1 . PANERAI IN-HOUSE MOVEMENTS – A PAM OF WORMS

Longtime readers will probably remember Panerai’s PAM318 movement scandal. It’s a mind-blowing exposé, so I won’t spoil it for you and would only urge you to look it up on Google. Now, it seems that Panerai has gotten itself into yet another movement pickle. The watch and movement in question are the PAM 1111, a Luminor which the brand claims to feature a brand new in-house P.9200 chronograph movement. However, some detailed investigative work has revealed that Panerai hasn’t exactly been forthright about the origins of the P.9200 movement. As a fan of the brand and the owner of a few Panerai watches, I can’t even begin to say how disappointed I am at this discovery.

Source: Perezcope

2. MING WATCHES: CUSTOMER DISSERVICE REDEFINED

Readers who are active on Instagram will probably be aware of the Ming Watches incident where several owners received watches with misaligned hands. Things like this happen. But the events that transpired were mostly unpleasant. Although the brand eventually apologised and agreed to set things right, their initial reactions surprised affected customers and the watch collecting community. Instead of quickly taking responsibility and ownership of the affected watches, Ming Watches engaged in finger-pointing, blame-shifting, and allegedly sent rude DMs to customers. This is the story of one customer’s interaction with the brand. “Shocking” is the word that comes to mind.

Source: ScrewDownCrown

3. RONI MADHVANI : COLLECTOR EXTRAORDINAIRE

The watch collecting scene on social media today is full of copycat collectors. Their obsession with the Daytona, Nautilus, and Royal Oak is dull and tiresome. Thankfully, Roni Madhavi is not one of them. I have great admiration for Madhavi not only because of his exquisite taste, but also because he collects what he likes. And his greatest passion is time-only watches with shaped cases — particularly those designed by Gilbert Albert for Patek Philippe during the Fifties. When asked about Madhavi’s collection, John Reardon, a noted Patek scholar, said it is “the world’s greatest collection of Gilbert Albert watches outside of the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva.” I think you’ll agree when you see some examples of his collection in the link below.

Source: Revolution

4. IN-DEPTH: THE NEW OMEGA SPEEDMASTER PROFESSIONAL MOONWATCH CAL. 3861

It doesn’t happen often but Omega has a new Moonwatch. Earlier this year, the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch received a thorough overhaul. Don’t worry, Omega hasn’t messed about with a bona fide icon of horology. Side by side with the old watch, only diehards will be able to differentiate them. However, the new watch actually features an updated case, bracelet, movement, and even dial. The biggest change, however, has to be the movement. The new Cal. 3861 is truly cutting-edge, featuring a co-axial escapement, handsome finishing, and it’s a certified Master Chronometer. It’s safe to say that the Moonwatch has been improved in every possible way.

Source: Watches by SJX

5. HOW WATCHES END UP IN FILMS

Watches and films share a special relationship. Some watches made their names after appearing on the wrists of actors and actresses in films. A couple of well-known examples include Rolex and Omega, which are almost synonymous with James Bond. Another notable example is the Monaco that appeared on Steve McQueen’s wrist in Le Mans. There are numerous reasons why you see the watches that you do in films. Some are personal watches, some others were specifically selected by the property master, and then there are those which are paid product placement. Find out how Bremont came to be used in Kingsmen and why Daniel Dae Kim was wearing an F.P. Journe in Flack in the article below.

Source: A Collected Man