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

So, i chose the "less" accurate rep, cause i enjoy it.

if, i enjoy the thicker crown - accurate or not- it makes for a better rep "for me"

I accept your opinion. but I doubt it's the opinion of the majority, and certainly not mine.

It's not difficult to find post after post, of people complaining about the the 'accuracy' of reps. I agree that it's extremely unlikely the 'perfect' replica will ever be produced, but I think it's a fair assumption that most on this and other 'Replica' forums, whether fans of Panerai Rolex or whatever, would prefer to have a 99.5% accurate instrument on their wrist than a 96% one.

Surely, if you are going to the trouble and expense of having parts made to replace innacurate ones, the point of the exercise is to make them 'more' accurate. and therefore take another step towards that elusive perfection. It really is a pointless exercise if you simply remove a flaw to add another.

I speak from having nearly 30 yrs experience in Design and Manufacturing and have never allowed the word 'cant' to exist in my vocabulary, if it's been done, it can be done again, only better this time.

I assume your penchant for 'odd' bits on your Panaerai's only runs to reps, or would you prefer to see 'Parts Bin Specials' coming from 'the' factory as well..? Oh well, everybody to their own..I suppose.

Rob

I like v's better -

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

I like v's better -

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

I will tell everything.... just be patient a bit

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

I had heard that the new 6497 G series had the correct cannion pinion height but i am not sure........So if that is correct, you can just order a pam127G and you will not have the cannon pinion problem, Right?...If thats the case, what other mods if any would make it "perfect" or as close to as possible?...,,,Thanks,Wan

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

I had a metta strap last year, it was a nice strap, but not as nicely made as the ones pictured above, and it didn't have the checkered pattern.

The smell of this leather is amazing! Very strong some here may not like that (lol), but I thought it was wonderful... Sort of equates to the smell of a great cigar, but different.

I will definitely get a few of these, but would want to have Aaron make it for me because I have a buckle comning to sew it in.

These straps would look great on a PreV/PreA PVD watch!!!

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

I really, really like these, but they're way out of my price range.

... and then I see that there are 6"x4" pieces available for 25 quid. I wonder if that's enough for a strap ...

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

Unusual... sure. Of historical interest... perhaps. Hardwearing and waterproof... probably.

But I really hate that diamond pattern. So ugly.

Each to his own - but I wouldn't have a strap made of this stuff as a gift.

[/quote

Hi, As the maker of these straps I thought I'd throw in my 10 pennies worth! at the last post, I'm sorry you find the 'diamond pattern' objectionable or 'ugly' I can also find numerous people who say the same, or worse about Panerai watches! Beauty in the eye of, and all that I suppose. However many more people see great beauty in this leather, it varies enormously and has great character, unlike any modern leathers. Every hide I've had has been different, each with it's own colour, texture and grain. Also unlike modern leather the Russia leather went through a complicated process which took around 18-24months to complete. And dont forget with one of these on your wrist, your own something which was on the High Seas at the same time as HMS Victory and Nelson. So if it's just the diamond pattern that offends you, dont worry, because if you take a close look at the photo of samples, you should see that it doesn't all have it, some of it just has it's own beautiful natural grain, there is more than enough variety in this leather to suit anyone, almost!

All The Best

Rob