redwatch

First off, welcome The 16610 has been the current submariner for quite sometime. It has been replaced with a ceramic model that has a ceramic insert on the bezel and very large crown guards. BK offers both. The Ceramic model comes from what is known as the noob factory (they are called that because when they first came out, they were producing some pretty decent reps compared to the other factorys in China and since they were the new kids on the block they became known as the noob factory). The TW Sub is BK's current offering for a 16610. Not sure what TW stands for, but I don't think it's Taiwan. Just another name for another factory in China. BK also used to offer up a sub by another factory/person called WM9 which the v2 version was deemed one of the best options out there. It is no longer available and has become highly coveted here. You will see one pop up for sale every now and then, but they are fetching quite a bit of money these days due to their rarity. Bottom line is, I'd keep researching for a bit, but in my opinion, the BK TW Sub is the best option if you are looking for one right away (even though it will still take several weeks to get one)

Some new stickys might be valuable. There is a huge amount of info on good reps thanks to By-Tors posts on Omega, Rolex & Breitling. Perhaps we need some of the super PAM experts here to put together something similar. A go to thread that contains lots of info. Who is LH? Who is DSN? Who is FGD (not FDG )? What the heck is a T crown and who is T? What is a sausage dial, and wouldn't that smell funny after a while? A guide to the different PAM options. What is Pre-Vendome and why is it significant? I think a new sticky is the first great option here Pete to help revitalize the PAM section. Perhaps some of the veterans would care to contribute to this new, extravagant PAM tell all thread? Perhaps some of the modders could outline some easy to do mods to take your OTB PAM to the next level? A RWG Guide to Panerai perhaps? Or maybe several guides broken down into things like Historic, Pre-V, Base, Radiomir, etc?

Wow that looks pretty good on the bracelet! I like the two tone look of the dial.

Love the older subs with lugholes! Great find!!!

Agreed. That is not your responsibility at all. The fact that you received incorrect shipping information is unacceptable. Plus, add to that the fact that you paid additional money for EMS, but did not get EMS as a shipment option. I am seeing this more and more lately and it is getting a little out of hand. I hope Angus cleans this mess up very soon.

The first issue you will have is that the 2824 datewheel will need an overlay for the rolex dial. I am not 100% certain, but I believe that the dial size & spacing is a little different between the 21J and the ETA one (but don't quote me on that - I could be completely wrong there). All I know for sure is you definitely need a different date wheel to work with that dial. As for a modder, Domi is in your neck of the woods and might be a good person to reach out to. I think he goes by the member name Bricciola

Congrats! Does it have lugholes in the case?

I think in spite of the "perceived" negatives that it is a fantastic watch to wear! The aging job is top notch in my opinion! And that jubilee bracelet is just excellent! I love the GMT on a jubilee. Nice choice! Looking good

Always a classic go to watch, and that one looks especially great! Any more details on the watch?

These are really starting to grow on me a lot these days! I may have to delve into the world of Chopard soon Great looking watch and some great pics too!

You bring up some good points here Mike, and I think you are correct. It is up to us to nurture the noobs and encourage them/applaud them for their purchases. I loved it when I would post my first rep, or my first whatever and then wait anxiously for people to comment on it. Of course, things have changed for me in the past few years, and I know I enjoy posting just for fun, or to share some new tools or new watch. I don't have that need for forum approval that I had early on. There is one thing that i will disagree with you on. Your comment about "pride of ownership". I don't build my frankens for pride of ownership at all. I build them to see if I can. As Watchmeister said "its about the journey". The endless searching for that one magic part, or the waiting for the guru watch modder to deliver your serviced movement after a long, long wait. The getting that perfect bezel only to find out it doesn't fit your so-called "perfect" case. The endless battle to complete the watch is the part that I LOVE about this hobby! I feel like I have finally conquered the impossible and I can sit back and revel in my masterpiece that now adorns my wrist (at least for a few days until the bug hits me and I need to build something else ) I guess in answer to Pete's original comment, this hobby is approached differently by each individual but in the end, we all share one commonality: our love of horology/watches. And that is why we are ALL here.

Only reason people are getting excited about the new PAM reps is because that is what is being shared currently. If more people shared about their current projects/completed projects, then perhaps more people would be getting excited about that as well. Only way for the noob's to get excited is to see what is possible. I would have never built my Tudor if it hadn't been for that post Ubi put up about building a Franken Tudor for Lanikai.

Wow I forgot about this one Thanks for the kind words everyone!

Love the Big Roses Stunning!!!!

Moved to the Panerai Area

Things have changed to a degree, but I think that the modders are all still here. Even though my new 112m is good OTB, I am still looking at how to improve it. Plus I have a 205a project on the go that is taking a lot of effort and time to put together. For me it is all about the building phase. I get way more enjoyment out of it. The 112m helped me in the sense that when I F'd up my 112h, I at least had something decent to wear in the meantime, but it doesn't mean I have given up on my 112h. The one thing I wish I could find is a decent H series caseback (without the typical serial number always found on them - and the correct OP number on it). Honestly, things have changed a little bit, but I don't think they've changed as much as you think. When I first joined there were still A LOT of noob's and members just looking for the cheapest bang for their buck and once they found it they were gone. The hard core modders are just a different breed and there just isn't that many of us around. In fact, I seem to remember some of the veterans posting something similar to this post back in '09. Something along the lines of: WTF's up with some of these noobs?

I would have bought the BTR or the Hexagon GMT over the Panda dial anyways. The rep of the Panda is way too good (even though it's impossible to get now). The GMT is gorgeous!

I know!!! I was dying to buy one, but just spent my funds on some clothes

I was shocked to see this, but the Movado Company Outlet store in Cabazon, CA has an insane sale on right now. I was just there yesterday and this was some of the offerings: Ebel 1911 BTR - SS w/Black Dial & Red Hands & SS Bracelet Sale Price: $1,905.00 Ebel 1911 Discovery Panda Dial Sale Price: $1,445.00 Ebel Hexagon Dual Time w/Black Leather Strap & Deployant Sale Price: $1,100

Nice!!! Lookin' Good Mr Dome man!!!

Not a huge fan, but I do like some And soon to be: And further down the road

That is fantastic! Such a beautiful tone on that blue dial! Your girlfriend will be quite pleased with it, I am sure

I think I'll go with my JMB 14060 today as well

Looking good Nanuq!!!!

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?