RobbieG

Yup. What Freddy said. +1...

I think I speak for all the members when I say you put the "C" in contribution Toad. If there was an award for MVP for 2008 the list would be a short one and you would be at the top of it. I have been inspired by this and time permitting I intend to take the next step with that myself and try and do some more meaningful stuff in 09'. I think for many of us (myself included) the first big step is just to try and participate. That is take and post more photos, keep up with the wristchecks, etc. Once you have done that the next logical step is to do stuff on the order of what you have done - so hats off to you. It is certainly a goal for all of us to give to the community as much as a Toad or a Lani or a Bytor. Bravo.

These were all done with a Nikon pocket point and shoot camera which I use for a lot of watch stuff these days. The key is diffused natural light, a tripod and using the auto timer for no shutter shake. The camera was just set to the basic macro setting. In post I load them into PS and just do general level and color correction - mostly with auto settings. I do take some time cleaning up dust and prints with the clone stamp tool and I take great care to clean them very well and try and shoot them when they are fairly new. I have never used a lightbox in any watch pics I have done. I guess I just wanted to try something different than what everyone else was doing. One day I would like to try that route if I have the inclination, but in the meantime I always seem to find nice natural light so I guess I'm kind of drawn to the realism of that...

Well, it isn't all that different than any other 1:1 rep assuming they build it that way and deconstruct it correctly as they did with the Steelfish, Big Bang, etc. Fit and finish will be a tall order as that is off the charts on the gen. It will never feel as good probably, but it should be pretty close. Movement wise i would think the Seagull 2892 clone (the base movement is an ETA 2892 in the gen) should do it. Just need the power reserve module and it should be good to go. We shall see though. You never know which ones they are gonna nail and which they are gonna dog their brains out on...

Yeah, they are an old time Swiss brand with a rich history going back to the 1800's. They were best known back then for making big brass marine chronometers for merchant and military ships. Of special interest is that at that time they were so popular that only two nations didn't use them - The US and Japan. Japan use chronometers made by a very early verison of Seiko and the US was sued by UN for stealing the patent design and reverse engineering it. They made their own in house as one off's and denied the whole thing. UN never won the suit. Anyway, the quality id mind bending. They make really, really great stuff and some of the most amazing horological innovations of the 20th century belong to them. I encourage all that are not familiar to read up on the brand and its innovations. Fascinating stuff for any watch lover.

Me too. They forgot to take me off the list and so I get to read all that hate mail too. My fans. My adoring fans. I'm thinking of moving to Southeast Asia and changing my name to Neil...

I assume you saw my last Bin thread? Now you know why to look out for me. I'm harmless, but more than a little nuts

Exactly, but this is all about position LOS. I feel like you are the one to make assumptions about me first and I'm just reacting to it. I think alot of people do on these boards and I'm aware that a draw some of it on purpose but not all of it. I'm always surprised at the end of the day when someone is left thinking I really am some kind of complete ass and not just a minor one. And I don't dislike you either. I dislike that you seem to dislike me and so I draw attention to it in the hopes you will see how silly it is to presume to know me based on some playful stuff I have posted. And you are right we both have made assumptions about each other and I'm trying to point out how silly that is. I'm really not the loud mouthed jerk that I'm portraying. My tongue is firmly in cheek as I over exagerate the obvious on purpose. Yeah, we are all assh*les when we get right down to it, but of what people know of me common sense tells the truth. My passion and willingness to help others and contribute as I know you certainly have is the real window into a person's character and that I suppose was the whole point of this thread other than entertainment. None of us should be too quick to judge or encapsulate another because of some shallow perception based on a mans opinions, or what he drives, or how he goes about telling you it. Nuf said about that. And I'm really not talking to hear my head roar when I say we can all learn from stuff like this. Honestly. And I know you and I would be friends because I would be friends with anyone here. It is just my nature. What I don't print mostly because it isn't funny is that I would give any of you the shirt off my back and a ride home and my last blanket in a snowstorm without a second thought and I am fiercely loyal to all those in my circle. That is the real truth. The rest of what you read is either fiction or it should be if that makes sense. Of no consequence. I'm a guy that thinks 99% of what life brings is bullsh*t and to that end I feel most words are lost in translation anyway. But I would agree that my sense of humor is twisted enough to go way beyond where I should just to get a rise out of someone. But I don't do that in real life too much. In any case I appreciate your candor and I'll try not to break your b*lls too much anymore if you won't break mine...

Um...yeah, they do. We all do. Every regular poster I know has posted pics of their favorite watches hundreds of times. You still haven't quite made your point and told us what the distinction is. Both the guys you mentioned have way more threads showing their watches than I will ever have. But I think you just hit the nail on the head Berg, the distinction is my threads irritate you because they are genuine watches. Same old story. But you are just a kid so what could you possibly know anyway. We all were at one time. And yes, I do forgive you...

Update. I just heard from a source in China (well actually he is here, but asked someone in China...) that there may be a factory repping this watch after all. Maybe someone can ask a dealer or two via email right now if you think of it? I had heard elsewhere that there is another one in the pipeline, but just not this one. Maybe we will have two then? I'm sure many would be happy if that were the case - except Iceberg who admitted in another thread that he thinks my MMD is ugly. We are all entitled to our opinions but that is certainly the first time I have ever heard that word decribing any UN Diver. Not everyones favorite no doubt, but ugly? Oh well. To each his own. Anyway, the rest of you keep your fingers crossed. Mine are crossed that they will maybe do some different dial colors - maybe even the red - yellow - orange but I'm sure that is wishful thinking. It will also be interesting to see what movement they use and how it handles the PR.

Chinkie PM'd me this morning and we have been talking about cars like we are old friends so you got that all wrong for sure. And that "gang" mentality thing is why I bust b*lls about it. There is no SoCal gang. There may be a list in your sig, but the only SoCal crew I ever speak of is the one that consists of you, your giant ego, and your ego's side kick, Jake. The rest of the guys have nothing to do with it as far as I'm concerned Think what you like, but all I know is that any random guy could walk up to me and literally tell me he has 10 beach houses, 4 Ferrari's and 6 yachts and I wouldn't even flinch at it. I'd probably want to go party in one of them and get to know him so I could drive his Enzo at the track. Point is I would be anything but bothered by it. I'd probably sick my partner on him so we could have him as a client. Even if I wasn't impressed I certainly wouldn't go to the trouble of pondering whether I liked him or not over it. The irony, as I have said many times, is that because of my business I am exposed to people who really do have that stuff and love to brag about it every day and I never give it a second thought. In fact, my first reaction is almost always "good for you and I hope I earn enough to get one some day". So I can't help but wonder why even if I was like that you wouldn't just do the same unless you were a naturally jealous, threatened, insecure person. I mean why else wouldn't you? Especially since all I ever did was admit to owning one Porsche and being happy about that. How you make absurdity out of my list of known accomplishments and toys I don't see how you could. I'm just some piker that works for a living and always the first to admit I'm as far down the totem pole in my world that one can get. So once I realized that was what I was dealing with regarding you too I decided to become what you wanted me to be for fun, since all the honesty and pleading for you not to take things out of context wasn't working very well. So to that end the real humor in this whole thread LOS is that you and Jake really do dislike a nameless face that you don't even know. Enough dislike to talk about me a continent away and amongst yourselves outside of these threads and even enough to coin a phrase. To coin a phrase? Wow. Meanwhile I never give you or him a second thought. Ever. God help me on the day that I ever invent a saying with someone's internet handle attached to it. Imagine if everytime someone told me their fake was beyond detection by even the most expert eyes I said, "Don't be a Legend." Like I said, God help me if I ever think enough about you two monkeys to end up there... But what really takes the cake is that I know exactly what it is about me that you two think you know that pushes your buttons now. And everytime I do one of these threads I say very specific things to push those big, obvious buttons and you take the bait everytime. In fact I was thinking I might have failed for a bit since just Jake but not you took the hook until just now. But I knew I could count on you. All I have to do is place a very predictable few words and you guys are right on cue with the slagging. Check it out this list with words on the left and what you hear when I say them on the right: -996 (Look at me, I have a Porsche and you don't) -disposable income (I can afford all the tickets I get cause I'm rich) -high dollar wager (Let's bet ten grand on the GMT wager cause I'm rich and I want to high roll you to prove a point) -money (I'm rich and I want to make sure everyone knows it) -money (See above) -my clients have money (I'm rich enough that I'm surrounded by even richer people) -my friend has a million dollar watch collection - Jake's Favorite (This is actually true but you think it is well placed by me to brag about how much wealth I'm surround by so I continue to use it) ...and it plays like a grand piano. But the funniest thing is that neither of you has ever entertained the thought for even one second that I might be doing it just to laugh at how easily jealous, threatened, insecure people like you react to it. I'll give you a hint that might help you with these threads in the future: You might want to start thinking about entertaining that thought...

Wow. That's a little brutal there Berg for something supposed to be all in good fun. I'm also not sure what my watches have to do with anything either given that almost everyone here owns gens and posts pictures of them in wristcheck threads. We are all watch lovers I thought which is kind of the point of posting pictires of any of our watches, no? BTW, my Datejust has a rhodium dial not a silver one. And I do visit TZ and even another watch forum everyday. Want to know why? I love watches brother, gens and reps and there are never enough pictures of them to look at as far as I'm concerned. I enjoy looking at pictures of all of your watches too Iceberg. And if you think my UN is ugly that is OK, to each his own. But some people I'm sure enjoy looking at it as well. That is called a contribution. We all post pictures of all we have not to be arrogant or to show off but to contribute. Is Ubi arrogant when he posts one of his watches which is a project none of us will probably ever complete and cost him thousands of dollars? How about Freddy with his frankens? Are we to think his posting pics of those is him saying, "Look at how cool my franken is and you don't have one, haha?" Of course not. So what makes my watches any different I wonder? Gen or rep or franken is irrelevant as a nice watch is a nice watch and a good picture of a nice watch is even better. That is what makes this place better than TZ by a mile - true watch lovers who appreciate fine things. And what is finer than a high quality genuine watch that someone took the time to photgraph so all can appreciate its beauty? Not sure why you feel the need to be so mean, but to each his own. I forgive you...

10-4 Toad. All I do and say is meant in good fun at all times and of course I have a serious side too which represents the bulk of my contributions. I don't know if i could quite call the drama threads as TT calls them a contribution though. More like entertainment...

Nah, no pilikia brah. Jus cruising. Plus I get good lehua like Lani for guide me. RWG gives plenty makana to all that are here and wish to receive it. RobbieG stay laki fo all da kumu's guidance here from guys like Lanikai over the years. Mahalo and continued hauoli for all. Kay Den!

That was the idea my brother. First one to catch that. But then you are always catching the little stuff. I knew thread was going to be the perfect way to breeze through the 900's...

I can't believe it. I have officially crossed the millenium barrier. 2008 was the year for me (despite being around since year one of the forum) to really start contributing more, hence the post count. As many of you know my work requires many hours of sitting and watching a waiting and RWG is always there. You all have provided a wealth of knowledge to me and brought out the best of my watch collecting experience. There is always something to learn here and if not something to laugh at - even if it is me that I'm (and everyone else is...) laughing at. Anyway, I have had fun stepping up the posts a lot of late, both serious and silly and I wouldn't trade the experiences here for anything. Thanks again to you all and especially to my ever loyal crew - you know who you are. Let's make 09' another great year around here. Happy hunting! Best, Rob

If you really love a watch, nothing but the gen will do. At least that is how it seems to sit with most of us. Just make sure that you love it before taking the plunge though as that can be an expensive mistake. Reps are great for that test. Make sure you have the best rep available for a bit and then you will be able to tell if you really do love the watch as much as you think you do. If so then when you buy the gen you will know you are doing the right thing and you won't even think to ask around to see if it is a good idea or not... .02

Keep in mind that now that the 42MM is featured in the hottest movie there may be a chance some factory makes a 1:1 version now in that size. They specifically did the UPO version in the 45.5MM because of Casino Royal so stranger things have happen. Someone might want to lob a email to their favorite dealer and see if there are any factory rumblings...

Yeah, for sure get a UPO, but keep in mind the AR is the whole watch with the lume a close second. If you get a UPO on rubber make sure it gets a spa treatment with at the very least a trip to The Chief. With that the few flaws like logo feet, hands, etc won't even matter. A PO, gen or rep with dense double AR is just smokin'...

I'll roll with biker TeeJay and fire up the PO as well. Except I'm representing the pajama set while he rocks the leather...

What life could possibly be more fun than this one Bergster and your images is exactly the point. People really do care what I think, which is why they are so passionately posting. I never guessed people could be so interested in what I say since virtually every word for the last five days (yes it has been five...) has been utter bullsh*t specifically designed to be absurd and yet they still respond with passion and seriousness. But seriously for a second. Turns out Chinkie isn't serious though after all so I'm not going to lump him into the Jake pile anymore just to get a rise out of him. He is alright in my book as is everyone here of course. Again, just winding things up and all in good fun. I have actually had some great conversations via PM through all this and even made some new friends so it has all been more than worth the effort. Thanks to all who participated...

Local. We know where he lives. Tony Soprano is looking into it for me...

You are over my head brother. If there is more to success life than a woman that loves you and you love back, good freinds & family who also love you and you love back, and a successful business that gives to you as you give to it...then I guess I'm not aware of it and must be a bit of a simpleton. So here is the million dollar (or better we say ten dollar so people don't think we are flaunting big numbers) question: Other than ones efforts to achieve and maintain the things I just mentioned, what is then the measure of true success? I was pretty sure I covered all the bases there but enlighten us as to what I missed...

Hong (my Chinese programmer aka GZGangster) is getting his own place as I talked him into coming on full time for me. So he will be back real soon - although I don't know if he will post alot or not. He is the funniest living human I have ever seen or heard about. Way more brutal that I could ever be. Has me in stitches every day despite his marginal English. He will be back online here (but after checking out the others will only be at RWG) now that he has his own IP and computer at home. He is (and has been) living in a hotel and had no way to log on to the site without using one of the two machines in the office and duplicate accounts are of course not allowed. He is pretty connected in China too so he will probably be a good resource for ongoing info for us - assuming I ever give him a day off so he can go home. Anyway, I'll introduce him to everyone when he gets set up. Should be within a week or two I would think...

Who's flaunting anything? Will you guys stop projecting about the money for once? Who said anything about large sums? Trust me, I don't have large enough sums to flaunt. I'm dead serious about loving that rep and I'm really only kidding about the bet but you guys won't let it go about that old battle. So I figure maybe if we bet a beer you guys will finally concede that the watch like all reps can be spotted by those in the know, but not spotted by anyone else. If you remember correctly, that was all that got Jake wound up in the first place. He just couldn't swallow that my friend who is a Rolex AD spotted a rep ceramic on a wrist in his store. All I did is dared to say I agree with him and since I know what to look for I could do it to. And every experienced member of this forum could too - including all of you guys... That little comment was what started the whole thing, if you want to call it a thing. But meanwhile I'm really just having fun fu*king with you guys and you are taking me too seriously again. Plus, you lobbed the douchebag pic so what, you can dish it out but not take it? Come on. And I would love to meet all you guys, if you ever lighten the fu*k up (although I would probably bring a bodyguard just in case ). Hey I just thought of something: Now that you are taking a crap I'm certain that at least you will lighten up - albeit temporarily. I love everyone here. Even you BlowCal monkeys. And you love me too. You just don't know it yet...