For plain men's wedding bands, are there any significant differences between cheaper vs more expensive brands if the material and design are the same? Apart from better branding, what is the benefit of paying more?
For example, the following titanium rings all have similar shapes at 3 drastically different prices. Apart from branding, any benefit to buying the Thorsten or DY rings?
The Infinity Men's Silver Wedding Ring – Modern Gents (modgents.com) - ~$50
PETERSON Titanium Polished Finish Domed Men’s Wedding Band - 8mm Larson Jewelers (thorstenrings.com) - ~$180
DY Classic Band Ring in Grey Titanium David Yurman - ~$425
If anyone has recommendations on which stores to get a plain classic wedding band from, that would be greatly appreciated!

Coming from Beyerdynamic DT880Pro 250oHm with AutoEQ profile for Desktop use and an Apple AirPods Max with occasionally using AutoEQ (prefer actual Apples DSP sound...) for mobile use, I need some Headphone for a particular scenario: Playing Piano at home in a loud environment where Neighbours bother my experience.
The DT880Pro therefore is no solution, and the AirPods Max got a noticeable latency when connected by Bluetooth. So I tried the cable connection, which solves latency and offers me great ANC, but actually the 1.2m cable is an issue as my PC creates the Piano (MIDI) sound but is too far away from the Keyboard! I havent tried a simple extension cord, but dont expect it to be a good idea in terms of sound quality.
I considered 2 approaches to get me a solution: Getting a DAC to set it up at my Piano to use the AirPods Max and their ANC, which I really benefit from, Or getting a closed back headphone with good sound insulation.
In this thread I want to solely focus on the idea of getting a DAC to "extend" my audio jack further to the keyboard.
I got actually Zero expirience with DACs, but some specs are important to me:
DualUse: Small form factor so if I already get one I may try to use it with my Smartphone too!
USB-C Port: No fixed lead input, so I can use a long USB-C cable and place it wherever needed
Impendance: Minimum 250ohm, so I can drive my DT880Pro with it as well
At least 32bit/192kHz: So it runs native with my sound source
Bluetooth: Optinal I liked it to have BT. But I dont like it to be always-on, so I clearly need an Off feature
No Hardware controls: For mobile use, I prefer a sleek design with no hardware controls but only software controls!
No internal Battery: They only die after a few years! So want a device with no battery at all. Im okay with draining my Smartphone!
Output: I need 3.5mm. I dont see myself ever needing 2.5mm, 4.4mm or 6.35mm
Balanced: Maybe I confuse the idea but I like true Balanced and not only S-Balanced for the 3.5mm Jack
Internal Amplifier: I guess I need one, but honestly I dont got a clue why.
Best Chipset: Im not sure which one is truely great. Some classic ESS Sabre 9XXX or some rather dedicated/inhouse by other "smaller" manufactures?
Ive asked ChatGPT to give me some results, and checked typical AudioQuest, FiiO, iFi Audio and other devices but am rather undecided yet. I would prefer some EU/US manufacture/chipset rather than chinese stuff.
Do you got real world suggestions, instead of me following the few (7 examples) ChatGPT spit out to me?
Thanks alot!

Which would be the better option for sound quality a Bluetooth transmitter (kokkia i10) and DAC (FIIO BTR5) or 30 pin line out cable 3.5mm into a headphone amplifier?
Also has anyone ever used a Bluetooth transmitter with a Bluetooth DAC? Not seen anything out there.
I already own the FIIO BTR5 so I would prefer to use that but with the price of the kokkia i10 there not much in price difference in either option.
All to be used with a iPod classic 6th gen 160gb modded to 512gb + battery mod.

Which would be the better option for sound quality a Bluetooth transmitter (kokkia i10) and DAC (FIIO BTR5) or 30 pin line out cable 3.5mm into a headphone amplifier?
Also has anyone ever used a Bluetooth transmitter with a Bluetooth DAC? Not seen anything out there.
I already own the FIIO BTR5 so I would prefer to use that but with the price of the kokkia i10 there not much in price difference in either option.
All to be used with a iPod classic 6th gen 160gb modded to 512gb + battery mod.

Which would be the better option for sound quality a Bluetooth transmitter (kokkia i10) and DAC (FIIO BTR5) or 30 pin line out cable 3.5mm into a headphone amplifier?
Also has anyone ever used a Bluetooth transmitter with a Bluetooth DAC? Not seen anything out there.
I already own the FIIO BTR5 so I would prefer to use that but with the price of the kokkia i10 there not much in price difference in either option.
All to be used with a iPod classic 6th gen 160gb modded to 512gb + battery mod.

EDIT: PRICES REDUCED

First off, proof and confirmation
Additional timestamps
The SNES Classic is barely used - I played it for a few hours when I got it and then after moving didn't play it again. Comes with SNES Classic, both controllers, two extension cords for the controllers, HDMI cable, and 5V/2A power adapter. Looking for $90 shipped
The Dell dock is a TB16 Thunderbolt dock. If you buy this and you don't have a Dell laptop with Thunderbolt 3 made from 2016-2019, I offer no guarantee that all the functionality or ports will work as expected with laptops from HP/Lenovo/MSI/Apple/etc. or even newer Dell laptops with TB4. This is a known issue with most Dell, HP, and Lenovo Thunderbolt 3 docks and is not specific to this unit, nor is it indicative of any issues with this dock - every port on here I've tested with an XPS 9560 except for VGA since I don't have a projector or VGA monitor.
The dock itself does provide up to 90W of downstream charging, as well as the following ports:

• Power button on the top so you should be able to power a connected laptop on and off in clamshell mode
• Front - 2x USB 3.0, 1x 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack
• Rear - VGA, HDMI, mini DisplayPort, DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, 2x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0, 1x Thunderbolt 3, 3.5mm audio output, power

Also included is the original Dell 240W power brick for the docking station.
Looking for $45 shipped
The AirPort Express is alright for Wi-Fi, but many people use this device to add AirPlay 2 compatibility to a regular "dumb" stereo system or speaker. Comes with APE and power cord. Looking for $35 shipped
Let me know if you have any questions or comments, and please comment before PMing so I know you're not banned. Thanks for looking!

I already started a little set of KnitPro mindful interchangeables that I bought these past months. I like the cables, I like the needles, they suit me very well. I now need size 2,5mm needles that I could screw on my cables (60, 80 and 120 cm) but I can only find classic circular. Is that normal? I saw some Hiya Hiya, some Chiaogoo but no KnitPro. I'm not looking for the Mindful ones specifically anymore because, as I understand, they simply do not exist in such a small size, but KnitPros would be perfect as I won't have to buy new cables.

Happy Sunday everybody! Today im selling brand new solid sterling silver chains and bracelets at a variety of styles and lengths for only $2.5 per gram. Why pay retail at a jewelry store?
Proof pics: https://imgur.com/a/2do1Z84
Chains:
22” 6MM Cuban Link Chain 54.6g- $136
24” 6MM Cuban Link Chain 60.5g- $151
20” 5MM Cuban Link Chain 30.7g- $76
22” 5MM Cuban Link Chain 32.6g- $81
22” 3MM Franco Chain 25.8g- $64
26” 3MM Franco Chain 29.5g- $73
22” 8MM Flat Curb Chain 35g- $87
22” 4.5MM Flat Curb Chain 17.6g- $44
20” 4MM Anchor Cable Chain 26.4g- $66
20” 4MM Mariner Chain 11g- $27
20” 1.8MM Box Chain 11.2g- $OLD
22” 1.8MM Box Chain 12.2g- $30
24” 5.5MM Figaro Chain 16.1g- $40
20” 4MM Figaro Chain 10.7g- $26
18” 2.2MM Rope Chain 8.7g- $21
22” 2.2MM Rope Chain 10.5g- $26
Bracelets:
8” 5.5MM Rope Bracelet 21.5g- $53
8” 4.5MM Rope Bracelet 15.5g- $38
8” 3.7MM Rope Bracelet 10g- $25
7” 3.2MM Rope Bracelet 6.6g- $16
8” 3.2MM Rope Bracelet 7.6g- $19
7” 7.5MM Figaro Bracelet 8.4g- $21
8” 7.5MM Figaro Bracelet 10.3g- $OLD
8” 10MM Flat Curb Bracelet 21.3g- $53
8” 7MM Flat Curb Bracelet 12g- $30
8” 5MM Mariner Bracelet 6.3g- $15
Shipping is $5 first class or $9 priority
Orders $100+ ship free first class!
Payment methods: Zelle (preferred), cashapp, venmo, and PPFF
NO notes with payment please!! (Use an emoji if a note is required)
Authentic solid sterling silver marked 925 Italy
If you have any questions feel free to ask!

It's Friday so let's get ready for the weekend with a few pieces of news.

What's new

Christopher Ward Introduces Two New C63 SH21 With An In-House Caliber And Donations To Charities
/ Christopher Ward is adding two new watches to their Sealander line is, the C63 SH21 Blue Marine and Snow Leopard. Both models are based on CW’s in-house caliber SH21, and that’s a big deal.
CW is a polarizing brand. Some love criticizing their price, their quality or their design, while others will champion these three things. However, there’s one thing you can’t really deny - the fact that since 2014 they have had an in-house caliber, something that not many very young and accessible watch brands have. And many good things have been said about the SH21 caliber. In the new C63 models it comes with a power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock, a running seconds sub-register at 6 o’clock, and a date at 3 o’clock. It is also COSC certified and delivers 120 hours of power reserve.
Another cool thing about the C63 SH21 models is that they have partnered with charities for their two models. The Blue Marine model was made in collaboration with the Blue Marine Foundation (BMF). Five percent of the sale price of each Blue Marine will go to BMF to support its efforts to remove plastic from the oceans. The Snow Leopard, was made in collaboration with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF). Five percent of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to DSWF to support the foundation’s efforts to protect snow leopard populations in Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan.
The case diameter of the new watches is 41mm, 48.2mm lug to lug and 13.01mm thick. Both models feature the brand’s iconic arrow handset and applied multifaceted hour markers and come with a stainless steel bracelet with screwed links and a toolless micro-adjust clasp. The Blue Marine has a teal-blue dial with an engraved irregular wave pattern, while the Snow Leopard has a white dial with what seems like irregular patterns representing snowflakes or paw prints.
Both are for sale starting today on Christopher Ward’s website and retail for £1,595 / €2,095 / US$1,925.
The Delma Shell Star Now Comes In Titanium, Lighter and Smaller To Be An Even Better Dive Watch
/ Delma has built up a reputation for being a maker of robust and accessible sports and tool watches, with one of their most popular collections being the Shell Star. Remember yesterday when I said the 70s are making a strong comeback? Well, the Shell Star is a dive watch firmly rooted in the 70s with its case design and colors.
Now they’re introducing a new variant to join the steel and bronze cases they already have - the Shell Star Titanium limited edition. One of the main gripes many have had with the Shell Star was its size - 44mm - which with the addition of the helmet-shaped case and protruding crown guards made it huge on hand. The new titanium version shrinks down to 41mm, topped with a unidirectional rotating bezel finished with a black ceramic insert. It’s still a thick boy at 13.6mm, but it only weighs 136 grams.
The dial for the new Shell Star Titanium follows suit with previous models and has a sandy texture in black, blue or orange. The sword-shaped hour and minute hands are finished in white with Super-LumiNova inserts and are paired with an orange central seconds hand. And it’s powered by the Sellita SW 200-1 automatic movement.
Too bad the smaller Shell Star will be limited to just 499 pieces, but you can get them for $1,890.
Czapek & Cie Launches Antarctique Titanium Dark Sector, A Nod To 70s Sports Watches With A Modern Twist
/ Back in 2020, Czapek & Cie launched its Antarctique collection, which is the Geneva-based brand’s version of an integrated bracelet sports model. After iterating with several colorways and configurations, their new model is a time-only monochromatic watch in titanium.
The new Czapek & Cie Antarctique Titanium Dark Sector features an angular tonneau-shaped case that measures 40.5mm in diameter by 10.6mm-thick, with brushed and polished surfaces. While the case looks the same as all the other Atarctique models, the use of titanium gives this watch a completley new look. The dial is anthracite gray surface with two rows of segmented concentric rings that sit just inside the perimeter of the printed minute track. The rings are segmented at the voids serve as hour markers. Powering the watch is the brand’s Cal. SXH5 automatic movement, which has been completely designed in-house.
The price might be a bit steep at $36,000, especially since it is considerably more than what Czapek was asking for original date-displaying stainless steel models back when they made their debut appearances. W total production for the new watch will not be capped at a specific number of examples, Czapek has stated that the Antarctique Titanium Dark Sector will have a limited yearly production of 100 pieces.
The Accessible Hand-Wound Depancel Legend 60s Chronograph Is a French Take On Racing Chronos
/ Depancel, a young French watch company, seems to have a thing for racing cars. I say it seems so because all of the watches they have made so far are car themed and are very striking. New to their collection is this Legend 60s Chronograph, the first hand-wound chronograph by Depancel.
It’s compact at 39mm, kinda thick at 13mm and comes in a stainless steel case that’s a mix of polished and brushed surfaces. On the right-hand side are traditional mushroom-style pushers for the chronograph, and a decorated pull-out crown. On the opposite side, there’s a plaque with the individual number for the watch. It’s all very typical of the style of chronographs from the 1960s, which is to be expected given the name of the watch.
The dial comes in two configurations, a Panda-style silver dial with black sub-register or a black-with-silver Reverse Panda-style dial. Both have a vertically brushed finish and the hands are sword-shaped. On the inside is a hand-wound Seagull ST1901 chronograph movement. Based on the historic Venus 175 calibre, this is produced in China and is regularly found in mechanical watches priced below the EUR 1,000 mark.
The Depancel Legend 60s Chronograph is limited to 240 individually numbered pieces during the pre-order campaign. It comes on a micro-perforated leather strap in brown (for the silver dial) or black (for the black dial), finished with either a pin buckle or a folding clasp (at a EUR 25 premium). Alternatively, Depancel also offers a very retro Beads-of-Rice bracelet (at a premium of EUR 100). The price is set at EUR 650.
Another New Chonograph, But This Time Space Themed And From Louis Moinet
/ The independent watch brand Louis Moinet has always had a passion for space exploration and the universe, which has reflected in many of their watches. They carry this passion to the new Space One Chronograph. Atypical, and full of character, it’s not going to remain unnoticed.
The Louis Moinet Space One comes in a case with familiar traits. It relies on the brand’s signature shape, with a complex bezel adorned with 6 screws, and a combination of colour and finishes that give a lot of depth. It’s a huge watch at 46mm diameter and a 16.20mm height. Being made out of titanium helps to offset this size so it weighs only 102 grams.
There’s some interesting things happening on the dial. The counters are made using blue-tinted fragments of the Armanty meteorite, a meteorite weighing more than 50 tons, which was discovered in several regions of China in recent years. Then, in the centre, you’ll discover a ruby chaton created using the Verneuil method.
Then, there’s the display. Overall, it’s a classic two-register chronograph, with small seconds at 9 o’clock, central seconds and 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock for the chronograph. Then you’ll discover a date that is originally placed in a circular aperture at 7 o’clock and an indicator between 4 and 6 o’clock. This is a chronograph function indicator, which activates when the chronograph is actuated, showing if it’s started, paused or in reset (off) mode.
Inside the case is the calibre LM30, a proprietary movement based on the architecture of the automatic cam-lever Valjoux chronograph, but deeply modified for the occasion – monopusher, function indicator.
The watch comes on a glossy blue alligator strap in a limited edition of three times 28 pieces (in silver, dark blue and black). It is priced at CHF 21,500 excluding taxes.
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On hand - a selection of review

Hands-On With The Circula AquaSport GMT, A Watch Combines Two Of The Hottest Trends - 70s Inspiration And A GMT Function
I Don’t Like Talking About Kickstarter Watches As A Lot Of Them End Up Being Scams… But Fratello Tried On These Two Very Interesting Fleux Watches. Check Them Out With Much Caution
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Watch Worthy - A look at an offbeat, less known watch you might actually like

Isotope Creates A Funny Exit Sign Themed Watch
There are a handful of watchmakers out there who repeatedly create interesting and imaginative watches that embrace the fun of creative designs. Isotope watches is one of them. Have you ever heard of a watch being styled after the ubiquitous EXIT sign? Even if you find it relatively funny, you might check it out at £840.
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If you would like to receive some additional watch-adjacent content, as well as this news overview, every morning Monday-Friday in the form of a newsletter feel free to subscribe. However, there is absolutely no need for you to subscribe, as all the news from the newsletter is posted here. It is only if you want to receive a couple of daily links that are not strictly watch-related and want to get this news overview in your inbox.

Hello everybody! Today im selling brand new solid sterling silver chains and bracelets at a variety of styles and lengths for only $2.5 per gram. Why pay retail at a jewelry store?
Proof: https://imgur.com/a/nJsp6bE
Chains:
22” 6MM Cuban Link Chain 54.6g- $136
24” 6MM Cuban Link Chain 60g- $150
20” 5MM Cuban Link Chain 30.7g- $76
22” 5MM Cuban Link Chain 32.6g- $OLD
22” 3MM Franco Chain 25.8g- $64
26” 3MM Franco Chain 29.5g- $73
20” 5.5MM Figaro Chain 14.3g- $35
20” 4MM Mariner Chain 11g- $27
22” 8MM Flat Curb Chain 35g- $87
20” 4MM Anchor Cable Chain 26.4g- $66
Bracelets:
8” 5.5MM Rope Bracelet 21.4g- $53
8” 4.5MM Rope Bracelet 15.5g- $38
7” 3.2MM Rope Bracelet 6.6g- $16
8” 10MM Flat Curb Bracelet 21.4g- $53
8” 7.5MM Flat Curb Bracelet 13.2g- $33
7” 7.5MM Figaro Bracelet 8.3g- $20
Shipping is $5 first class or $9 priority
Orders $100+ ship free first class!
Payment methods: Zelle (preferred), cashapp, venmo, and PPFF
NO notes with payment please!! (Use an emoji if a note is required)
Authentic solid sterling silver marked 925 Italy
If you have any questions feel free to ask!

It's Thursday and not much is happening. So we'll get though this really quickly. Shame yesterday's edition got caught by the filters here because of the amount of links because it was a HUGE news day.

What's new

Citizen Brings Asian Fan Favorite Tsuyosa Line to Europe, Renames It Citizen ME
/ The Citizen Tsuyosa became an immediate hit in watch enthusiast circles, despite the difficulties of getting one, as it was only available in select Asian markets. Now, Citizen is introducing new dial colors and renaming the 80s vintage inspired collection to Citizen ME to launch it in Europe.
The Citizen ME’s dial looks like the Rolex Oyster Perpetual’s, with its baton-style hands and applied indices. Previously, the model was offered with black, blue, green, and yellow dials. Now, four new options enter the repertoire – a deep blue with a grained texture, a Tiffany-like blue, teal, and red – all of them with a sunray brushed and fumé effect. Other than the red variant, each colour comes in a stainless-steel case, while the red one is in a rose gold-plated one. Speaking of the case, it’s 40mm x 11.7mm, the bracelet is integrated and the watch is powered by the Citizen 8210 movement.
Citizen ME will be available from June/July in Europe (you can get it in some Asian markets already) at a price of €299 for the steel version and €349 for the rose gold plated version.
Vieren Gold Mirror Special Edition is a funky 70s disco timepiece
/ The 70s are making one hell of a comeback. While those who have lived through the era will tell you that this is not necessarily a good thing. While the music and movies might have been awesome, the 70s are not always the go-to era when you think of great fashion.
However, the 70s revival in the watch game has had some success so far, with the muted brown and funky dials. Now, a young Canadian brand named Vieren is banking on this trend with their Vieren Gold Mirror Special Edition, inspired by the opulent lifestyle of Studio 54 guests.
The Vieren Gold Mirror Special Edition is 41.5mm-long by 27mm-wide and plated in 18K gold. The dial is, honestly, impressive for such a young brand. It’s equally minimal, with a matte gold hours scale with engraved line indices, augmented by a similarly elemental engraved minutes track on the polished vertical rehaut, and maximalist with a skeleton window at the center which frames elements of the gear train behind a polished gold plate. The movement inside is fairly basic - the ETA 2671, but it looks good enough.
The Vieren is very cool, very disco and not terribly expensive if you are looking for something different - $5,250.
Looking For a Watch To Go Skiing With? This Alpina Would Be Great If It Were a Third Of The Price
/ As the official timekeeper of the Freeride World Tour, a competition in which skiers and snowboarders throw themselves down rocky mountainsides, Alpina has just debuted the Alpina Alpiner Extreme Automatic Freeride World Tour 2023.
It’s not a terrible watch. As a sports option, you could do worse. The stainless steel case measures 41 x 42.5 mm, 11.50 mm in height and seems to be fairly rugged. It’s powered by Alpina’s caliber AL-525 which is based on the robust and simple to service Sellita caliber SW200-1 a.
There’s just one bit issue with the watch - the price of €1,595. If it were a third of that price, it would be fantastic value for money.
Hautlence Comes Out With a New Version Of Their Linear Series, Now In Black PVD
/ Hautlence is an interesting brand. In September 2022, after a few years of no new models, MELB Holding (also the owner of H. Moser & Cie.) decided to relaunch the brand with a collection that enjoys all the advantages of indie watchmaking - TV-shaped case and original displays. This took the shape of two watches, the Vagabonde Series 4 with wandering hours and, the most striking of the two, the Linear Series 1, a watch that takes on the classic cues of the brand. And now, it’s back in black, with the Hautlence Linear Series 2.
Hautlence watches relies on jumping indications and retrograde hands, with full exposure of the mechanism driving these complex displays. This very interesting dial is mounted on top of the calibre D50, also known as the automatic tourbillon calibre HMC 804 when encased in Moser watches. The whole assembly consists of 239 components.
The Hautlence Linear Series 2 Black PVD is released as a limited edition of 28 pieces. The retail price will be CHF 63,000 including taxes.
Atelier de Chronométrie Partners with The Lavish Attic on Ultra Limited AdC33
/ Atelier de Chronométrie teams up with The Lavish Attic, a Hong Kong based collective that curates exclusive high craft products and experiences, to produce the AdC33 watch with some extremely interesting dials and cases.
The case is offered in a very interesting precious metal the brand calls gray gold, a gold alloy with high palladium content that apparently lands somewhere between white gold and platinum in appearance. The white grand feu dial is inspired by Chinese pottery, further aided by the blued steel applied Chinese antique indexes.
Just 8 pieces of the AdC33 are planned for production, so don’t expect to run into one at your local meet up anytime soon. The price will run around 65,000 Euros for the precious metal options, though steel will also be available for those more budget conscious at around 60,000 Euros,
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On hand - a selection of review

A Blog To Wach Tests Out the interesting Union Glashütte Noramis Date Sport
A review of the Montblanc Heritage Small Second Limited Edition 38, a Brilliant Movement Finishing In An Under-appreciated Watch
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Watch Worthy - A look at an offbeat, less known watch you might actually like

Insiders Say This French Brand Is The Go-To For Advanced In-House Watchmaking At Attractive Prices
The brand Pequignet and the Royale Saphir model are clearly off the beaten track, and that is their strength. This brand definitely is no microbrand, yet it still is highly individual.
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If you would like to receive some additional watch-adjacent content, as well as this news overview, every morning Monday-Friday feel free to subscribe. There is absolutely no need for you to subscribe, as all the news from the newsletter is posted here. It is only if you want to receive a couple of daily links that are not strictly watch-related.