Victorinox Alliance Mechanical Review
It's pretty rare that a household name brand surprises you with a product, but in the case of the watch we're looking at today, that's exactly what happened. Victorinox, known of course for their Swiss Army knives as well as their watches, brings to mind a certain design vocabulary. One that speaks most clearly to a military aesthetic, particularly infantry field watches. Though they have made models that diverge, they tend to be in the way of modern sport aesthetics. So, when a clearly vintage inspired design showed up on their site, a watch that I don't even recall seeing in Basel, I was surprised and intrigued.The Alliance Mechanical has design elements that speak directly to watches from the early 50's and late 40's. Elements that, to my knowledge, hadn't been used by Victorinox in other watches. The Alliance Mechanical stands out for being a bit lighter, perhaps dressier, than their other watches, but at the same time having details of their modern and military designs. Powered by

Pre-SIHH 2016: Vacheron Constantin
Vacheron Constantin has just announced that for the 2016 SIHH, they’ll be introducing four new models into the Métiers d'Art Fabuleux Ornements collection. The collection was first introduced two years ago as part of the larger Métiers d'Art collection of timepieces, and basically, they’re intended as a celebration of the decorative arts of different cultures, with Ottoman architecture, Chinese embroidery, Indian manuscript, and French lace. These arts are interpreted through engraving and openworking, as well as through enameling techniques, including cloisonné and champlevé, and guilloché engraving techniques.The new references use the same basic design motifs as the models introduced in 2014, but with variations in colors as well as new case materials. The movement in these watches is Vacheron’s caliber 1003, which was first used by Vacheron in 1955 (and which is the heart of one of their most wonderful watches). At

Any Hurricane owners?
Are there any Hurricane owners here? I came across the Hurricane from a WatchTime article a few days ago, and, I love it. I'm strongly considering one... I'm not sure if I want to go 45 or 50, and 12 or 24 hr time. I know the 50 is pretty big, but, I'm kinda feeling that oversized case. I know the 12 hr would be the ideal choice, but, that 24 hr dial is pretty cool and quite unique. If anyone has that, is it confusing to tell the time without thinking about it? Thanks.

Panerai Pam 111
I have recently bought this watch and cannot help but notice the letting for the word 'Panerai' looks strange, specifically the A and I spacing looks larger than it perhaps should be. I have read online this could be a tell tale sign of a fake! This watch has come with its box and all paperwork, including service papers. Perhaps I am being overly sceptical.Opinions would be appreciated...

Battle: BLNR (Batman) or BLRO (SS Pepsi)
Surprised this poll doesn't currently exist here -- if it does -- I offer my apologies. Here it is short and sweet. If both watches were available today, you own neither and can only have one (i.e. by buying one, you forfeit the right to buy the other), which one would you choose? While everyone has their own criteria, here are some to consider: Exclusivity: The esteem of getting the watch.Movement: 3285 (BLRO SS) vs. 3186 (BLNR)Heritage: BLRO's long heritage, but BLNR is the first of its kind. Bracelet: Jubilee vs. OysterBezel: Color preferenceCase: The supposed update in BLRO's caseValue retention/appreciation: Short-term and long-term value.