Most will agree that the Zenith Chronomaster Sport is a beautiful watch that checks all the boxes. In many ways, it was Zenith’s response to the incredibly successful and impossible to get steel Rolex Ceramic Daytona. From the Oyster bracelet look-a-like, to the folding clasp, to the black ceramic bezel… the similarities are clear, but so are the differences. We will discuss why each is better than the other later and answer the big question, which of the two reigns supreme?
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NEW ARRIVAL: Rolex Submariner (116613LB)
11 and a half years ago, I made one of my worst watch related decisions in life when I went with the Cartier Santos 100 DLC for my wedding watch. My wife and I both got the exact same watch as matching “wedding watches”. Back then I was considering the 116613LB as well but for some stupid reason I decided to go with the Cartier. To my defense, the popularity of black watches back then was on the rise. In retrospect, I failed immensely at picking a timeless watch that one could wear for decades to come and still be considered a classic timepiece. Shortly after our wedding, I kept thinking that I had screwed up by not getting the 116613LB, which we both liked (we both liked the Cartier too). After overthinking this issue for over 10 years, I can safely say that Rolex is THE wedding watch brand to get to anyone out there looking for suggestions, as unoriginal as that may sound. Most Rolex watches have truly classic designs that will stand the test of time.
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NEW ARRIVAL: Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary
When I first saw images of this watch it was love at first sight. The vintage style bracelet, the limited edition details, the subtle grey dial, and the two tone color scheme were all too much to resist. To my fortune, I was one of the lucky ones out of 6,969 people that would be receiving this beautiful watch. The number of pieces for this “limited edition” Apollo 11 50th Anniversary is arguably laughable, but it is probably also why I was able to secure one so I am not going to complain.
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NEW ARRIVAL: Panerai Luminor GMT PAM 1441
For many years I have wanted a black Panerai in my collection, but somehow every time a new Panerai joined the family it was always in stainless steel. In my defense, the options with a black ceramic case are limited (as much as I love the look of PVD, I am too scared of scratches to own one). I admired the Radiomir PAM 292 for many years, but never took the plunge. Then I drooled over the PAM 317 but could not get over the high price point… but after 12 years of watch collecting, I finally added a black ceramic PAM to my collection – the PAM 1441.
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NEW ARRIVAL: Panerai Submersible Bronzo PAM 968
O-M-G!!! This new arrival is one of my grails!!! When the first Panerai Bronzo was released in 2011, it was love at first sight. The love eventually turned into frustration as it was impossible to purchase one unless you knew someone or were a VIP customer. The years passed, new versions were released, but the Bronzo remained a myth… unobtainable at retail. What made things more infuriating was seeing many Brozos in the secondary market with a $10K premium or seeing one owner with multiple versions of the Bronzo (in many cases with all versions)... and there I was still dreaming about owning one someday.
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NEW ARRIVAL: Nomos Glashütte Zürich (Worldtimer) Topper Limited Edition
Ever since I first saw the Nomos Glashütte Zürich Worldtimer on @lawatchguy’s wrist at a #lawatchgang GTG several years ago I had been intrigued by this piece. By the numbers, this watch would have never made it into my collection of mainly sport watches. It is on the smaller side (40 mm), thin, and dressy. I am typically attracted to the exact opposite – larger watches (42 mm or larger), thicker cases, and sportier styles. But for some reason I could not get this Worldtimer out of my mind.
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INTERVIEW: Lee Scott, Founder of Vulcan Watch Straps
The exclusive Life of a WIS interview series continues with my next guest: Lee Scott, Founder of Vulcan Watch Straps. Stay tuned for a strap review of the Azure Blue strap and find out how Vulcan Watch Straps compares to Rubber B and Everest Bands!
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NEW ARRIVAL: Rolex GMT-Master II (116710BLNR)
It took me 5 years of yearning and a hands-on review to finally say that I am a proud owner of a Rolex GMT-Master II BLNR. Not sure why I waited so long to actually add one to my collection, but I am glad that I finally did.
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NEW ARRIVAL: Panerai Luminor Marina PAM 911 - "Last One for Paneristi"
After over one year of not purchasing a watch (new personal record), I am very excited about this latest new arrival. Not only is it from the brand that started it all for me, it is also a Limited Edition piece of only 500 pieces... and we all know how impossible it is to get Limited Edition pieces from Panerai! This PAM 911, also known as the "Last One for Paneristi", was designed by Mr. Angelo Bonati himself. Though unlikely that this will be the last one for Paneristi ever, it will be the last one under Mr. Angelo Bonati's reign. Jean-Marc Pontroué, Roger Dubuis CEO, is scheduled to become the next Officine Panerai CEO in April 2018. I have always been a fan and a harsh critic of Panerai (see my The Fall of a Giant? article), so it will be interesting to see what happens to the brand under the new direction of Jean-Marc.
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