Usil

You need to get the existing water vapor out of the watch first. I would immediately take the back off and use a hair dryer on low setting and remove all traces of the water vapor that keeps condensing. Then grease the seals (both of them) let the watch cool to ambient temperatureand put the back on. Then, see what happens. That might be all that is needed. Usil

I appreciate your organizing this but I am in Pakistan right now and not back till Saturday so will crash when I get home. Maybe next time. Thanks, Usil

Every bike I have had has been stolen. The chains and heavy metal locks were no use. I give up. I just buy cheep ones now. If it lasts a year then I figure it was worth the price. Usil

Duct tape is good but there is a valid concern about the back glass coming out. I used duct tape on a IWC power reserve and the glass DID come out. Putting it back in was easy but I found out that the fit was way too loose and came out easily again. I guess it was better to learn this early so maybe it was a good thing. Usil

Sorry for the loss of your friend but it does not have to be the end of your riding. I've had motorcycles since I was 16. Been riding ever since then and am now 59. No serious accidents, still have all my body parts and still love to ride. Why - I don't do turns too fast, I watch everything on the road, I never think that I am invincable, I never think that I can do anythign on my bike and get away with it, I treat it with respect. When people don't follow these guidelines they die and yes, there are a few times when they don't see you and you die. I always think about that and it interjects itself frequenctly during the pleasant rides. Helps to keep reality nearby. Never ride the bike when you are down so park it for a few weeks or months and then think about getting back on. You will remember the fun and freedom it brings on a clear evening, the smell of the fall air and feel of the moment of coolness as you dip into a depression, then you may reconsider. Usil

Lum: On my list to do for my favorite watches. Crown Guards: Ordered 2 for replacement - right dimensions look so good AR coating: Got to do this some day if I can find a source. Much improved look. Straps: My best is a medium priced Tuscana and it has spoiled me. Now I want to change everything and the price is high. Just have to put them on my eventual to-do list. Faux: I initially bought a few then learned what I was doing. Now I hate them and won't buy any more. EXCEPT Graham - I still want one of these. Quality issues: Can be anything. I have been lucky but I have a few with missing dots on the dial or something else. Did not initially see these and now I look real hard at everything I buy. Live and learn. Usil

Several say replace the pearl. How would you do this? Usil

To get a consistent color, a chemical prep is probably needed. An acid treament should be used to remove all oils from manufacture and human oils as well. Don't know what kind of acid to use but you might try acetic acid. Maybe an ammonia bath then acetic acid to dissolve everything and get down to base metal so the chemical reaction starts every where at the same time. Chemical preps are used before plating too. I have done this with gun blue chemicals on steel. The metal needed to be preped first then warm solution used to turn the steel gun metal blue. Nice project. I like the results. Usil

I love my Breits but as I started buying PAMs the Nav seems to be a little small. Still wear it though. Funny thing about mine is the bottom subdial always runs even when all is set not too. Another thing, I have gotten more crud off of teh bracelet with the polishing cloth than any other watch. It always snaps back shining. I guess the grade SS is not up to par. I think I need to go to a larger Breit but then, how do I do that and still get all the IWCs I want. Usil

I live in Paris and fly to many European locations. Been to Asia too and never had a problem. But I only take the watch I wear. I always thought it was taking a risk to have more than one. No sence in taking a chance. Also, I only take a watch I would not mind loosing. I try to cover all bases. Usil

I was wearing my PAM 187 the other day and wacked it a good one on a door jam. I noticed later that night that I had cracked the pearl and half had fallen out. I dug out the rest and have a nice shinny well with no pearl. I have considered buying some super-lum and painting the bottom of the well and then pouring a drop of clear plastic into the hole and let it harden. I used this plastic when maiking a case back opener and it should work if I am careful. I know this will not be a perfect solution but better than a hole in the bezel. Unless, there is another solution out there. Anyone replaced a pearl? Can you buy them? I don't hang much hope of getting a rep replacement so if anyone knows a solution please let me know. Usil

Thanks. Everytime this post pops to the top, I look at the pics. Great watch. Usil

That is a watch that I keep coming back to over and over as I look at your pics. Ever since I saw this I have coveted it. IWC has some classic and elegant designs beutiful to look at. I just never got around to ordering it this year and now there are even more gorgeous IWC reps out there and I have been reading about potentiall a new Big Pilot. OMG. Some dealer is going to get rich off me next year. Usil

I am trying to wrap my mind around the thought process of someone asking me if it is a fake and I say " No way - watch this as I rub it against a wall." If I had a replica on I sure would not do this and if I had a $6000.00 Gen on I SURE THE HELL WOULD NOT DO THIS. Following this train of logic... The person thinking you can do this - how many times has he actually see this done? If more than once, I think Wikipedia needs to amend their definition for DUMB. Usil

Sorry, Wife and I will be in the US for three weeks. Sorry to miss you. Usil

Of all the 'mods' that have been discussed in this forum, the only ones I would consider are: 1. Thicker Crown on Panerai 2. AR Coating 3. Super Lume These are the ones most appealing to me so please continue the discussion on reluming. I know that it is very likely that the first jobs will be poor and may even ruin the dial or hands. But, it still looks doable with the right tools, skill set, steady hands and knowledge. So bring on the knowledge. I think that when I get back to the US I should be able to find a location for AR coatings and replacing crowns is next on my list to do. Thanks for a good thread. Usil

I'll take an IrnBrue please if your picking anything up. Bon Weekend. Usil

Yes, I thought the same. Bugs in space. Usil

I found this, I don't know where - hope it was not here. Very funny. Funny as hell... Usil

I have thought about this watch but can not get over the look of the face. It looks like pressed white plastic. I have no idea if this is the correct look but it just bugs me.

Maybe it works on watches of Schinterland? Usil

I bought a PAM 86 from Andrew in February, so surprised to here they are not repping them yet. Usil

Sorry I missed the second GTG. It sounded like fun. I did not get back last week until late Friday (paid 18 € for one beer in S. Marco Square in Venice). Yes, the picture od our GTG is typical Parisan and I highly recommend it for a vacation. I still can't believe they pay me to live here. Usil

It's way late but i had to check out the forum tonight before I hit the sack. I just came back from S. Marco Square in Venice where I had the most expensive beer I have ever had - 18.00€ for a bottle. But had a great dinner. Sunday was great fun and I am sorry not to be there for the next one this week. Le Select is a great GTG location and I had good fun with good company and conversation. Hope all are well. Got to get to sleep for early morning meeting tomorrow. Usil

So, are the three of us on for tomorrow? Do you have a time preference? Usil