Saturday Morning Rewind: One Year Ago This Weekend, We Went Inside Rolex, And Boy Did You Guys Like It
The goal with HODINKEE was always bringing you guys into a world that is, at times, seemingly surrounded by a cement wall of European conservatism and secrecy. Whether it's sitting down for a beer with an NBA all-star or silicon valley visionary, witnessing how one of today's modern masters make his masterpiece , or an in-depth, hands-on with the man who designed the most complicated wristwatch in Patek Philippe's history, I feel pretty good about saying we're doing our job. Still, one story in this category rises above them all to take you someplace where few have ever or will ever have access – inside Rolex. It was this weekend one year ago where I published the 10,000 word story that takes you, the HODINKEE reader, inside incredible, clandestine world of the most important watch brand in the world. 1 OF 1 HODINKEE is one of a small handful of outlets ever invide its Bienne facility, where movements are produced. If you missed it, check it out

Safari on Black Hornback
Okay, here I am again.First, let me address all the naysayers. I know that this is not everyone's cup of tea. The Safari belongs on the brown hornback. It is the pairing of the brown hornback with the cream dial that makes the Safari what it is.I don't disagree. It was that combo that drew me to the Safari in the first place. However, owning a Panerai turns one into a strap whore and it is infectious. It creates a desire to tinker when different strap options are available.So, I've done the Safari on black rubber and diver straps. I like how the black straps seem to increase the contrast between the black numbers and the cream dial. It feels like the numbers really pop off the dial. I love the hornback so I really wanted the black hornback.Well, the AD called on Wednesday to say that my new deployment buckle had arrived from AP so I went downtown to pick it up. I had also picked up the black hornback when I ordered the DB so I had the new strap put on with the new buckle. Here it is.Al

Used 44mm ROO SS...
For Christmas, I was planning on purchasing the new 2013 Rolex YM 2 SS until I started lurking around the AP threads. Now the 44mm ROO SS has got me really thinking. First question I wanted to ask everyone here is if my budget is around $17,000 is it possible for me to even purchase the 44mm ROO used at that price? Second question is are there even any used 44mm SS models anywhere being that its a new model itself?

AP RBII titanium - What to do?
Hi Guys. I have found a brand new AP RBII in titanium for sale in just left the boutique condition. My concerns are its a lot of money for a titanium watch, also would I be to scared to wear it and would it become a safe monster? I was looking at trading my unworn AP messi steel plus cash ! I am in a real dilemma. I have a 44m RG and diver in my AP collection. Thx

Vintage Omega 120M "Big Blue"
I thought I'd show you this vintage Omega 120M I picked up recently just in case you haven't seen one before.Known as the Big Blue, it's from the mid seventies.Beast of a watch.Cheers