Philip Stein Signature Classic Chronograph

Zenith Academy Minute Repeater Chronograph Watch
The Academy collection from Zenith is back with more, introducing this new Academy El Primero Minute Repeater Chronograph. This is a very high-end and exclusive version of the Zenith Elite design family which the model lives in. This isn't the first Zenith minute repeater, but they aren't common for the brand. For the right high-end collectors, this could be a very special timepiece.Zenith is mostly known as an in-house movement maker and producer of the famous El Primero family of high beat automatic movements that operate at 5 Hertz (36,000 beats per hour). The El Primero is a base for most of their chronographs and is also the base for a chronograph with a minute repeater in this very uncommon Caliber 4043 El Primero movement that I recall from a rare model back in 2009. The 4043 caliber is back in a much more attractive piece that gives new life to the movement and theme.What I like about the 461 part caliber 4043 movement is its practicality and beauty. It is also a fully integrat

Tudor Fastrider Watch For Ducati Motorcycles
Tudor's place is found. It will make the cheeky sport watches - that will sell well - that Rolex will never make. If Rolex is the staunch, unwavering meritocracy of tried and true design, then Tudor will be the ever-so-slightly rebellious younger brother that likes to have just a bit more fun - within the confines of "good taste" that is.Tudor recently was announced as the "official timing partner' of Ducati Motorcycles. I don't know Ducati's official timing partner will do, but you can sure they will make watches (that is for sure). Sounds a lot like a fancy marketing name. To begin this relationship Tudor has released the Fastrider watch. It is a sporty racing watch with a slightly retro feel and a healthy amount of personality. It also won't be sold in the US (officially).One thing the Fastrider watch lacks (at least on the dial) is any mention of Ducati. This is actually a good idea, as co-branding on watch dials is usually in poor taste. Save that for the caseback (if at all). Wit

...a giant scratch on my clasp!
OH MY GOD! I was putting a suitcase in the attic and I put a GIANT scratch on the clasp of my (gulp) *new* SMP! So, what should I do? I've heard people talk about steel wool and the like, but I think I'd rather take a more pay-a-professional-to-buff-it-out-for-me sort of approach. Is this something anyone has experience with? How much should it cost me? Will it be noticeable?Thanks in advance for advice.

Does it make sense to repair this Rolex?
I got this Rolex from my dad years ago. It was his first Rolex, which my grandfather bought for my father when he was in college.I think it is Rolex Oyster Date (that's what it says) and currently the watch doesn't work. Not only it doesn't work, the winding knob can completely come out of the watch Does it make sense to repair this Rolex? I am guessing it won't be cheap to rebuild the watch. I would like to get this working again (family history, emotional value, etc.), but trying to see how much a rebuild would cost.Should I go to Rolex AD or a regular watch repair shop?

Factoid of the Day 3-14-09
From Britain:Queen Elizabeth wears a Jaeger Le-Coultre