mjmurphy926

Yep...Jake is the man. I haven't learned to play yet, but I have acquired a few sets of Koa wood to build a concert and a tenor uke. I know, kind of putting the cart before the horse I bought them last summer with the intention of building and learning to play so I could play it on the beach in Hawaii this year. Well, I leave Monday for the big island, so I don't think I'm gonna make it. Oh well, I'll try to have fun anyway

Hmm. Guess it's just you and me carlsbad.

ABSO-FRICKIN"-LUTELY!! I live in Colorado. In order to get views like these: You need one of these: AHHH...Sweet articulation...There's nothing like it. EDIT - Carlsbad, I just re-read this post and realized it may sound like I'm knocking your truck. When I said "you need one of these", I wasn't necessarily referring to a Jeep, but a 4 wheel drive. I go wheelin' all the time with folks in all makes and models of 4x4s, all very capable. Your truck looks very capable!! Sorry if I sounded otherwise. BTW, Nice rig!!

I haven't studied gen vs rep on PO, so I won't comment on that one, but I would say the SMP is gen for the following reasons: The pearl/insert looks correct. (I suppose it could be a gen bezel on a rep watch.) The bracelet looks gen because the center brushed links appear slighter higher than to polished links. I've noticed this on gen watches whereas my SMP chrono has the brushed links even with the polished links. (Again, I suppose it could be a gen bracelet on a rep.) The dial looks gen due to seamaster instead of seanaster. (Again, I suppose it could be a gen dial on a rep.) The HE valve is in the proper location. (This is the main reason I believe it's gen as no current reps, as far as I know, have the proper HE valve placement). If I'm wrong, I want your rep!! EDIT - You know what though, the end links don't look right compared to others I've seen. The ones I've seen have the same brushed vs polished relationship as I mentioned on the bracelet. Maybe it's angle or maybe not all were as I thought. I would still guess it as gen.

WOW...those are both nice, but the bottom one is REALLY nice!!

You read my mind Marty. That's what I was going to bid. Thanks...At least I won't have to wonder now if I could have had it for $150.

...on a strap. I have been accused of having no taste other than what's in my mouth, but I think this strap is cool as hell!! http://cgi.ebay.com/24mm-Watch-Band-Strap-...1QQcmdZViewItem Am I the only one?

Lani, Thanks for the great pix. I've been trying to order a 177H swan neck from Andrew, but he can't get the movements at this time. I went for his best 104 after seeing this thread instead. Thanks again, Mike

Must be important to me. I attempted to order the 177H swan neck from Andrew. He said he couldn't get these movements for a few weeks and offered me the Asian (non-Swan) version and refund the diff. Instead I went with the 104 auto (his best version). I just hope when the movements become available again, the Ti cases are still available.

Son-of-a... Just got an email from Andrew stating he can not ship my watch due to movement shortage. He said I can wait "2 - 3 weeks or so". I asked him to cancel the order. Problem is, now I'm REALLY Jonesin' for a PAM now and have a couple straps on the way. Did I read the DSN blog correctly in that he is also not able to source the swan neck movement, but you can still order from him with Asian movements? If so, I may have to find a nice solid back version to order. I have noticed something about his cases though that bothers me. It looks to me like his CGs don't fit nice and snug to the case. Is that true? If so, is it possible to machine (or file or sand) them to fit better? Or maybe I'll wait...I don't know. Any advice? Thanks, Mike

Thanks a bunch for all the great info. Vic. I'll deffinately hit up our strap making members soon. Thanks again, Mike

Say it ain't so Vic. Do you think it's the same? Item location is: Banglamung, Chonburi, Thailand Seller is: antique_leatherstraps Price was $49 plus $7.50 shipping. Can you recommend a seller of similar looking straps of good quality? I would be fine with this style of stitching or full stitching. I just like the sort of "raw" look to it. Also, I've read a lot of your posts and opinions on these boards. You seem to be very knowledgeable about PAMs and very honest. I went with the following from Andrew and would be interested in what you think about it. http://www.trustytime88.com/index.php?main...461387d2d1e4a05

I looked through my All-Star shots and found a few more, but none really show clearly. I know this is not the original watch in question, but as t pointed out, the strap may be the same, so it might be the same make. 100% crop of my earlier shot: 100%crop: 100% I wish he had it on the other arm so we could see the crown and maybe pushers.

Definitely not the same watch he has on in this pic. I got this shot of him last year at the MLS All-Star game here in Denver. I cover our local MLS soccer team for an online soccer mag as a photographer. I have press creds which lets me on the field. The All-Star game was in Denver last year and Becks made an appearance. He was supposed to play here last year, but got hurt the game before and didn't make the trip. LA open against the Rapids this year (3/29) and Becks should be here, but I'll be on vacation in Hawaii, so I'll miss him again. I'll have to check my other shots this weekend to see if I have anything better of the watch.

Thanks again to all for the pointers. I did order the 177 from Andrew. I'll post some pics when I get it. BTW, I just bought this off the bay:

Thanks All. I found that Trusty Andrew has the same watch. He has always come through for me and in very fast order. Although Andrew's price was $50 more than Paul's, I ordered it anyway. Now to find a nice strap... Thanks again, Mike

I've been wanting to get a Panerai rep for a while now and I've also been looking for a Ti watch, so I thought I might get this: http://www.pam111.com/product_info.php?cPa...roducts_id=1082 This is the desired swan neck movement, correct? Any thoughts from the experts? Thanks, Mike

Actually, I seem to remember driving through Utah about 15 years ago and being surprised to see a drive through liquor store. At least I think it was Utah because I thought the same thing. I may be wrong though.

Bobby Brady!!

I already told you I like it...BTW, where did you get this picture of me?

My favorite modern watch is the Rolex Sea-Dweller. I love it for it's simple elegance, even for a rugged work watch. Not even a date mag cyclops. I'm not much into big and bold watches such as the new Grahams...yet, for some strange reason (and maybe I shouldn't admit this for fear of being shunned by this community), I actually LIKE the new Yachty II. Maybe I should see a therapist to figure out these screwed up thoughts.

Thank you all very much. Such kind words!! I really didn't expect this response. My only intent was to see if you all thought I removed enough material. I think I'll leave them as is. Thanks again, Mike

Oh...and I almost forgot...Big thanks to gioarmani for the wonderful tutorial. I wouldn't have even tried this had I not read it. So many great members at RWG. I think I'll have to become a supporter.

Thanks all for the kind words. Beginners luck I guess.

Thanks again Justas. They're not perfect, but I think I agree. I'll probably leave them as is.