Genebe

How about the looseness of the band? I've seen some guys who wear a watch like it's a charm bracelet!

you have to remember that most quality reps will fool 98% of the people... well, I take that back. Everyone will assume you have a fake if you wear a Panerai, Rolex, or other high-end watch, no matter if it's gen or rep! Just like any project, the final, fine details are the most time consuming and expensive parts of the project. I haven't been here long, but I can see that! And "perfection" is relative. It's just like the difference between the restoration of a classic car; "restoration" may mean a new paint job and recovered seats to one guy, or a total nut-and-bold disassembly and rebuild to another. Big difference! Like others said, probably the best way to get a really, really great rep is to learn about them first, then buy a nicely modded version that someone else did. You might even get a deal doing that!

Unbelieveable watch!!! Looks like that exploding collar that Arnold wore in "Running Man" lol! I'm wearing my Omega Speedmaster "Schumacher" edition, so Omega's rule Monday!

wow... stunning! It's a shame that you couldn't have delayed the project until you could afford a NEW reindeer hide strap!

How about this? Not very expensive and is a nice dress-look...

I'm looking for a nice 177H also, and just contacted Davidsen. Price was $460, with swiss swan neck mvmt, superlume upgrade, 44mm ti case, sapphire crystal... but he didn't mention the cannon pin fix. (I'm assuming that's included.) If I remember correctly, other sites I've visited seem to have the cannon pin upgrade for $80 or so. Not sure how much the re-lume is... I think a really nice rep watch, with a quality aftermarket strap, is going to be somewhere around $700-$800. Anyone else?

I've contacted Davidson. Just waiting for a reply. I'll also check out some of the other sources everyone mentioned. Thanks!

I really like the PAM 4 & 26, but I thought a nice look would be to have a face with the cut-outs (what is that called... sandwich dial?). Not sure that's possible, but I like the look. I'd also like a PVD see-thru caseback. (I saw one on here a while back & it looked great!) The movement on that watch had the matching black plates, which was the first I've seen. Oh, and while I'm mentioning movements, what is the difference between the Swiss Unitas 6497 and the Asian 6497? (Yes, I read The Zigmeister's review, but is it worth the difference? Is the quality on the Swiss that much more noticeable?) I also noticed that some of the PVD watches out there don't have a black pin in the crown release lever. Is a more correct & matching version available anywhere? And what about a PVD version of the ss bracelet? Ever seen one?

I made the decision to build my first watch, and I think I want a black one. Anyone know a good source for a really nice PVD case, back, crown, etc.? If I can't find anything already finished, what could I start with to send out for the coating? Also, I saw a really nice movement that had PVD components; was that something that is available or a custom job? What works & doesn't when building something like this? Any issues with mixing & matching components from different suppliers? From my experience with other hobbies, I know that custom building anything isn't as easy as it looks! Thanks & I appreciate any tips or recommendations!

actually it's generic PAN. Comes in a white can that just says "cooking spray" lol! Thanks for the suggestion, Robbie. I definately want a quality base for any project, and I'm not so sure that what I have will work. I definately will get a new strap, as I hate that ugly tan thing!

Dispite an unfavorable reaction when I saw my 1st Panerai, I recently found myself buying a replica (I have no idea which model it would be). These watched definately grow on you, and I'm afraid that I've been bitten! Now I know that I probably have a terrible version, but I'd like to do something different and use what I have as the basis for a great-looking mod! I've always loved the most accurate replicas out there, but I wouldn't be opposed to doing something completely different and coming up with a "fantasy" watch. Accurate or totally modified, I want a great looking watch that doesn't look like a cheapie. So what suggestions does everyone have? Consider what I am starting with, and let me know what can be done to these watches. Thanks & I've definately enjoyed reading the forums! (I think I'm getting an itch for one of those older model replicas too! lol!)