neuhoover

If you're curious, I bought a Graham Chronofighter Oversize Diver Tech Seal Scarab V1 from puretime about 7 or so years ago that is still looking and running great. I wear it at least once a week, usually on weekends, and have had no problems with it. To be fair, I'm easy on my watches -- don't bang them around; take them off when I'm doing something that might be rough or have potential to cause issues... Since I purchased the watch I've done nothing to clean or overhaul the movement, but it's still doing well with no problems. The watch itself still looks amazing and I get comments now and then from people when they see it. I've compared it with a gen at a local store (very discreetly) and it's soooo close. I haven't seen a V3 of the Scarab, but when I compare the Graham Oversize Diver Tech Seal V1 and V3 on puretime's site, the difference is negligible -- seems to be mainly dial-face fonts. Good luck.

I noticed that too. But recent error msgs talk about SQL, so I'm guessing they had a server crash and are rebuilding.

Happened to be surfing this afternoon and stumbled across this incredible set of photos of watch making and watch making machines from Vianney Halter (who I've never heard of before). Incredible shots. Photo below is of just one of dozens, but click this link for the full thread. The Tempered forum seems to be geared towards independent and "amateur" watchmakers, with lots of discussions and photos of various watchmakers as they work on their creations. Simply stunning. Enjoy. The Antiqua movement and dial coming together: The watchmaker's assembly room: The Cote de Gen

meh

I'm now contemplating a gen strap too. Wow, that's an awesome combo!

Loved the montage of watches. We really have come far. There are so many great watches in there - some I don't recognize as having been repped. Really liked/intrigued by 86, 107, 121, 156, and in the last video 30/60 and 42/60. Are these reps? Any still available?

I read your post last night, subzero1, and have been thinking over your question since. Am I really happy with my reps? In addition to that question you are also asking am I proud or ashamed of my reps, or more pointedly, scared of being outed. First question: No, I guess I'm not really happy with my reps. Sure I love when I first get one and put it on. But in a few weeks the excitement wears off. But is it a rep thing? That's what I've been mulling over today. I guess I'm not satisfied/content with much that I have. Let me explain. Years ago I bought a new Audi A4. Absolutely loved it then, and love it even today. But a few months after buying it, I started looking at BMW M3s and wondering if I shoulda bought that. These days I think about trading the A4 in for either an A6 or a BMW M3 or 6 series. Earlier this year I built my own Vista Media Center system, Origen case, kick-a** mobo, mem, grfx, 2 standard tuners for satellite and 2 over-the-air HD tuners. Paired it with a 42" LCD flatscreen. Is it nice? Yes. Do I still love it? Yes. Am I now looking for ways to improve it or replace it? Yes. Couple of years ago I replaced my iRiver with an iPod. This past spring I replaced the iPod with a Toshiba Gigabeat S, mainly due to it playing nicely with my Vista Media Center. Am I happy with it? Yes. Am I looking for an excuse to ditch it and get an iPhone? Yes. Years ago I started collecting reps. Bought way too many and was having a great time. A few years ago I got my first luxury gen (JLC Master Compressor Geographic). Do I love it? Yes. Am I satisfied with it. I guess so, but not really. Am I looking at getting some other gen? Yes. See, the bottom line I guess I arrived at today is that for many of us guys, we are happy with what we have and are content to a point, but we also love to get something new, continually improving or updating our gadgets and toys. This learning new things, playing with new things, upgrading, changing my tastes... it's what keeps me feeling alive. So, basically I'm not really happy with my reps but it's not because they're imperfect. Rather, it's because I'm always wanting something else or something different. And I'm not scared of being outed - if someone busts me (never happened to me yet), I'll try to use it as an opportunity to talk watches and educate.

I don't think Italians are quaking in their boots about their law. Not only was I in Italy for 2 weeks with my rep 196, in and out of customs, and in front of the Panerai boutique in Florence (see sig photo), but I noticed shop owners and even a garbage man wearing Rolexes. Yeah, please.

Enjoy the winder and the quietness while it lasts. In about 6 months it'll start getting noisy, then at about a year you'll have a motor fail, and by about 14-16 months you'll throw the thing in the trash. Trust me. I know. But, in the meantime you've got a good place to store watches. One note; watches with fat buckles (like the Pam127) won't fit in the winder slots. Too wide. And big watches 47mm will have a hard time co-existing with their neighboring watches both in the winders and in the storage bins. I'm now looking at getting a much higher quality winder or building my own. If it turns out to be the latter, I'll of course share designs with all.

Yeah, really is a shame that such a meticoulously copied watch gets such shoddy workmanship. Stickers falling off? Markers askew? Dial print not aligned? Come on!!! I'm not surprise, tho. Had this watch recieved massive accolades from members and the quality was up to snuff, this would have been the blockbuster that the mfgr probably expected. But we're all now seeing that this watch needs more work in the QC department before we plunk down our $500.

Yeah, thanks V. It looked bizzare to me too. I was thinking it was a Sub-style Pam, but couldn't place it. The case didn't look thick enough or the bezel looked thin -- something's off. Thx

Was catching this past weekend's 24 episodes and noticed a Pam on Curtis' arm. Anyone see it? Any idea what model?

yes, yes... he means "rep" version. Cucumber Jones, beautiful strap. Who from?