tomhorn

I've actually had good luck there finding helpful salespeople myself but to each his own. No doubt there could be better deals elsewhere, but they are far better than "in hotel" watch shops. I'd follow Nightstroker's advice, since he lives there. I haven't been to T of J, but I now have it on my agenda for the next trip out ...

If you have to buy new, there is a large Tourneau store in the Caesar's Forum Shops. I have always managed to get them to sell at less than MSRP when I've bought gens there. Never bought one at the black jack table , but carlsbad is correct, there are pawn shops everywhere if you want to shop used.

If the dems give Hillary the nomination, the republicans could run anyone against her and I would vote for their candidate. And I mean anyone. She will say/do anything to get elected ... truth and the American people be damned. I don't think Obama's got enough experience to be President yet. Will be interesting to see if any major candidates emerge through third parties. IMO, the main key for McCain will be his running mate. If he gets someone good (like Colin Powell), he's a lock.

Bump for my interest as well. Thanks!

Just picked up Accelerate, the new one from REM. Back to their roots in many ways ...

Here's one Dave ... Gevril Limited First Edition (MSRP $1,950) for $199.98 from TJ Maxx. Would have been well overpriced at $1,950, as it's just a basic 2824-2 with date at 6. You can still find them around at closeout sites for over $500.

Sorry ... edited my post, try the above numbers ... also, you can see it on the Tag Heuer site by going to the Historical Timepieces section and looking in 2004.

It looks to be a model CV2111.FC6182 from the Classics Series. I believe from about 4 years ago celebrating the 40th anniversary of Carrera. The dial isn't exact. It also came in other variations, the CV211.FC6180 (Black/croc strap) and CV2111.FC6182 (white dial/brown croc).

Queen - Live From Wembley Stadium today. Quite possibly the best live album ever recorded, IMO.

Getting "called out" is why I haven't bought a Rolex rep yet. I have several friends with gens, and I have stopped counting the number of times that the first thing out of someone's mouth after looking at it is either a question about if it's a gen, or a flat out declaration that it must be fake. Rude behavior to be sure, but I have heard it way too many times and decided to stick to lesser known reps. To answer the question, for me it would depend on who was asking. Friends/family would probably get an admission. Anyone else would get the "gift" story.

Answer to this depends on how serious you are. I sold cameras and was a professional photographer for nearly 10 years. For me the 105mm f2.8 MicroNikkor was the only choice for macro photography and portraits. If you can find a NOS or used AF-D version, all the better ... I personally liked the glass better then. I like the longer macro lens because of the added working distances, and it also doubles as a great lens for "people" shots. If it's beyond your reach, then capice and vric have a good idea ... find a used 55mm f2.8. Or you can try the Tamron 90mm f2.8 which is my favorite "non-OEM" brand. Overall, in my experience of everything I personally shot with, overall lens quality was (in order): Schneider, Hassleblad, Leica, Nikon, Zeiss, Rodenstock, Canon, Mamiya, Tamron, Olympus, Pentax. In general, I do not recommend filters or adapters due to distortion and artifacts. And it's NEVER a mistake to buy Nikon .... ... although Canon does make a fine product which has certainly gotten better since the 80's when their products were terrible.

I agree with Ztech (who put it most succinctly) and the others on this thread ... I fully understand and accept that there will be differences from the gen, but I dislike seeing manufacturer defects. As a customer, I just want the watch to be what was advertised ... meaning it should look like the picture I've seen (if one was provided), have the parts/features the ad claims it has, the fit/finish should be good (either like new, if bought new, or as described if bought used), and it must keep time properly. I am not afraid to pay a premium for a better watch (rep or gen), especially for better movements and for collectors who inspect their reps first (do not drop ship). Fortunately, I've been lucky and have not had to send one back yet. Knock on wood, I hope I never have to.

Sorry everyone, but this watch has got to be the ugliest thing I have ever seen .... the crown guard lever kills it for me. I'm glad for those who like it that the rep appears to be well done. To each his own I guess, but this one's not for me.

Prices in Columbus, OH have actually been going down. Paid $3.29/gal for 89 octane last week, $3.19 on Monday of this week, and saw $3.12 today.

Went to the Columbus International Auto Show this weekend. Must say that overall, I was quite unimpressed by the "new" cars for 2008. I did see a few standouts. 1. Jaguar XF ... looked much better in person than the pictures I've seen. 2. Jaguar XK8 ... the coupe is as close to a DB9 as I'll ever get. 3. Audi R8 ... fast standing still. 4. BMW M6 ... didn't like the white color of the demo, but damn! 5. Infiniti G37 coupe ... nice upgrade from the G35. I thought it would be impossible to make an ugly Lamborghini, but there was a Murciellago the color of which was described as Blu Nova ... imagine North Carolina Blue .... I nearly threw up when they took the car cover off the car. And why didn't BMW bring the 3 series convertible to the show? They had plenty of empty space in their area, and it's not like it's an expensive car. Overall it's an adequate show. You normally don't get the concept cars, but if you want to shop without being hit up by salesman, it works.

I second the Lange 1, plus the Glashutte Pano Date Reserve, and the Maurice Lacroix Decentrique GMT and Calendriere Retrograde.

Easy decision for me, but then again, I'm single with no kids to drive around ... Go for the 6 series ...

I'm a Connery fan myself, and was prepared to hate Craig. Casino Royale proved me wrong, and it ranks right up there as my favorite Bond film. I think Victoria is right, selection of the respective Bonds, and also the style and direction of the movies was done with specific intent. I believe selecting DC and the style of CR were a specific response to the Bourne movies. Will be interesting to see how these two "series" play themselves out ...

Just arrived from Homer ...

My Gevril on the wrist today.

Here are my last three from today: Plain White T's - All That We Needed Joe Bonamassa - Blues Deluxe AC/DC - High Voltage

Wearing a gen today ... TAG 2000 Automatic.