Inside Nivarox - The Heart Of The Swiss Watch Industry
Nivarox is probably the most important company in the entire world of Swiss watch making. Now owned by the Swatch Group, Nivarox makes the vast majority of the parts that make mechanical watch movements function. Today the company's official name is "Nivarox FAR" and I finally now what that means. The term allows you to understand the industrial nature of the group's goal. Comprised of about four plant locations around Switzerland, "Nivarox" is a contraction of "ni variable, ni oxydable." In other words "neither variable nor oxidable." I'll explain what that all means in a moment. "FAR" roughly translates into an acronym for "Affiliated Assortments Manufacturers."So what is not supposed to be variable or oxidize? Balance springs of course (also called hair springs). These little necessary parts are at the heart of what Nivarox has historically produced, and the primary component they are known for today. Though in reality the Nivarox FAR of today produces so much more.For those who are

Add another RO 15400 Black or get Nautilus White
Hi Guys, recently I picked up the AP ROO Diver and I love this thing, so much so that Im wearing it regularly. However this has somehow ignited my interest in Genta sports watch. I used to have a 5711 Blue Nautilus but for some reason the dial just felt abit dated on my wrist and i never bonded with it so i sold it. I like the look and heft of the 15400 which I tried on, and was offered a white dial 5711 at the same time which i also thought looked good. Which one would you go for? Looking at values tho, it seems that at least in the UK its:5711, retail ?18,030.00 and ?14,300 for the AP RO?3730.00 differenceNow if you factor in discounts, its like ?18,030 for Patek (no discount on patek ofcourse), and ?10,500~ for AP, meaning differential is ?7530.....Which one would you get and why!?

Can you sauna bath with your AP? -
Yes you can!I promise it was up to 90, (since I'm a Finn I must say this, or be hunted by my fellow men) I only blame the sauna door and my weak iPhone not standing up to the heat!

Rolex as Store of Value
What you are missing is the way some people look at Rolex watch ownership. Many people look at a Rolex watch as a store of value worn on the wrist. This store of value is readably accessible in case cash is needed, often in gambling venues. I know many regulars on this site will knock this post but this is a segment of the Rolex market and does not include other watch brands.

Was Richard Hammond's Sea-Dweller resurrected?
Am I witness to the second coming of Hammond's infamous Sea-Dweller? You know, the one he mangled in that little off he had in an electric supercar?The watch met its demise in Season 2, Episode 1. These photos are from Episode 8...