Richard Tracy

This is an old subject that pops up every few months as a hope, that is long as a rope without an end. Some of the smaller dealers can and do 'handle' every watch, however only TTK 'inspects' each one. However there is a drawback from smaller dealers and that is 'Selection', especially to some new releases. For a mega dealer in order for him or her to remain profitable, to hand inspect would be impossible. As their system for the 'majority' of their transactions is to order direct from the manufacturer or wholesaler, and have the watches shipped direct to the customer, which saves time, extra delivery risks, postage ect,.. The advantage is usually, if the dealer is honest, Price, Variety and Quick delivery. Now we throw a few random problems into the mix and the whole picture gets fuzzy again... 1. Your dealer may not have the same vision as you. In other words, you may see an alignment or QC problem that they don't. 2. Internal problems may occur during shipping, or manufacturer such as moisture, dropping, ect, that may not show up until you receive your watch. 3. A dealer may claim to inspect, however only told his shipper to take a closer look. 4. Your dealer may have a relationship with a few members and thus will hand pick a few watches but in reality does not have the time or money to perform this service for everyone. 5. Your dealer may reside in Canada, or Europe or some other locale way out of the factory country and therefore would have to risk extra customs problems and much higher shipping fees to accommodate your request. 6. Your dealer may be a better salesman or photographer than some of his products. In the end,.. it's your decision, and totally depends upon your buying style and expectations, but know that you will never get all your needs met in one package, every time. For me, having purchased over one hundred pieces, I have found that price, combined with quick and honest excellent after delivery service, works for me.

I would also use caution regarding buffing, if you have brushed metal surfaces or combos between polished, unless you know exactly what you are doing...

Couldn't miss with any of those... Especially partial to VC or Patek !

I know this may sound impossible, but I have learned to protect my watches through force of habit, born from concerted concentration. I never type with my watch on for one, and two, never rest my arm on my watch, but on my palm, unless I have a soft surface,...and three, whenever I reach into cabinets or drawers, I do so carefully,.. recalling the two bezel pearls I have lost over the years... and crystal scratches I have had to labor hours over to polish out. A few days of concentration creates habit....

Not bad, however I would much prefer to see Grey, Dark Blue, or Black with either Blue or white stitch...

Excellent Review ! Thanks for taking the time !

Hmmm,...Maybe the price will start to drop now that it's become available to the open market. I have one on hold from earlier, but this is such a beautuful piece that I want The Zigmeister to make sure it will last, so I may give up my hold, wait for a spell, and hope the price goes down to a friendlier level..

My response exactly,... Afghanistan ? I thought they only sold replica armaments..

It's all in your perspective,... I personally see this board exploding in help and growth.

Ditto ! That watch was the most handsome watch I have owned. More like a companion than a watch actually.

Hate to disagree Teddy,.. the price between cheap Chinese movements being sold as Eta, is as bad as any off site dealer's three card monte scam... Thievery is thievery and makes it all the worse when done to a group that has been supporting them, from day one,..and gave them their base to spring into the big time..

Ditto ! Too bad prices can't be held in check...

I understand Pugwash,..and my post was not pointed at you, though it would seem so.. As to what can be done,.. In my opinion, {though I know it will never happen..} under the circumstances it would not be unfair to banish some of them from the forum, period, placing in the place of their forums, the reasons for the action. Why I say some of them, is it seems that one or two of the dealers seemed not to be fully involved or have other compensating factors and have at least taken to time to respond to us, while others or should I say other, has simply ignored us in his arrogance, just because he may have the best put together web-site, connections to variety and fan base that it seems has not be dimished one bit, like a thief with a high priced lawyer.

Sad but true, as it seems that many people read only what they wanted to, which would allow them to continue doing business as usual with their favorite dealer, despite the hit to the community at large. Though personally, I think the term 'Little White Lies' is part of the problem. For instance, the major lie of calling cheap Chinese movements, ETA, and selling them priced as ETA, is plain Thievery, nothing 'little' about the lie or the practice.

Don't forget the Timex Marathon !!

For me the importance is in the exploration, and have owned way over one hundred pieces in the quest to find me.. If I would have kept every single watch, the money would have added up to over $26,000, 19,233 Eur or 13,115 GBP by this time. However by trading, and selling, was able to keep that figure down to less than $6000 while tasting many styles, sizes, finishes, bands, ect. ect.... which enabled me to locate watches and brands that fit me exactly & personally, for my life, and esthetic point of view. It's been a very exotic journey, and one that I would not trade for anything, though I may have come pretty close to the end of the road, thus my purchases are much more particular...

Looks great, though, on another subject..the wings are out of alignment again.....

$ 55k ? Sure no problem.. I'll mail it first thing monday..via- Joe-mail...

Hey bro,... don't feel guilty,.. Your girlfriend could be competing with far worse.... like crack.. or cracks.. for instance.. Better find a good hiding place however..

I knew that was too much, to be true Ubi,.. the world is small, but not so small as that...

You are probably going to have to wait for few hours to get an answer, it being only 6am in Auzzie Land...

Handsome group shot ! I think I will select the BCE,.. Send it by courrier if you don't mind !

Thanks for posting. How is the aligment of the 12 oclock markers ? The one George posted at TRC had serious problems in all the markers...

QC, depending upon the models... seems mostly R*lex with crooked markers.. Have very few problems with time keeping and movements with over 100 watches 80% + Asian. However my biggest complaint,... is that I can't afford to buy as many as I want ...

Can I ask you why ? After all, the watch is not a vintage model, and even if it were, who says that a leather strap needs to match the age of a watch ? Personally I would replace such a strap way before it got to that condition.