Rob

They just keep on coming....... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/panerai-00111-scatol...1QQcmdZViewItem

I wonder if the bidder is genuine, or is he just getting the ball rolling? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Panerai-Luminor-Mari...1QQcmdZViewItem

Quote 'anyway - i just like big beefy watches- and i think a nice thick crown compliments a big beefy watch. in fact, i should put some beef on the watch, that would be cool' I totally understand where you are coming from, and think I now see where the confusion lies. A similar situation exists in another pastime of mine, the restoration of Classic Motorcycles. Because of the desirability of certain Classic Bikes and their obvious scarcity, Many people strive to create 'Replicas' (from the EnglishDictionary 'Exact Copy of...' or duplicate') of their favourite motorcycle. ie: a machine which is idistinguishable from the genuine article. And contrary to your previous statement 'there is no such thing as a perfect rep' This can be and is achieved. Case in point, my own BSA Rocket Goldstar, which is an 'Exact' Copy or 'Replica' (photos on request) And there is no reason why somewhere down the line a 99.9% 'Replica Panerai cannot become a reality. The similarity to this case is that some restorers, like you prefer to do their 'own thing' and create a machine which is pleasing to themselves. It can never be called a 'Replica' because it departs from the specification of the original. These are called 'Specials' If it's an honest attempt to recreate the original as closely as you can, then I think you can call it a 'replica' If however you prefer to change the original spec, to suit your preferences it's no longer a 'replica' it's a 'parts bin special' or a 'Phoband Special' or a 'Bitsa'. or whatever. Getting back to my point, If someone goes to the trouble of having Replacement parts made, to make any commercial sense, presumably they would be trying for a 'perfect' or close as possible copy. which would then appeal to the majority and make the project worthwhile, and not something which simply looks 'cool' and only appeals to the minority of 'modders'. By the way, I to am awaiting a palp crown, which appears to be the most accurate one available for the forseeable future. Happy modding Rob

Just noticed I spelt Davidsen with an o (Davidson) my apologies! D Anyway here is a pic of his crowns, similar coarse knurling to V's project. I'm sure one of the fonts of knowledge will be able to tell us how many teeth it has less than the genuine crown. I just don't see the point of replacing an innacurate part with another innacurate part..!! Rob

What, better than the Original.....????

Hi V Looks good but possibly the knurling is a bit on the coarse side, looks like Davidson's. have a look at the following 2 pics, see what you think. 1st is genuine, 2nd is yours. Rob

Hi, if you are referring to the 6497-1, which is currently being discussed at great length with regard to a problem with the hairspring touching the balance [censored], I have just received a 183G with this 'rogue' movement from Joshua, and the pinion is not flush. (see pic) However, Finepics has suggested that the problem possibly lies with the hands and not the pinion, and this can be rectified. Incidentally, the movement itself is working fine, and bearing in mind that I am no watchmaker, the hairspring appears to be lying parallel, and looks as if it's mounted correctly in the hairspring stud, for the moment! It will be interesting to see what happens, but hopefully it won't develop the same symptoms as the others.

Hi, I dont know if i'm correct or if I should be posting this here, as I'm fairly new to the Forum. However it looks to me as though someone is about to spend a lot of money on a Rep, 30 bids has taken what looks to me to be a replica Pam111, to £860... with 1 day to go. on Ebay. Perhaps someone with a bit more knowledge could take a look and confirm my suspicions or tell me I'm mistaken!! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...A%3AIT&rd=1 Rob

Hi, That's no problem, I can make a strap for you using your own Buckle. Drop me an email and we can talk. Rob

Hi, just a quick reply regarding the 6x4 pieces, I'm afraid that info on the site is way out of date, as is the site, I am having a new one made now, and as Mark mentioned in his Introduction piece, I no longer sell the leather. Rob