Panerai Radiomir Black Seal Ceramic

The Power Of Rolex: Meaning Of The Billion Dollar Brand
When you hear the Rolex name, several things probably come to mind. Expensive and prestigious are probably among them. In America, the idea that if you become successful you need to buy a Rolex is common place and readily accepted. When I meet people, I always take notice of the watches that they wear. Among such people are doctors for example. Not that I meet so many doctors, but I have recognized that almost all of them wear a Rolex. The funny thing however, is that the age of the Rolex seems to be commensurate with their age. Meaning, it looks like each of them bought the watch sometime after finishing medical school.This must mean, that some unspoken force communicated to new doctors that they had to buy a Rolex when they finished medical school. Why? In order to show their success of course. Out of all the watch brands sold, Rolex spends the most amount of money on advertising. Much more. Since the 1980s, Rolex has worked hard to engender the idea that you have to buy a Rolex, not

Hands-On: With The F.P.Journe Octa Lune, Up-Sized To 42 MM
In most of F.P.Journe's watches, there seems to be an uninterrupted flow from concept?to design, prototype, and?production.?This results in?watches of an?uncommon, seemingly personal, integrity that extends to both aesthetics and technical attributes.?Thus, while more than a modicum of journalistic integrity is required for what we do at HODINKEE,?I don't shy away from proclaiming myself to be a Journe fan-boy (though not to this degree).That said, I didn't?consider the release of the Octa Lune in a 42 mm case to be groundbreaking news. It did, however, make me look at F.P.Journe in a new light: as a global business, and not just a daring watchmaker. 2 OF 9 The new case size was developed primarily to increase legibility of the timekeeping dials, at the request of clients.?(Additionally, whether we support it or not, there is in fact a market for larger wristwatches and the new Octa Lune can now appeal to that market segment.) 3 OF 9 Even on my relatively sm

Source for brown rubber straps?
Looking for a brown rubber strap that looks similar to leather. Want to add a brown strap for the pool & diving to my bronze Helson. Anyone have a source for brown rubber straps? Need a "Panerai" style to fit the buckle in a 24mm width. Thanks!

Recta Automatic Swiss Watch
I have a 18C Gold Recta Automatic Swiss Watch (mechanical), which belonged to my Great-Grandfather. I believe it's from the 1940's or 1950's. I can't find any information on this type of watch online. Does anyone know the history of this company and whether I should spend some money on getting the watch refurbished?

AD in Seoul
Traveling next month. Looks like two ADs. Does anyone have any experience with them?