dec

What do we think guys? Gen or not?

I bet most of these guys have no idea that folks they would consider scum-of-the-Earth fake-fanatics are helping keeping them safe from inadvertently buying reps themselves...

Keep taking the pills, dude...

This all reminds me of the classic saying , "Is this a private fight, or can anyone join in?"

I like the band and case, but overall I think there's too much going on... For my tastes I'd swap out the dial for something less busy. Easily done.

I have noticed skeletonized 6497/8 that seem to use a transparent dial...

for example

I have 6.25 inch wrists, and my advice is go with a leather strap if you are in doubt. The metal bands make anything look bigger.

For years I wouldn't go bigger than a Datejust, but with the current big watch style I have become comfortable with a 40mm Sub and GMT2. On a leather band though I max out with several 42mm watches. 44mm PAMs look comical on me, IMHO.

Also it depends on the dial/bezel design which can affect the apparent size.

It's fairly close, but the overall sharpness isn't there. The middle bump on the end link lacks the sharp edges of the genuine. The lug-end screws are awful. There is roughness evident where the crystal seats into the case.

It would be improved if you ditched the stainless band and attached a genuine leather one, but the style of the stainless band is half the attraction of that watch for me...

Are you talking about the bezel ring or the bezel insert?

No worries. I've worked it out...

I'm buying a replacement.

Is there anything out there that is correct that will fit?

I don't have any calipers, so I can't take any internal diameter measurements...

Nice. I don't normally like the Graham dials, but I'd go for that one!

Excellent. My only guide so far has been "eta logo or not"...

Think of the genuine watch he could have bought for $900!

I guess it's a keeper then! Damn. I was hoping you'd tire of it quickly and pass it to me for a low-ball figure...

Wear it well! I'll keep a look out for it next time I'm in Melbourne. Come to think of it I can see exactly where to find it. You might want to edit that photo...

SAAB convertible. The only car I've ever lusted after like I do for watches... (with the exception of 1953 Cadillac Eldorado which is not really a practical daily beater!)

Congratulations Rob, I think this is the coolest thing I've read in ages. I'm not a Panny owner so I generally don't follow the strap threads. I'd want a desk set though, not an item with a limited life like a strap.

I'm about to do the TZ course, and while I'm happy to have a crack at a 6497 I don't care too much about, The Zigmeister's pics always convince me I have no future hunched over a Valjoux anything!

The pre-Daytona is a lovely watch, but on this one there are many flaws. All the hands are wrong. The dial markers should be shaped like arrow heads. There should be another ring of little minute numbers... and so on. Most importantly, on the genuine article the chrono pushers are asymmetric.

Yes, that ring says class. Lower class...

I like them all. So would my wife .. I hope she doesn't look over my shoulder at this point!

This is one of my favourite unusual designs...

Looks great on you! What is your wrist size, if you don't mind me asking?

For those of you with these sorts of items on your wrist or in your home, it's a good idea to have a premium contents insurance policy that covers accidental damage. They cost a lot more, but in my case certainly paid for itself when I gashed my favourite watch against a brick wall when opening the car door...

Only the one .. genuine Longines from 1905.

The Radiomir style case appealed to me, as did the sideways dial and ornate hands.

It's 36mm without crown though, so definately a dress watch.

How do you feel about a 2836 modified for GMT?

And a crown replacement..

And a ...

Jeez I can think of lots of posibilities!