jeff g

'Frankenmeister', there is a nice ring to that one R. Could be the new you. Another beautiful job.. You are definitely.... THE man.

In spite of having made lifelong friends here over the years, I too find myself ........d........r.....i.....f....f....t.....i....n......................g....... Forgotten but not quite gone.

Having the dough to by gens only, would be a waste of time. Too many options. Reps do allow you to test drive what SEEMS to work for you. What I have found is that there aren't really all that many choices, utlimately. I love watches, but, NOT all of them. Figuring out what you like is key. Rep or Gen. There are really only a special few... like... AP Royal Oak...PP Nautilus/Aquanaut...Rolli Sub/...Omega Seamaster, etc. But thats just me.

I bought Apple at 14.00 per share. My first watch was a Cartier Tank American. (36mm) My last favorite rep purchase was BSOH - 45mm. Things change. Classics just get older. By-Tors shot of the older SS SeaMaster, reminds me so much of the PP Nautilus. Classics just get older. They, we, are all good. Things (we) change. Nice thread.

This entire community wishes you all the best. We are with you on this journey. The best to you and the family.

I am afraid the issue IS NOT in the hands of the consumer. Just another reason, as Freddy stated, for the growth of the rep industry. Frankens ARE the wave of the future. However, the costs of the gen parts to build these watches is becoming more and problematic. The cost of these parts, as well as their availabilty continues to be a major issue. Gens will continue to escalate in cost, as well as the cost of maintaining them over time. The same thing is true for the best reps as well.

I am a big time Omega fan. Wearing a dive watch is an indication that one dives. I own two rep Seamasters. When I dive I wear my Black Monster. It would be really nice if the rep PloProf was waterproof, regardless of how close it looked compared to the gen. But that is just me.

For what its worth.. I paid retail at about 500.00 here in US.for my IPad. I love my IPad, just like I love my Mac Book, and just like I love my I phone. But that's just me of course.

You know Freddy, over on the gen Rolex forum, they would call you names. However, I have to agree with an earlier assessment, and agree that Rock Star comes fairly close to describing your dedication and abilities. Thanks for this. Keep on keepin on dude.

Like most others posting on this thread, I too feel as though this Forum is my home. I am here daily, reading thru a variety of threads. That being said, I also feel that I am posting much less than I did 3 or 4 years ago, mostly because I feel as though i have less to offer than many of the serious collectors, and modders that frequent this place. Additionally I must say that I have less money to spend on reps than I did 4 or 5 years ago. The cost of a premium rep is much higher than it used to be, and the cost to mod is way off the charts. The true Dr. Frankenstein's that have the expertise to mod their own pieces have a great advantage over mullets like me that have to spend hundreds with Dr. Z or others, with the want and ability to turn the run of the mill rep into a thing of beauty. Along the same lines, I find that I have less and less want in ordering new reps. Quality not quantity is now the rule, where as in the early years, I bought everything that came down the pike in an effort to try and discover what I REALLY liked...what I really needed. In the past two years I have bought only 3 watches, two of which were worthless. However I am always hoping to find that special deal for that special watch. Whatever that might be. I hang around here mostly because I am constantly amazed by the people that contribute to this forum, their genius, combined knowledge, and my love for beautiful watches. Although I don't have as much to contribute as they, I most likely will be a member for life.

BEAUTIFUL combo Gran. The strap is very very nice. Ever notice how a perfect strap can MAKE a watch? Nice taste m'man. How about a nice wrist shot with cuff and jacket.

It is GREAT to see you back posting Robbie. There were quite a few times I wondered about your health issues. Hope that they are resolving themselves. Health is the most important part of the equation. Many of us missed your fantastic collection and wrist shots. Keep on keepin on. Look forward to your upcoming posts.

Felt lined - hard cover - snap hinged - Armani eyeglass case. Holds two watches easily, wrapped in soft cloth eyeglass wipe. Used this method for years, the hard cover hinged case works really well. On the other hand some of the custom cases shown here are very nice, especially the Orbita.

MESH!!!!!! So far just three votes, but all three for mesh. Nice piece.

Old guys have no current fashion sense. Shirt tails are meant to be tucked in to ones trousers. After dinner or before bed, untuck and relax. I guess relaxation has taken the place of proprietory.

Patek Phillipe would be a good investment.

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. Thanks.

Nice photos of a fabulous watch. I too own an Aquanaut, and I love the size. IMO it is close to the perfect watch for daily wear. Super comfortable and light weight. A Genta design, and classic looks. Wear it well.

Agree with Ubi...Beauty in the eye of the beholder. THIS watch will always be a classic look, no matter what. Just ask me.

Incredible...Inspirational. You are a true craftsman in every sense of the word. Thanks for the beautiful photos, and exceptional work.

Still one of my grail pieces. Wear it well.

Oldie but goodie. My all time fave...MBW/MBK Nautilus.

Nice job. Beautiful pearl as well. One of the true 'Grail' watches of the last 10 years. Keep up the good work.

Man oh man, there sure are a lot of Rolli's in this thread. Not for me, I guess. My keepers are pretty varied. Top three: My Ziggified MBW PP Nautilus (IMO, Best non modded rep ever) My Ziggiefied EL V1 #1 IWC Pilot Chrono And my ChinaTown TW best 2254.50 Seamaster Pro w/ gen rubber strap and deployment These three reps are as good as they get, IMO. Some might disagree. But who cares what 'They' say. The main reason I collect beautiful watches is because of pieces like these. I once had over 40 reps. I am now down to 13. 3 fewer, to go, and I will be done. A few of the great masters on this forum have often repeated the mantra, "Quality not Quantity". I hope to get there one day. Here are few others I still like as well. Nice thread Ubi. It is all about the 'Love'.

I promise I will try and do better next time. Or not.