Dior Christal Chronograph

Happy Birthday To Me!
I got this beauty yesterday and it makes for a great birthday present to myself....a brand new Z series Daytona! Many thanks to Scott D for picking this up for me in Grand Cayman on his cruise last week! I call this the 116520 Mark III - it is the third variation of the 116520 which I'm aware. The 116520 Mark I was this "thin hands" Daytona with the 4130 movement from 2000. Then, part way through the F series of the 116520, we have the Mark II variation with "fat hands" - as I discuss in the this article from 2005: rolexreferencepage/articles/6.htmlThis late Z series reprsents the latest iteration - the Mark III is it signficant for having the "RolexRolexRolex" engraving, AND the new "Parachrom Bleu" hair spring. I wanted to get a Mark III version, and Scott was kind enough to let me have this opportunity to purchase one through his dealer with whom he's made several purchases at retail. I'm working on an article right now where I discuss the question of when exactly did the new

Problem picking which Rolex to buy!
I am having a very difficult time picking my first Rolex. I want to get a watch I can wear everyday and not "worry" about. I have been looking at the 2 tone Yachtmaster or the 2 tone Sub, but fear it may easily get scratched. I by no means plan on abusing my watch, but I want to wear it every day in many different environments. I am also concerned about the "bling" factor. Does anyone have the 2 tone Yacht? and if so do you like it? Does it hold up well? etcThanks, Stephen

Piecing together a watch to call my own
So I was reading through some old threads on this forum and came across this watchtalkforums.info/foru...orum/41797.htmWhen I read this thread I was amazed that a regular person (making an assumption here, but the OP didn't seem to be a watchmaker) could piece together a watch from pieces purchased separately and even substitute a non-standard dial. Being new to the watch world, I don't have the faintest clue where to begin collecting parts for something like this, but I have a burning desire to do it. I love building stuff like that (2 1911's and 1966 Toyota Landcruiser pieced together from three abandoned trucks) and would love to translate that into a sweet watch that was really my own. My question is, how do I do it?EDIT: It strikes me that this may be more appropriate in the tech forum. If so, my apologies and if the mods would move it that would be awesome.

What do you know?
What can you guys tell me about this piece? The picture is all I have right now. Would like to know price range as I do not think these are super rare or saught after.

Panerai Boutique - Johannesburg
I'm hopefully off to Jo'burg with Mrs Van D on Wednesday night just for a couple of days. I've been in correspondence with the Panerai boutique making a stock enquiry. The price of the 533 isn't very competitive (unfortunately), which is most likely down to the weak GB¡ê. I can do a lot better here in the UK and I'm (here's that word again - hopefully) home for Christmas. My man in Singapore will also do better but, that said, I haven't asked about discounts because I'm not sure that's the done thing in email. I didn't ask about the 372 but I think that's most likely my next acquisition anyway.Whilst the numbers might not work, the chaps that have replied to my emails seem like pretty decent guys so I'll try to get over to the boutique anyway to say hello and have a mooch. Has anyone any experience of the Jo'burg boutique?