docblackrock

What else do you expect from Chel$ea players (or Chavski/Chavscum as we like to call them here)??? Moaning, whingeing, lame excuses when things don't go well...I mean, it's practically their club's motto, as preached by their leader aka the 'not-so-special one'. Just pray England don't make the SF, as Terry, Cole and Lampard don't cope with semis very well Take a leaf out of (the probably very frustrated) Stevie G's book, boys (or should that be girls) - no excuses acceptable you were just [censored] - accept it, admit it and move on. The fact that they got the win annoys me even more - I was praying Paraguay got a (deserved) equaliser - at least then people would have been forced to sit up, take notice and change things (i.e. drop Lampard bring Carrick on at DM, and fro chrissake let Gerrard do what he does best further forward). Instead, the 'we still got 3 points' mentality prevails, Eriksson still hasn't a clue about tactics, man-management or leadership, and the England camp will blunder on in blind faith, deluded as ever until they meet a decent team at which point it will be 'auf wiedershen'. I know it's going to happen, I'd rather it happen sooner than the inevitable drawn out painful surrender that usually occurs

I know the feeling Randy A touch of DRSD 'yang' to go with your WSD 'yin'...

Aaaah, the SRSD - recall luckky offered this dial version for a short time. Nice watch in itself, of course if the purists are nitpicking, for this dial version to be accurate you would say it ought to have a Sub case (thinner case/bezel assembly and no He valve) with a 'patent pending' caseback. Of course, a quick dial swap to DRSD and 'voila' you suddenly have the most accurate vintage rep out there Talking of which, did anyone save pics of saabin's legendary SRSD? whatever happened to him???

EXACTLY, well said Chris, just another pathetic excuse... Preaching to the converted here he's not wrong you lot What you mean the dark horses' dark horse??? Sorry have to disagree, I think as a squad they're past their peak (1996-2004) even though Pavel is capable of the odd star turn in an easy match, he has very dodgy knees and is prone to burnout. But you never know with the Czechs I'll grant you - if Rosicky steps up and Baros plays as he did in Euro 2004 (the 'shop window' factor ) then maybe a SF place will be theirs.

Never mind the team, if only they could recreate that '82 tournament - my 'first' and still the best - the little orange mascot Naranjito, that breathtaking Brazil team of Zico, Socrates, Falcao etc, Paolo Rossi, THAT match and of course Tardelli in the final for me, probably THE defining World Cup image of all. Ok enough of the sweet smell of nostalgia... My so-called 'home' team (England)....well, despite all the media hype (and some of you suckers here tipping us ) as I feared/expected, yesterday was very much 'business as usual'....an inept clueless tactically-naive shocking performance , all of which can be blamed on our pathetic excuse for a national coach. The only silver lining (despite the result) is that at least now no-one will be crapping their pants in fear about facing us - instead they'll be pissing their pants with laughter/joy/excitement Hopefully (please God) I'll get some solace cheering on my second team, the pathologically-underachieving Spanish

Wouldn't an Italian shirt be more appropriate?

Actually Randy, he always WAS a tubby bastard! The bloating was probably from the booze and his 'Elvis diet' rather than the kilos of coke he did His gastric-bypass op looks to have done him the world of good, no longer looks like someone's pulled the ripcord on his lifejacket, pfffff........ Interesting that he wears identical rollies on each wrist, never seen that before - just think if it were two GMTs he could keep track of SIX timezones

Truly sorry to hear that - glad you are both ok, probably doesn't feel like it but you are lucky in that respect. As someone above just said, it can happen anywhere in any city these days, even (especially?) in the smart arrondissements - my GF's sister lives in Paris and was very edgy when things got a bit messy this spring, not the rioting but afterwards the attacks on women in the city centre. As for your lost photos, I am always concious of losing a camera so either remove or swap out the memory card for travel back, or else upload to my ipod (which doesn't help if you lose ipod as well of course).

Since this has turned completely OT.... Italy = Lack of creativity = nail on head = dismal performance = early exit (sorry r11co, I love Italy and Italian football just being honest ). If it makes you feel better, '82 was the first WC I remember and also by far the best ever! Rossi, the Brazil match, and of course Tardelli in the final.... England - we don't all love that metatarsally-challenged fat b*stard by the way , I just hope there's enough pies for him to eat in the dugout . I think the other teams are rightly far more worried about Gerrard who IMNBO (in my non-biased opinion ) can influence and dictate a game much more than anyone else in the tournament. Our only problem is that we have a disloyal, tactically-useless, money-grabbing, secretary-shagging, Mr Burns-lookaliking Swede as coach - the perfect man for when we actually play Sweden in group decider!!! Spain - my second favourite team - strong year with Barca and Seville plus some great great players - time to step up and be counted boys, if you don't perform this time then don't bother showing up in future, I mean what's the bloody point?! Argentina - only if Riquelme and Messi play to their potential, possible but doubtful due to fitness. Netherlands - as per tradition, those guys could start a fight in an empty room, and no highly experienced old heads (Davids, Seedorf) to guide the talented youth (Sneijder, Van der Vaert) Germany - may well have played their best game and shot their bolt in the first game - lack of competitive matches will likely mean early exit 2 round. Dodgy selection too, I mean which moron was responsible for picking that ugly pig Claudia to appear instead of the delectable Heidi K??? Brazil - sadly, half-decent yet again (yawn, zzzzzzzz.....) Scotland - exactly where Darwinism intended them to be - at home down the boozer (pub) with their Paraguay, Trinidad etc. shirts on

Now now Joe, I hope you're not referring to me and my 'damn watch'? Please don't go stoking the fire after it's settling down nicely..... Paypal here has been unresponsive for few hours but I've finally been able to send you shipping cost and an email to confirm ID. I mean, after several months, a couple of hours isn't going to keep me awake at night worrying now is it, hmmm?

@ Fitchy - yes, that was a little ironic joke at your expense I had a great time living in the NL for a couple of years (hopefully revisit soon, will PM you). @Palp - you know you have my (and others no doubt) support - we all knew what was going on with your personal life as you kept us all informed out of courtesy and with dignity @Jimster - I for one have never questioned Joe's integrity or cast any accusations about fraud etc - I was merely commenting on his (lack of) customer service and poor communication - that is the ONLY issue here as far as I was concerned. Your experience was obviously different and you are right to share that, but that doesn't negate the experience of others. @Joe - unless you stoke this more, these are my final words on the matter... I am truly sad that you feel I've been somehow out to get you just as you clearly feel antagonistic to other members of this forum. I'm also saddened that you feel it is necessary to make comments such as 'overseas guys are the worst' - trust me, it doesn't do you any favours, merely reinforces a certain stereotype. Your assertion that I have made a 'big deal out of nothing' is true in some respects, even if you feel manners and communication is 'nothing'. However the fact that even now you're being aggressive to anyone who dares question or criticise you and generally unapologetic when all it took was to just say 'I'm really sorry', speaks volumes as far as I'm concerned. As for the AWOL watch and payment, I am not trying to be vague and would happily enlighten you all. I referred to him only as he emailed me with his experience and I was shocked to hear it (far worse than my situation) and he said he was thinking of posting it. However, out of deference to the esteemed member in question I did not name him...it is simply not my place to do so. As I said originally, I thought long and hard about posting, I stayed out of the other threads but I felt I had given you the benefit of the doubt, and took offence to your recent communications. I will accept that sometimes email communication causes problems/misunderstandings and I am willing to accept that it didn't help matters in this case. Flip-side, I wonder if you then are willing to accept how your communications have come across? Even questioning my character now is a bit out of order (you may remember the considerable time and professional advice I gave you re. your brother's health), but I will let that go. However, I don't have any hard feelings - I vented my spleen, you responded and that's the end of it. Fair enough, we agree to disagree, a metaphorical handshake, and life goes on...

Firstly, no tracking does not mean no insurance - at least that's how it works here in the EU. Also, it's interesting how you zealously advocate the express $25 route when people who've received stuff back see a $6 postage on it! And longshot is not the only one.... Ohhh, ok, now you have trust issues with me??? Beg to differ Joe, seems its just you. I've had friends/members in the US send me parts at no charge before never mind shipping and vice versa - that's what this board is like, I am sorry for you that you can't get a grip on that, but of course it's just a hobby for the rest of us Hmmm, interesting spin.....I know personally of one extremely well-respected member who's written off his watch at this point having heard nothing from you in months, you have had it for longer than mine (start of the year) as well as a full payment in advance That's fine, I understand you feel aggrieved, but I'm sure acting in this petty manner will be another perfect advertisement for your customer service. Will send paypal tonight when back. Doc

THAT fact alone speaks volumes about a person's character () - I was truly disgusted when I first heard this from Tommy . Kudos to Tommy for handling this unfounded character assassination with dignity and class. As I said in my original post, the rationale for making this public was not about money or delay it was about the principles and manners and decency or lack thereof . In fairness, I should also update you all - after several emails (me being extremely firm, but remaining polite) and several replies (more complaints about being 'out of pocket for shipping' and lame excuses, the highlight of which was Joe comparing his turnaround time with Rolex! ) he has now agreed to return my watch by USPS Global Priority ("at your risk" ) and I will reimburse him the cost on the packet. @Fitch - nice to see an old friendly face contribute with a (typische Nederlandse!) warm and fuzzy feelgood post @Ryyannon/Pug - can you two get a room next time instead of hijacking my thread ?! Let me know about your GTG - all being well I will be spending some time over there over the next month (St Germain en Laye, another low-rent neighbourhood )

Now I may be wrong, but recall reading a 1575 will drop straight into a 1665 ( for me) however the case of the MBW 1680 needs some slight modification before it can undergo cardiac transplantation - I'm sure Randy can clarify exactly...

Christ, that thing's thicker than the watch!

As mustard....

*STOP PRESS* The private [censored] I hired has just emailed me after tracking down the elusive RBJ to his top-secret lair *WARNING! WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO SEE IS TRULY SHOCKING, PLEASE LOOK AWAY IF YOU ARE OF A NERVOUS DISPOSITION (OR HAVE SENT A WATCH FOR MODS) First, the evidence... And if there was any doubt whatsoever, the conclusive PROOF at the entrance to the compound.....

Interesting, I've seen 1570s for almost double that (£800-900) Keep me posted Chris, cheers

Oh yes, there are indeed a few who fall into this category I'm sure... I know of at least one well-respected member whose watch and advance payment (in full ) have gone AWOL for some months now. That's not to mention several people who PM'd me about abusive emails they've received from the man himself. Talking of which, I've yet to receive MY abusive email....it's sad, I keep expecting it but no such luck as yet. C'mon Joe, don't disappoint me again

Great minds think alike.... I sent this very pic to one of our dealers (for his watchmaker) - currently being considered. I believe it operates like an aircraft seatbelt.

(*nudge nudge*) I think you've pulled there Bob Beware I think the temptress is using code.....if I were you I'd plead or run screaming whilst

Sorry but I think you're missing the point....no apology, just a 'demand' that I pay to receive my watch back after he's sat on it. I understand he wants to preserve his business after getting in too deep, overpromising and under-delivering, but it's the manner of his communication and methods I have a small problem with. I also know I'm not the only one who's seen the cold hard mercenary that lies beneath the persona. And for the record, I'm not sure think it's about 3-4 months - where does that fit in your scale then?

quality posts guys, no really.... @V - sssssh, don't wake the The Zigmeister conspiratory theorists @ken - several months at least, not sure why you think that's the six million dollar question? Is there some qualification period? I'm aware some people have waited 6 months even a year in vain, well more fool them. It's not how long, it's not how much, it's how lacking in decency...

Well I thought long and hard about posting this especially after several emails back and forth and I apologise in advance for the length of the rant (my spleen needs venting fully) but in the end another old-time member and good friend convinced me to make this known so here goes... Like many here, months ago I sent Joe a watch and parts for mods (first time), and patiently I waited, and waited....and waited. No bitching, no complaining, no nagging, just patience. Deadlines came and went, and then Joe went down due to illness. A few scare stories were posted, and major accusations made against him and facts like he had well over 100 watches unopened . But still more patience on my part, the guy's ill I thought, I'll hold off especially as I know professionally how debilitating respiratory disease can be. So after a few chasing emails, finally I hear from him and from the long run-on paragraphs what I essentially take away is this.... "Yes I've been ill (yes I know Joe), but I have NOT scammed anyone...so don't believe all these idiots posting (okaaaay fair enough)...they had axe to grind against me (hmmm, protesting a little too much?) ....The Zigmeister's behind it I swear (paranoia?).....I still do great work (we'll see)...actually great work (if you say so), no-one else is better, no-one else can do the great work I do nobody (arrogance, not a nice trait)....so if you just wait some more ( no I don't think so Joe) I'll do the great work you want....." What struck me firstly was that throughout this self-promotional diatribe, no word no not even a slightest hint of any apology for the wait. And THAT's what really [censored] me off. I don't know maybe I'm being oversensitive, or have a heightened sense of manners and decency? I actually don't think so but it seems more and more people have no class about them and are only out for the money. Talking of which, the best bit though was yet to come.... ...which was essentially that if I decide that after waiting months, I just want my unopened watch back (i.e. no profit in it for him) then of course that would be fine no problem at all from his point of view......providing I just paypal him $25 to send it back WTF???? I'm sure some will reply here saying 'Joe's the man' like some of the other sycophants (not sure if '[censored]-kissers' would get me a warning? ) who talk about him 'seeing them right' and 'shipping express at no charge'. I expect that, really I do. Just as I'll expect many respected members to stay quiet and say nothing maybe out of some (misguided) fear of being 'blackballed'. I wonder if I all I get is 'what's the big deal' or more excuses for Joe's dealings. Whatever, now you all know. And Joe, all I'll say is you really need to work on your customer service and dare I say it, manners. Either way though you win (sarcastic) as if you send my watch and parts back safely I'll gladly paypal you the money you 'asked' for to cover the huge inconvenience and expense of having to return my watch unopened.

Thanks for the tip-off Bob, have emailed him again... Like you I want/need an 'understudy' for my 1665