-dealer, not Facebook or elsewhere you might see this article) before the giveaway is over with your valid e-mail address where required. In the body of your comment mention your favorite watch(es) to wear to

Dear Mike (kilyung) & Ross (rosspanics) - Outgoing!
I hate you guys! The Royal Oak books are with FedEx on it's way to you! I know I could have e-mailed you guys but here is the reason for my post. While at the AP boutique I had one goal and that was to pick up 3 books and leave! Due to my weakness for horology and the lovely Manuela enticing me by commenting on my Yacht-Master I was tricked into trying on two pieces of which I almost purchased one on the spot! Looks like my short list has been modified and one of these will have to be added soon! Damn you guys! My 1655 dreams are slowly fading away!

New Bond watch, "The Commander"
This is when I genuinely question the brand......hideous all the way around except maybe the box lol........I can't wait to try to keep a straight face when boutique reps contact me about this :

A couple of questions for the initiated
Hey guys, please advise on the following:1) While browsing Paneristi, I noticed they mention that the screws which attach the strap to the watch run inside metal tubes, which in turn are inside the edge of the strap? If this is so, when ordering a custom strap from one of the many makers, is it necessary to purchase a set of these metal tubes to go into the strap?2) Does Panerai keep track of watch production dates using different patterns of serial numbers, like Rolex used to do with the letters, before random serials came along? In other words, if I wanted to make sure that the watch I'm purchasing is of the newest available series, should I look for a specific serial number series?Thanks!

shipping a daytona from Switzerland
A friend living in Switzerland got an SS Daytona for me.He is asking me if I want to visit him in EU and get it.Though I am thinking of shipping directly to US.Do I need to pay tax/duties or any other charges when doing international shipping from Switzerland to US, what is the rate?Do I need to do pre-pay ? and does US customs blocks my package if don't pay in advance?I did some research but am still not clear.Any body here knows the answer or had similar experience to share?Thanks!