cornerstone

Bring it on! Bricky, allow me to introduce my friends.....

It goes without saying that the highest quality reps are available from the dealers here, and that 'going solo' brings risks in quality. That said, the fun can be in the shopping and the haggling - plus you don't have to worry about shipping (customs may be looking for bling when you land though!) I really enjoy shopping in the Hong Kong markets, even if it is a tourist trap (they saw you coming!). I agree that Mong Kok / northern end of Kowloon is a good place to wander. In the past I've found that to get the real reps you end up being taken up godforsaken alleys into some grotty buildings, a steel door opens up on the fifth floor and suddenly you're in a rep sweatshop. That was pre-1997, but in this day and age I assume the reps just come in from China. Which brings me to the best place to go 'fake' shopping - over the border in Shenzhen, if you fancy a day trip. The sale of ripped off stuff is blatant there. They will even fake Cisco routers.... Not sure this helps all that much, but it might point you in the right direction. Enjoy!

Spot on. The mere fact that it is expensive is what makes it alluring to many people. The same people simply wouldn't buy it if it wasn't expensive.

It's a real name.

Ah, I see....this Billy the kid....

What didn't he do? "He studied watchmaking in France and in England and invented different escapement methods, including the tourbillon, and re-winding mechanisms. His watches and clocks are widely regarded as some of the most beautiful and technically-accomplished." That pictured bust is on his grave. Unless, someone else wanted his face on their grave.... Thanks Gunnar! Been enjoying myself!

Abraham Louis Breguet!

Ah crap - I actually came across this guy trying to find the last one! But where....

This Billy the kid? (Pictured relaxing in Mexico....)

Abraham-Louis Perrelet?

....but it's okay because you didn't tell her you have herpes....

I wasn't sure, which is why I hedged my bets with 'patented'! But you did ask the question if it was true....

Patented self-winding automatic watch.

John Harwood

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Wait, I'm confused now, who is heisting whom?! Time to bring out the karate chimp. Did I mention the karate chimp?

You're not kidding!!

Froggy....behind you! Oh, dear....

C'mon people....hand the cash over......

Yer not so scary from behind... And yer horse don't scare me neither....

Right....hands (and watches) in the air.....hand over the cash....!! You don't want a You don't want me to impale this horse on the spiky fence. ...or have to do whatever it is they're doing here.

Goes without saying that they're all Aussies I was just meaning that it's not so straight-forward that Croatia will beat Australia, because Australia has players that Croatia would choose if they could (and vice versa, Croatian defender Josip Simunic is from Canberra). Look forward to playing USA in the final! Their coach was quite disparaging about Australia's appearance in the competition.

Ah, but the Aussies have a secret weapon......Croatian players!