Lemmy Caution

Ten days ago, I sold my MBW Black Themes to RWI member Bansenshukai - he received it a few days later. It was an easy deal all around. Great buyer, good questions, no newbie sillines. An easy, Intra-ConUS sale. Bansenshukai is a gentleman and knowledgeable, sensible buyer: My valued 'Themes found a good home. Last week, I purchased a 10d from Burnz. In oldskool terms - Burnz is a perfect gentlemen - easy deal, good answers to my few questions and quick shipment. Burnz shipped the package via EMS per my request. I tracked the package via http://www.track-trace.com/post and usps.com after the package arrived stateside (SFO Customs). The package arrived yesterday (Saturday am) empty. It was a manilla paper bubblewrap package, similar to what I've received other watches and parts in many times. I refused the package. It appeared to have been torn open on the end with the 'string' but not using the string -can't remember. The value field said: Watch repairs $40. (or watch repair parts?). Burnz and I discussed posting this and agreed that he should address his side. This is my first failed watch buy (out of 20 or so). It is also one of the most drama-free: I cannot heap enough praise on Burnz who has been as thoughtful and communicative as he was prior to the sale. In the past, I've had two problems with packages from Singapore being delayed. This represents around 30% of the non-ConUS, non-Chinese watches that I've bought over the last 2 years or so. Although, I can see LAX from the top of the hill behind our house. (Most of my watches have been processed at LAX). This one went through SFO and was lost - coincidence? Though I've already - 'let go' and ascribed it up to the law of averages catching up. For those of you with more experience than I: What did Burnz and I do right/wrong? Thoughts? Lessons?

By the way - I could not remove the strap from my MBW however - it appears that the plots or endlinks on the Cartel watches have a lightly different silhouette than do those on the cartel watches. The cutouts on the straps themselves (APb, MBW and Cartel) have the same dimensions and shape and are the same distance from the strap ends as the Cartel and APbands straps. So one could use an MBW strap with the correct cartel conversion plots.

I replied to The Donator on Repgeek w/photos of my MBW Safari. I have heard that MBW straps will not fit a cartel AP ROO. If not, why? the spacing for the end links is exactly the same - are the end links different? While I concur on the subject of APBands' quality and fit ( I have 2 ApBands) - they do not make an exact copy of the Safari strap. The Safari (has to be my all time favorite ROO) has a very distinct hornback strap with a single ridged scale that reaches almost from the lugs to halfway around the circumference the wrist. The gen Safari strap is not friendly to smaller wrists (less than 7.2 inches I guess) APbands straps feature two smaller less dominant and more pliable ridged scales a configuration that is more comfortable for a smaller wrist. The MBW/MBK Hornback strap is visually very close to gen - the prime difference being the painted edges as opposed to the wrapped edges of the ApBands or gen. I do not own an HKTan strap but have seen one on an AP and several Cartier Santos. MBK Safari strap: Cartel Safari on Honey ApBands strap: MBW strap:

I just looked at my account. I knew it was coming up in March. The "Upgrade your membership" link shows that it is due March 9 and will be paid by recurring payment. The fifth field contains an option to cancel recurring payments. Since I don't want to change anything, I did not click any links. Not sure what kind of behavior will result. Have you tried clearing cookies, temp internet files and a restart?

Mine - in B/W. Charcoal suit, charcoal mock turtleneck. Black dial jumbo.

Duplicate post - please delete.

Cool - make sure that it includes the conversion kit and a clasp. (If I recall correctly, it does)

MBK (narikaa) has a great hornback for $160 which aside from the painted edge - is as close to gen as I've seen: My MBK Safari: Hope this helps

Wow- that's unREAL! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for the pics. I just got a Silver Themes (bracelet) the Masata strap will really distinguish your watch.

Thanks for the info - I just saw the message. Will check them out. I'm at the north end of the South Bay- Playa Del Rey. We used to spend a lot more time and money in Santa Monica but as traffic on Lincoln has grown more absurd, the restaurants, movies and shopping in Manhattan Beach and Hermosa have improved. Thanks again - I'll visit next week and report back.

Who is the one in Santa Monica? There's Universal in Marina Del Rey - they have serviced my gen Rolex. Nicely and reasonably too but, he seems pretty busy and is isolated from customer contact...

Thanks - Vac is an option for us of course but it would be nice to find someone local.

I'm looking for someone too - West L.A. South Bay area. Posted on RG - no answer. Guess it's a secret society!

I'm in - Black Dial. I have the Watchmaker9 white dial/no secs (10520st?). Thanks - can't wait.

first wrist shot ever for me at RWB: MBW Safari -

LOL -"nasty strap" Yep Note the disclaimer on the first photo! I'm looking for a nice dark brown croc or alligator strap. A Thumbnail Ti buckle awaits LOL there's an Officine Panerai dealer 1/2 a block from me in Beverly Hills. It's new - not sure if they've opened yet. I won't wear a flashy watch when I visit. Rep or no. Probably my Rolex Air King. Regarding the source: Got it from a member over at RWI - I'm being mum about where it came from so as not to be thought a shill. Perhaps he will chime-in. :-) It joins a 177h, 176g and a 36. I should post a photo of the group. No

Next purchase is a gen dark croc strap My first solid back - I'll have to open it and have a look at the D movement soon - will shoot a photo when I do. Obligatory wrist shot

Since I'm a noob- (lurking since January, joined in March 2008), I'm waiting to post until I become old and established. Seriously, my interest waxes and wanes in sync with available time, disposable income and desire for yet another watch.

I'm new here, lurking since January, active at RWI and RG. It's hard to keep up. I'm mostly into AP and Ti Pams. Will post a photo or two from time to time.