Hands-On: With The Audemars Piguet Openworked Royal Oak Reference 15305 (Live Pics + Video)
The Openworked Royal Oak (reference 15305) was introduced at SIHH 2010 but really only began hitting stores in the past few months.? The watch is absolutely awesome, and from we we hear, is next to impossible to find.? At roughly $30,000, we view the Openworked RO as the first of two "entry level" haute horology products from AP - the other being the new Millenary 4101 that Ben raved about after SIHH.?What makes this watch so interesting is its youthful, industrial tone.? Many skeletonized watches can take on an ornate, almost formal look, but this Royal Oak avoids that, to its credit.? The caliber 3129, which is the openworked version of AP's in-house 3120 found in the traditional ref 15300 RO, is really something you need to see in the flesh to appreciate, though we've done our best here with live pictures and HD video.?Also, being based on the 3120 movement and not the 2120, this skeleton is a bit thicker and sturdier than previous openworked Royal Oaks.? This beefier stature plus a

If you need another reason to buy a AP
Good Day All,If you need another reason to buy a AP look at this video, drink the kool-aid.youtube/watch?v=F4u35...eature=relatedThanks,Eric

Omega Service and certificate
I am about to service my omega 3510.50. Omega quoted me $900 for overhaul and a new hesalite and bezel. The watch buyers group quoted me $400-$800 with out a new bezel. Omega said for an additional $150 they would give me a certificate stating where and when the watch was made. And it would be signed by the omega president. Considering I paid 1k for the watch is this certificate necessary? It would probably help with resale down the line. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Ploprof on Rubber or Steel
Hi Everybody.I am still in shock and amazement from yesterdays visit to my local AD to pick up my Deville Chronoscope. black/white dial on a black leather deployment strap. After the transaction was complete, the manager who I know very well started talking about the Ploprof he would like to own. As I was not overly sure about this one, a bit big I thought !. Anyway I asked if he would show me the one he had in the window which had a black dial on black Rubber.As soon as I held this beauty I was in love. It is a truely magnificent watch, everything about it is so well made and thought out. The work that has gone into the clasp alone leaves many manufacturers back in the dark ages. The dial seems to radiate inwards to the centre of the dial. The solid construction and safety features like automatic helium escape Valve, The Crown guard protected system and the bezel release button are beautiful made and work so solidly. I am going to purchase this watch next, that goes without saying,

Fake strap?
A few years ago when my uncle died I inherited a few bits and pieces including a 'Rolex' strap that was on an old Rotary watch. I can't post photos as I don't have enough posts to do that! I've done some Googling and similar straps seem to have more markings than mine. It's a stainless steel bracelet strap. The only markings on mine are the Rolex brand mark on the middle of the outside of the strap and 'Rolex Made In England Stainless Steel' on the reverse. There's also some kind of serial number on the lugs which looks like PD 874089 but it may be PO or P0 at the beginning. On the reverse of similar looking straps I've found online there are 2 larger Rolex brand marks. The fact it says 'made in England' seemed odd to me because anyone creating a fake would surely have it read 'Swiss Made'. Unless of course it's VERY OLD and was made prior to the company relocating to Geneva in 1919...which seems unlikely. Anyone any idea if it's just a piece of tat? :-) Thank you.