docblackrock

Seriously now, can someone please take a moment and fill me in here... Thanks.

I once received this model by mistake from the late great Eddie Lee. I was waiting on my 192 Tantalum. I sent it on to the anxious owner but not before I drooled a little. Adding in Leo's bits and Zig's master touch, and this becomes something else altogether. Gorgeous.

Not really that ambiguous unless of course sellers deliberately make it so. OEM parts means Original Equipment/Engineering Manufacturers. Which in this case of movement "upgrades" means ETA not Panerai as was one of the two ethical issues this guy was called out on. As to your Breitling example, like many others, Omega, Heuer etc, they use base movements from ETA or Zenith but once they go beyond a cosmetic rebadge or rotor decoration, such as adding modules or similar works modifications, then you can say it's 'their' movement regardless of the base movement origin. The problem here is the sort of bits this seller was touting as OEM were generic movement parts and thus not Panerai. In the car world, things are clearer. OEM means the manufacturer subcontracted by the car marques to supply parts for rebranding. Pagid supply Audi/VW brake pads and discs for example.

Way off? I think not, just slightly misinterpreting what I meant. Not that you're biased at all There's a ton of claims on what specific diets and nutrition can do for you, from high dose vitamin C to various supplements. The vast majority of which have either no scientific base or little appreciable clinical benefit observed. Ultimately, ageing is governed by many risk factors, predominantly genetic and environmental. As for "unethical", I can pretty much guarantee you that even the most 'ethical/green' companies develop products with ingredients that have been tested on animals. Again, it's very much in the semantics. So I sleep at night

Firstly, his alter ego or "work colleague" isn't banned, so he has a means to address this matter and offer a defence if he's so inclined. Secondly, as for thinking about "members" who have "watches and money at risk", that illustrates the very point that is being made, the key word again being RISK. Caveat emptor applies as always and all I see here is action taken for the greater good, the wider membership not just the unfortunate few currently exposed. Thirdly, whilst there's relief he's trying to fulfill orders still in process, to not do so would amount to fraud/scam, which would only further justify the concerns raised. You seem to be suggesting this thread may actually push him down that road and it's somehow a testament of his good character that he hasn't been tempted...so far at least. I'm sorry but that's an extremely flawed argument. And finally, your point questioning whether you would be so "co-operative" in the circumstances, well I hope that frank and honest admission is noted by your customers.

Spectacularly missing the point. Regarding the "OEM" claims, there seems to be a significant amount of embellishment and exaggeration (backed up with blister pack props designed to dissuade questioning) in order to justify a high value sales price. It's not really any different in principle from those fleabay sellers who list "GENUINE Leather PANERAI strap" or - one for the veterans here - the infamous RedBigJoe aka The Thumb and his "OEM polishing and dust-blowing of dials".

It's funny, when I popped my head back into RWG very recently after a couple of year's sabbatical, one of the very first things I noticed was this guy, a member for a few months, selling high value PAM frankens with gen papers and a tone that came across as arrogant and condescending. What surprised me even more was the seemingly large number of supporters/sycophants that, like pilot fish, accompanied his posts. And even now, caught bang to rights engaging in somewhat nefarious practices, there are still those championing his work, bemoaning the severity of his punishment and loss of his 'product'. What people forget is that this place is based upon trust, on integrity, on CHARACTER. All of which go out of the window when a member has two ID's, promotes his own wares, craps on the competition, and is less than frank when questioned. That sort of unethical conduct screams intent, and for that reason alone I'm relieved to see the mods rise to the occasion and take swift action. Me, I'd have banned him (both accounts) on principle alone unless he provided either a very rational explanation or contrite public apology. As Rolexman rightly said, there is no contribution here, just a commercial enterprise who saw a willing populace eager to bite his hand off at any price. And the point about past conduct and future problems is extremely important. Let us not forget that more than a few ex-members started down this path, some with genuinely honest intentions it has to be said, went over the wire when opportunity or temptation presented or circumstances dictated. IMO, in this case, with dishonesty from the outset, it would only be a matter of time before serious problems arose. Well done to those vigilant.

In the last two years, what has happened to the availability of the 220 - and it's so-called "best version" siblings (164, 104, 229 Firenze)? No longer listed on Josh's site or elsewhere for that matter. I know they came with hefty $450 sticker price but still... Curiouser and curiouser. Can anyone shed light? I'm in need of one that's all.

Nutrition is way down the list, after sleep, hydration, immune system/lymph drainage, toxins (smoking is probably the worst culprit here), and genetics. I'm a big Shiseido fan, it's just a pain to get hold off outside big department stores and airport tax-free.

In that particular fit (pointy) and finish (yellowed indices, faded insert) seeing the pic, I can't disagree. Gorgeous And coming from a perverted Jubilee-lover like you and a folded Oyster nut like me that really says it all

That isn't LUME on that 6542, it's just one of the earlier 'New Mexico' ones, you know without this sticker on the caseback

Certainly looks a little too 'thickset' but no tell-tale HGH signs around the craniofacial muscles, like Stallone for example. I'd say it was down to healthy living (diet mainly) and good genes myself, it is possible. My comment about him looking a bit ragged around the edges was more about his 'look'. i.e. lose the goatee (even the legendary 'tache), along with 50lbs, acquire some taste in wearing clothes that flatter, and he'd look fantastic. I'm sure Omni and Lani could have a word Look at old guys like Stamp and Connery. Sometimes smart as a whip, sometimes slightly dishevelled pensioner, but always old age with a certain grace and style.

So because he owned a pair of black silk PJs and was fond of Tai Chi, that makes him Chinese? For the record... Character's background Higgins was born circa 1919, in England. He is a member of the Scottish peerage, and as the second son of the Duke/Earl of Perth, holds the title Baron of Perth in his own right. He also has a sister, who is currently "married and living in Sussex with four monstrous children" (ep. 1.10). He later discovered his father (Albert) had sired several other sons (all played by John Hillerman) during World War I, including; Father Paddy McGuiness, who is a Catholic priest in Ireland, Elmo Ziller, a Texan rodeo owner, Don Luis Mongueo, an heir to the throne of Costa De Rosa in South America, and Soo-Ling, the daughter of a raven haired Mongolian beauty. Higgins attended Eton College. Later he attended Sandhurst Military Academy, and then served as a Regimental Sergeant Major in the British Army during World War II. He was present at the bridging of the River Kwai, which he claims was "nothing like the movie". He is referred to as "Punky" by his war buddies. (ep 3.7). He also attended the Nuremberg Trials. ("Never Again… Never Again" from season 1), and he was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration awarded by Commonwealth countries. He also served in both the Korean War and the Indochina War (assisting the French), New Guinea, India and Kenya, among others.[1]He holds a doctorate in mathematics from Cambridge University. This was revealed when he told an injured woman (correctly, though misleadingly) that he was "a doctor". He owns two highly trained Dobermann pinschers, Zeus and Apollo (A.K.A. "The Lads"). Higgins is loosely based on James Bond creator Ian Fleming: - Both were born into distinguished families of Scottish descent - Both left Sandhurst, the British officers academy, before graduation - Both served in the British military during World War II with careers focused on intelligence and special operations - Both retired to tropical estates after retiring from military service

Any less absurd than Liam Neeson playing Hannibal in a remake of The A-Team?! Matthew Mc-whatsisname is a terrible actor, really terrible, so I pray that's just a rumour. They'd probably get *kill me now, please* Ricky Gervais to play Higgins (he was English folks, not Chinese, so not sure where Jackie Chan comes in). Regardless I wish those money-grabbing oxygen thieves in Hollywood would, just for once, leave our classic (often childhood) TV memories intact instead of urinating all over them. Case in point: Miami Vice. Krpster - yes same episode, Magnum knocked off his jet ski, waiting hours to be rescued exhausted fearing death and hallucinating a little in the sun, thinking back to his childhood....father teaching him to swim, timing him underwater with the GMT and asking him to look after it whilst Magnum Sr went off to the Korean War and got himself killed. The most poignant scene of the lot at the end...

It could indeed. I loved how they were so meticulous in ageing the watch in that episode, from his father wearing it and being given to/worn by Magnum as a kid at the funeral.... To Magnum wearing it as an adult...notice the bezel insert ageing. Such attention to detail. All let down by the small inconvenient fact that the 1675 did not exist at the time of the story (Korean War) As for Tom Selleck, age has not been kind these last few years has it? The Simon Cowell old man waistline is bad enough, but that goatee (I believe the term "prison pussy" applies ) is a step too far. His 'tache is legendary, either on or off, not this in between abomination.

It's not ridiculous BT, they just haven't solved the technical issue of producing a two-tone cerachrom insert as yet. God knows they've been trying for the last couple of years. You think Rolex wouldn't WANT to sell more GMTs in the most popular and characteristic colourway? Of course they would, synonymous as you say - Rolex these days may be many things, but stupid isn't one of them (*cough* YMII excepted) I have heard recent rumours out of Bexley they are "99% there" though and that a SIHH/Baselworld 2010 announcement (not release, that would be end of year) is possible but not confirmed yet. Meanwhile, here's a couple of other pics to salivate over....

Thanks for the heads up on this B, thought I'd pop my head round the door from my sabbatical and offer my thoughts. Firstly are there any taboos left unbroken on RWG? We've done metrosexual stuff borne out of Admin's newfound skincare routine (which brought a large group of us out of the closet ). But I never thought I'd see the day the discussion would turn to gardening err, I mean *manly cough* "horticulture" (good one Lani ) As to my own 'experience', well we used to have a long 100-foot garden (bigger than the apartment it came with) with a couple of mature willow trees, tiger grass (grasses are good, very masculine and not at all prissy) with a pond with one fat lazy resident koi, a couple of newts and a frog, not to mention a crack military unit of grey squirrels. Anyway, the garden was great to look out on but my god was it hard work - like every other weekend near enough. And you try nurturing stuff when aside from the ninja squirrels, it's north-facing and you don't have the benefits of 10 months' annual California/Hawaii sunshine, quite the opposite in fact. Since then, we've lost the big garden (although moving house soon and gaining a share of a large mature one) so been reduced to having a small roof courtyard garden with zinc planters of grasses, and winter jasmine. One thing I can't stand is too much colour, has to be green and white only (JTB would approve if he was still around ) and shades in between. Can't stand anything yellow, orange or god forbid pink . Also prefer the wild natural look, as opposed to a clipped anally-retentive groomed appearance. Nature generally does a good job on its own. Orchids I've found are a nightmare to keep alive, but like Lani I too have a thing for bonsai. Sadly I lost my beloved little tree earlier this year (I suspected murder but my GF denied it and she plea-bargained manslaughter in the end). But next spring when I have the time and weather has improved, I'll get another as well as an larger outdoor one.

Can someone confirm the actual case size inc. crown.

I'll second that, I bought a high value piece from him recently - communication and long-haul delivery was perfect. So let's not brandish the flaming torches and pitchforks just yet. You say he contacted you that his trade Sub was broken - just a thought, but maybe he's desperately seeking a watchsmith fix in order to be able to honour his side of the trade, before pulling the plug and returning your watch? I agree it's not good form to go AWOL email/PM wise, doesn't help the situation. Hope you both get it sorted out satisfactorily and asap. *EDIT* Having reread your post, I see the trade actually happened at the end of July, which means he's had your watch for a good 6 weeks. Long enough to sort a fix or return your watch whatever the situation. C'mon Dan if you're reading this....

Sounds lovely. Anytime? OK I'll drop by the Inn after work on Monday, see you guys at 9..... .....oh ... What? Really? Concorde mothballed back in 2003 you say? Why? 16-18 hour flight now? Jeeez...

Money, get away. Join the 'Geek with more pay and you're okay. Money, it's a gas. Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash. New watch, UPO, gen parts through and through Think I'll buy me an AP ROO. Money, get back. I'm all right jack keep your hands off my stack. Money, it's a hit. Don't give me that do-goody-good RWG [censored]. I'm in the hi-fi Jetmid-style first class travelling set Think I'm gonna pretend I own my boss' Lear jet. Money, it's a crime. Share it fairly (amongst the mods) but don't take a slice of my pie. Money, so they say Is the root of all evil today. But if you ask for a dealer discount it's no surprise that they're Giving none away.

Theo, I know too well the overexcitement that comes with hearing a certain model is going into production, but I've become cynical enough by now to just relax and take the 'I'll believe it when I see it" approach. Although since helping in the development of certain projects on occasion (and seen fantastic results) I've perhaps been a little less sceptical about what can be achieved. Still with timelines, they do often run and run. Always late, never early, and it's best we all work on that assumption. Saves disappointment which is why I think it's good to manage people's expectations. But I definitely go along with the 'better late than never' approach. The Ploppy is one of two 'grail' watches that hopefully will be a gift from Santa this year, and for both of them (nope not saying) I'm fairly comfortable (but still praying) that they will get them right first time, none of this V1, V2....V6 Ultimate nonsense.

Yuki really ought to get busy making a folded links oyster 78360. Now THAT would be a money-spinner....