This is a very interesting watch. The dial is actually fitted on the opposite side of the movement, hence the name of the watch, Vice Versa. The Thomas Ninchritz calibre TN 203 is based on an ETA Unitas 6498-1 manual wound movement. It has been modified by the watchmakers at Thomas Ninchritz Germany so that the dial is mounted backwards on the watch.

The dial is located at about the 8 o'clock position. It is small by today standards but it is interesting as it is located next to the large balance wheel. As such you can view the time and at the same time enjoy the view of the oscillating balance wheel. The movement is heavily decorated as can be seen on the balance wheel cock. The engravings are done by hand. The movement also features a swan neck adjustment. The movement is a16 1/2 ligne movement with 18 jewels. It has a 3/4 plate with Geneva circular graining and the movement is rhodanized.

You can see the modification done of the movement to facilitate the dial being mounted backward. The modification is on what use to be the dial side of the movement.The watch is large, measuring 42 mm in diameter and is 10.5 mm thin. The lug width is 22 mm. It is available in a number of versions. The watch can be had in steel, all gold or a mix of steel and gold. The watch will retail between $5,800 to 13,850 USD.

For more information: http://www.uhrenmanufaktur-nuernberg.de/kat-en-vice-versa-steel.aspx

Sinn has released two limited edition watches for the Japanese market. Both the watches, Sinn 556 CR and 556 BR is based on the Sinn 556. Both the 556 CR and BR are a limited edition of 150 pieces each. And both the watches share the same specifications. There are some minor differences between the two though.

The major difference is the dial colours, with the 556 CR having a beige dial and the 556 BR a brown dial. The 556 CR will have a mix of Arabic and baton hour markers, while the 556 BR will have all baton hour markers. Both the 556 CR and BR will not come with the date complication. The 556 CR will be fitted with gray hands while the 556 BR will have white lumed hands.

Both the 556 CR and BR share the following basic specifications:

Functions: hours, minutes and seconds
Case: stainless steel, 39 mm diameter, 10 mm thin, 20 mm lug width, screw down case back and crown
Crystal: sapphire with AR coating front and back
Movement: Automatic ETA 2824-2, 25 jewels, 40 power reserve
Water resistant: 20 ATM

The watches are expected to retail for about $1,840 USD.

There's another good post on Horology Crazy showing how to remove the stem from an ETA 804.114 quartz movement. This process can be a little tricky, so it's good to see some photos explaining exactly how it's done.

Link

ETA 804.114 Movement

There's a good guide to changing the battery in the Omega X-33 watch over on the Horology Crazy blog. There's lots of photos of showing the removal of the bracelet and case back. And it's nice to get a look inside this classic analog/digital model. Follow the link over to see how it's done.

Link

Panerai has released a number of watches under the Special Edition Collection to commemorate a number of boutiques located around the world. There are basically 3 different models issued for the following boutiques; Hong Kong, Madrid, Paris, Shanghai and Taipei. All the watches features the vintage lume on the sandwich dial and an engraved case back. All these watches are limited edition models.

First, we have the Luminor 1950 10 Days GMT Hong Kong and Taipei. Both watches share the same specifications, the difference being the engraving on the case back.

Basic specifications:

Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date, second time zone (12-hour display with am/pm indicator) and power reserve
Case: stainless steel, 44 mm diameter
Movement: Calibre p.2003
Crystal: sapphire
Water resistant: 30 ATM

PAM00402 Hong Kong and PAM00403 Taipei Luminor 1950 10 Days GMT

The next model is the Radiomir 8 Days Shanghai and Madrid. Again both the watches share the same specifications.

Basic specifications:

Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date and power reserve
Case: stainless steel, 45 mm diameter
Movement: Calibre P.2002/3
Crystal: sapphire
Water resistant: 10 ATM

PAM00408 Radiomir 8 Days Madrid and PAM00410 Radiomir 8 Days Shanghai

Next is the Luminor Marina Hong Kong, Taipei, Paris, Shanghai and Madrid. All of these models have the 'pig' on the dial at the 6 o'clock position. That is the nickname for the submariner on the dial. All the watches share the same specifications.

Basic specifications:

Functions: hours, minutes and seconds
Case: stainless steel, 44 mm diameter
Movement: Calibre OP II
Crystal: sapphire
Water resistant: 30 ATM

Luminor Marina 412, 413, 414, 418 and 420

Case backs:

PAM00412 Luminor Marina Hong Kong

PAM00413 Luminor Marina Taipei

PAM00414 Luminor Marina Paris

PAM00418 Luminor Marina Madrid

PAM00420 Luminor Marina Shanghai

MKII is having a December Preview Sale from now until December 17. The models on this offer are the LRRP Milsub and the Sea Fighter Plongeur Type watches. The quantities are limited and if you order now, the watches will come with the extra strap kit and free upgrade to overnight shipping (US only). These watches makes great stocking stuffers for Christmas. The LRRP will retail for $1,150 USD, while the Sea Fighter retails for $685 USD.

For more information: Milsub (HRV) Non-date and SF Plongeur-C

Seiko has many master craftsmen creating their watches. On a recent tour of the United States for the launch of the Grand Seiko watches in the US market, we had the rare pleasure to observe one of these watchmakers at work. Jumya Kamijo has worked for Seiko for over 25 years. He studied watchmaking in Geneva, Switzerland to hone his craft. It's a rare pleasure to see his work demonstrated. And the two videos below give you a brief glimpse into what skill is required for working on these fine watches.