DavidBreitling

Misinterpreted your directness, BT. Yes, Josh also advises winding and "shake like mad cow" whatever that means. Mad cow means something different in countries that have beef exports. And a possible explanation is dead watches are sometimes replaced with new ones after the 6 month warranty, or just ignorance, take your pick.

Of course Ppay fees still apply to payments from credit cards, right? and those outrageous foreign exchange rates, also about 3% off market rates for those of us that do not live in a USD world.

+1 for all of the above, you got my message directly this AM. Wear with pride of ownership and perseverance. But don't forget my mom's advice, "Don't wear a watch worth more than your hand!" especially in dangerous places.

Geez BT, did you miss your morning expresso? I have had a similar problem, and ended up returning the watch for a movement replacement, as the chrono feature stopped altogether. So keep an eye on it, it is not normal, all of my other A7750's are much smoother in their winding. The dealer first said it was a breaking in issue, but when the chrono failed, agreed to take it back. Coincidentally, I am expected the repaired watch to arrive back today, well travelled and hopefully ready for action. Hi Steve, a fine example of Canadian politeness!

I bought my first rolex, a Sub TT in 1991. It looks like new today, especially after returning from the Rolex spa for service and polish. Except the cost of the spa treatments would buy me a couple of Breitling reps members are talking about. The interesting question I think, is what will the reps of today look and perform like in 10 years. Some say, who cares, if it breaks or gets damaged, get something new, it is certainly an option built into the economics of owning reps vs. gens. I agree with the comments about the difference is mainly in your head, all other things being equal (studied economics, some may know that ubiquitous phrase). It gratifies the ego, I can afford to wear an expensive piece of man jewellry. But reps give a similar thrill, I can enjoy the experience of wearing an expensive, beautiful time piece, WITHOUT THE EXPENSE! Who doesn't love a bargain, after all (only very rich people who by habit don't look at or flinch at 4+ figures for their pleasures (clothes, vacations, wine collections, and of course, watches). The rest of us can decide for ourselves what tickles our fancy, and wrists!

Lani, where did you get that cool black and orange strap??? I have the leather with orange stitching with my PO, and it makes me want to ride my fat boy, (that's a Harley for those that might be wondering).

The good news is that you have a couple of beauties, and some different shoes, so mix it up! Anyway, its your opinion that counts. Do you ask your wife or GF what tie or shirt to wear? Don't answer that, you might embarrass yourself in public!

That depends upon if you get into strap collections, which mostly affect Paneristi. If you do, you will be using your springbar tool and 1.6mm screwdriver regularly.

Start here http://shop.ebay.com/watch%20strap%20tools...ools&_naf=1 I think I bought something like this http://cgi.ebay.com/16-WATCH-TOOL-BAND-STR...93%3A1|294%3A50 But I paid only $9.99 including shipping instead of $14.99 (does it make a difference?) Caseback opening tool only for those case backs that have notches on the outside rim. Rolexes require more specialized tool. As for post that its a POS, of course for the serious hobbyist, yes, but for watch strap changing and other basic tasks I disagree. However I agree with the post regarding steel bracelet sizing especailly if you have smaller wrists and take more than one link off. An inexperienced hand can shake and slip marking your watch or bracelet in the process. Hope that helps. You'd think our dealers would offer to throw in a cheap kit when you spend $1000 +, but have much more expensive (possibly better?) kits to sell you.

OK rscmaine, No more guilty tripping, and CONGRATULATIONS. Now, where did you get that strap? It looks like it has curved ends that fit snuggly with the case. Is it tang or deployment? PM me if you prefer. Thanks

If you follow Archimedes' principle, you are a committed hobbyist. I enjoy watches because of their craftsmanship and design culminating into a beautiful piece of metal. Most men aren't into jewelry, but a watch is in fact the perfect piece of jewelry for a man that can express masculinity and style, and serves a useful purpose, such as "what time is it" and "how long have the steaks been on the BBQ". I first looked seriously at watches at age 19 when I noticed a friend had a sub or gmt master (it was a long time ago). I went into a DF AD shop in Panama, and discovered that the Rollie cost USD 300!!!, a small fortune to me, and almost the tuition for a year's university. Instead, I bought a USD 75 Seiko chronograph with orange dial, and loved it almost as much, and still have it today. I had no idea of what was going to pass in watch inflation over the years and my growing desire to own a Rolex. I now have three gens, SubTT, EXPII and a 1960 GMT Master that belonged to my wife's father. I enjoy wearing them, and indeed did non stop until I rediscovered the quality of reps these days about 4 months ago. (I have a half dozen cheapies I bought in Hong Kong in the 80's that clearly demonstrate the improvements in QC of today). I do not pretend that the are real. But I do marvel at how beautiful the designs are, even if some swiss or italian came up with it first. Finally, they (reps) are affordable, to almost anyone with a job, if only 1 watch is required. And if they break, get it fixed, or get another one. Now I open my drawer every morning to 10 eager puppies wanting to be taken for a walk. There are many reasons, but owning gens and reps is not a contradiction, or just enjoying great designs, and as some on this forum do, modd the hell out of them, like car and biker owners do. So, in the end, I agree with Ubi, reps are very interesting, and certainly more accessible than the exclusive club of $5,000 to $250,000 gens.

Not to underplay your frustration, most of us have had QC problems, but it sorta goes with the territory. Toad Torrent's NOOB guide says "you will have QC problems". What is hard to accept is when a dealer is asking $600 for a watch like the RBII, that they don't take extra care in the condition and installation of the movement, and probably have similar QC as their $100 21j Asian watches. I have a RBII, arrived 2 months ago, and so far so good, but I am not liking your unfortunate experience.

I bought a watch strap and case opening kit from ebay from a HK supplier for $10 including shipping included 2 weeks delivery via mail, has all you need, not high quality, but works for me. Just search ebay watch area watch tools and it should come up. Hope that helps.

I have that strap for my P127 and it really looks good, and hefty. For the price you can't beat it. Bob (Waccexx) have lots of nice inexpensive straps. I have also acquired some straps from members including member cheff1983. http://www.rwg.cc/members/cheff1983-m19433.html Follow his link to Picasa, he has some really nice designs/leathers. And if you want to walk a little on the wild side check out http://hamiltonleatherwatchstraps.blogspot...p;max-results=6 He is selling some very original straps for under USD 100 plus 20% off for a period of time (see Wild and T Rex for example) You can't just buy one, though, physically impossible!

OK You have satisfied me that it was a fair trade with reasonable disclosure. I wonder if the next owner of that watch will have the same benefit of open disclosure, or will be become a sacrifice to "buyer beware". BTW, I have a gen TT Blue Sub, and I have been thinking of putting it on a blue croc strap, now I am convinced!

I bought something similar to your first option, a kit with many useful tools, for about $10 including shipping from ebay from a Hong Kong company. Arrived about 2 weeks later, very useful if you know how to use the various tools, especially the spring bar tool, but really all of them, and for so little money. there are more expensive tools, eg Bergeron, but for a beginner, this does the trick. Even includes a case back remover tool and special pin pushers for the bracelet. Word of advice though on the PO links, can be tricky as they are pins that interlock. I took my PO to a watch repair guy who removed the links and sized it for $5 buck. However, I removed a second link myself with these tools. Good luck!

Nice welcome, Dimenjj, Que tal, hombre! I would like to add that you should explore the wonderful options available to you through trusted dealers, and member selling their well cared for pieces via this forum. I started out buying from a couple of dealser, Josh, to name one, and yes they are wonderfully new, but QC issues can arise, and when you buy from a trusted member, you can expect the watch to be in good working order. So educate yourself on the Pam's, IWC's, Rollies, UN's, Tag's, Omegas, and on and on. There are good opinions on most reps here. First comes watch, then comes love, then come a whole lotta baby watches and straps to match!

It's a fun story, but a bit risky telling all on a public forum incase Mr. Jeweller cases watch forums. Won't he feel a little cheated? Or is it buyer beware!

Yes for USD 9.99 including shipping a whole range of goodies for watch strap and caseback adjustments. Best money spent so far.

I have a Pam 231 and it is a real looker. Cost around $180, and with a croc strap is beeuteeful.

I have the blue/"silver" one from Josh, and it is definitely white, compared to the silver gen I examined at an AD. Maybe there has been a change since Mar 09.

Panatime.com has screw and push pins for all sizes of Pannies, and great straps for great prices as well.

That will get him drooling. Mostly see your unique wrist adorning IWC, good to see you have a variety of tastes, and welcoming newcomers.