maxquillen

Not trying to hijack this thread, but I'd like some clarification. Is it safe to assume the 42mm PO, Asian movement that I just got from Narikaa in November is 4th generation? I like the watch, and for the money I don't mind that it's not right on with the gen. One of the weaknesses that I've noticed is the crown and crown tube. Will this accept a gen crown/crown tube, or are we referring just to the ETA 2824 versions of the watch. I expect to get a reasonable life out of the movement, but when and if it does fail, is it easiest just to replace with another Asian movement or is it possible to change to an ETA movement, which would probably require a different handset. I'm trying to understand which modding applies to which version of the 42mm PO.

Ronin, that is a sweet Bond homage. I agree with your take on the MkII's, modded Seikos, too, and they aren't too common. One of the problems with buying a more common branded homage(Debaufre, Invicta, etc), is that it shouts that you love the real deal, but couldn't afford it (even if you could). I could spend about as much for a Debaufre as a super rep, and it's just a Debaufre, whereas the super rep does have an inherent uniqueness to it. I'd rather have a sterile homage than a Debaufre or an Invicta, though they are not bad products (I hope no one flames me for saying that). Interestingly, my daily beater is a Casio AMW 3200, analog digital faux diver--cheap, accurate, decent water resistance, dual time, stopwatch, rotating bezel, and I don't have to worry about it. It is what it is and I love the funtionality. So there must be something going on other than just snob appeal, but I have to admit I'm looking forward to my super sub rep, and I love my Narikaa PO, too.

I agree about the sterile homages. There are so many nice watches being done. Eddie Platts' Speedbird III, homage to the IWC Mark XV. Orange Watch's Rollie sub homages. It is a great time to be playing with watches. Some of these watches can get pricey, but not much different than a super rep. And their chain of supply is a little more reliable and process control more consistent. The interesting part is, most of your friends that aren't into watches won't have a clue why you like it. There will generally be no oohs and ahs. On the other hand that Rollie or Panerai will get noticed by even the dumbest of your friends, well maybe not the Pan.

Wow. Glad to see that some of the analytical watch gurus also analyze their shaving methods--it must be that desire to optimize and analyze everything. I've tried electric shavers (for months at a time) but I've never felt like I was really clean shaven. I do think that of the electrics the Braun is probably the best overall. I like the Gillette Fusion blades but I don't much like the price. I use them with Edge gel or Noxema foam for sensitive skin. One thing I've noticed is that I can extend blade life by a couple shaves if I dry the blades off after shaving--just a shake, and a horizontal wipe or two with the towel on all the blades. Gilette advises not to dry, but I think that this cuts down on the edge corrosion. OK, now who wants pull out a microscope and verify edge corrosion of dried vs undried blades?

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. And yes, maxman, the sliders at the "Castle" great. I'm lucky(??) that I've got one about 5 minutes from me...doh. The '71 TA was a very sweet car. I just ordered a rep to see what $125 will buy. To be honest I'm a bit nervous but I've always liked the Omega PO, and Narikaa seems to be well recommended (already got the tracking #, great service so far). I'm hoping it will be a decent watch for a daily wearer. I'm planning on dropping some bigger bucks on BK's LV--I've been put on the wait list. That's the reason I didn't get a higher end Omega rep--someone has one with an ETA 2824-2 IIRC. I can see how this hobby could get out of hand real fast. The beauty of watches as opposed to cars is that they're easier to store, the incremental pricing is much lower, and I can hide them from my wife, lol. I'm looking for some watch tools and want to acquire a bit more knowledge before I tear into my gen Breitling Chrono Sirius, but the old duct tape trick worked like a charm on my Casio diver. I'm surprised at the pricing on the Swiss tools--I think I'll stick to the Indian and Chinese made tools for now. I think this site, and what I assume are its sister sites, are great. I'll try not to ask too many stupid questions. Thanks again. MaxQ

I've been lurking here for a few days and I'm amazed at the tremendous body of horologic knowledge this site offers. I've been interested in watches for years but have never had the time to learn how to properly work on them, devoting most of my free time to cars and some racing. I've restored quite a few cars, specifically a '66, '67, and '68 Shelby Mustang, and a few Triumps and Fiats. I liken an ETA 2824-2 movement to a small block Chevy engine, the go-to engine for rodders and customizers. The older I get the fewer cars I'm interested in working on and my knees and back have grown tired. As I've begun tinkering with watches, however, I realize my eyes have grown tired too--need a stronger loupe. I'm in the Columbus, Ohio area for anyone interested. Professionally I used to be in purchasing management for a major Japanese auto manufacturer, and most recently I've sold a restaurant.