scotty

My 7753 PAM 250 + lello DW + spare case set..... all STIll maybe with K2222 (Jakub)..... And having seen Siesta's 250 build in another thread, I miss it even more........

Ahhhhh....a wonderful piece. I had a similar one and parts for a build: swiss 7753 250 + lello datewheel + spare case set for bezel switch (for correct spelling)..... I hope Jakub K2222 is enjoying my property.....coz that's where it all went and that's where it all may still be..........B*****D

Odd My UPO stripped in the first month..... Sold it My gen SMP and PO both are fine. SMP is about 4 years old PO is 3 Both worn in rotation now, but at the beginning both were worn every day for 2-3 months (as you do...) I've another much older mid size blue gen SMP (from 1996) which I never wear now, and which was worn continually 1996 - 2005 Still unscrews and screws perfectly. Been serviced twice. These days the way I rotate watches means the UPO is on the wrist every 2 days, and the SMP every night after work. Starting to become an annorak....... This way no need to adjust time as they're always running, and so less wear on unscrewing and screwing. That said - as I write - I've just fiddled with my PO and it's hunky dorey..... TIP - you probably know this, but before screwing back down I always * press the crown lightly so it's contacting the tube threads * turn the crown the wrong way (anticlockwise) maybe a quarter/half turn * then proceed to screw down clockwise Just to better catch the start of the thread. Maybe I'm doing it wrong and will be in the market for replacement parts - hope not.

For Steve52 RE Chief's AR. Apart from the slight difference in colouring to gen (read - better) I've read it's also tougher and more resistant to scratches. Here's pics of my 3 year old gen. Not the best of pics, but aside from the blue hue from the overhead lights, you should be able to see fine lines. These are in the outer AR on the crystal. They're not normally visible under normal consitions so it's not like the watch is constantly screaming "I'M SCRATCHED YOU IDIOT..." But tilting under the right lighting you can see them. Obviously a close up pic exagerates the effect. How did they get there? Buggered if I know. I look after my watches. So all I can assume is it's from rubbing under shirt cuffs and the like. Certainly the watch hasn't had any significant impacts or knocks. What I understand is that the gen AR is a little soft. Chief's AR is more resistant, so should not pick up fine marks like the gen does. Which in the end is a big plus again to Chief's process...... BTW - if this is your first dealing with VAC be sure you're in good hands. Pleasure to deal with, and excellent work. And very safe.....

On a marginally more serious note, I agree pretty much with Rooster. May be productive that one of those affected start a thread listing pending items, what was sent, dates etc. So a full picture can be gained AND a tracking of returns can be done. Not just AR, but other jobs with R.

OK - I'm convinced and changed my view. Rocketeer IS Jakub

Gutted to be shut out so easily.......had my heart set on that one. What do I need to do to obtain the secret handshake - which part of must be bared and pierced in a clandestine ceremony.... Or are we just talking hard cash

LOVELY......how much.....

In defense here, I seem to remember Rocketeer was becomming known through member posts BEFORE the idea of an EU AR run with Chief came up. And I remember Chief's post over no endorsement etc as he's mentioned here.....

Ask a dealer (eg Eurotimez) over being able to source MBW items. FYI - I was told MBW AP roo was only seconds at 9......maybe changed since BTW Arnold - welcome....

Well the good news (and difference to K2222) is that some people here have spoken to Rocketeer, and know where his shop is. He is not dedicated to this game - he's offering services complimentary to his gen watch works. So at least he's traceable and findable. I think this is a case of good intentions that got out of control. I'm sure it's different to J (K2222) who simply SCAMMED people out of some 30 watches (so a lot of cash)...... Or maybe J had to leave Poland, and invested his winnings from the RWG scam in setting up a watchsmiths in the UK..... We'll see how it pans out.... I contacted R but decided not to send anything at the time. Looks like a good decision for now...

Maybe it's an insurance scam.... Maybe he still has it, but has claimed it was taken from his bag.......

Same pose, same location, but I did change the shirt.....and the watch. This is what I'm wearing today, from a Nokia 5800. Modded 183 on a Strap Works gator. Hunting for the tips on how to improve phone cam photography....

HELP - I only get crappy grainy pics from my Nokia 5800, even with latest firmware....

183 - mechanical hand wound, slow beat 287 - automatic with date. Probably high beat. Not sure if a good 287 does exist - you'll bump into the usual problems probably.... * date font * date magnification cyclops (I mean getting the right magnification level) * correct hands shape/length for the model * saphire crystal - maybe a saphire for the 183 would fit, in which case you could source a 183 saphire and replace it into the 287 Otherwise the rad cases have been pretty well done, as well as the dials. Rep straps not v.good, so you'll need a quality aftermarket strap. Remember Rads in 45mm normally have 27 x 22mm tapered straps. Not sure if that is different for 47mm Rads - I think they're the same, but as the 183 and 287 are both 45mm it's not relevant here. Not sure if there are rep deployment buckles for rads - I'll guess and say yes.

Simply stunning. I also like the SS crown. Lettering on the bezel looks superb, tho a little pinkish for me. But the work done here is simply amazing - a fantastic personalised piece... Congrats. Wear well...

Well done. I'me debating ordering a gator from them in the gold colour. Post a pic when it arrives and let us know what you think.....

HK Tan - got my 24/22 deployment (yes - not the same but custom) in 6 weeks just the other week. Strap is very nice, though much softer than I'd expected. Strap Works - usually have stock: Got a black croc/white stitch 27/22 for my Rad 183, and it looks and feels very good. Good pricing also. The croc is relatively stiff (stiffer than HK) and fits well. Nice buckle and box too...... If he has stock, then it's just pay and wait for delivery (about 2 weeks). Watch Boyz in Canada also do 27/22 in gator. Stonecreek maybe an interesting option for custom, and communications are great. Very attentive. Totally hand made from the US, and Jeanna is a pleasure to deal with. http://www.stonecreekstraps.com/

I might be interested also, but again depends on price. Maybe these are made from machined aluminium tube? Not sure of the best manufacturing process. From bar also, but lots of waste. What would be really good would be those that do 44mm one side and 47mm the other.......

I've a small collection too (7 watches), but tend to wear Monday to Friday my PO and PAM196 at work, and my SMP at home...... For some work specifics the PAM 183 or 113, both under rotation and replacing usually the PO. Least - ie weekends and out at night - the PAM 202 slytech crono, or PAM127 Fiddy. Just can't get away with them at work.

http://www.jacksontse.com/ military_time@yahoo.com Found this place via someone else posting over Rad lug wire sets. Un branded deployments $15. Great price also on rad lug wire, screws and tubes. Good e.mail replies, so I've ordered and we'll see how it goes...... Fingers crossed....

I checked out investigators but they were too expensive - it was listed in the thread. They wanted $1500 for first step - locate and contact. I negotiated down, but couldn't get enough interest here. Some people made offers of calling (in Polish) and some calls were made, but never followed up. Some members may even be located in / around Warsaw, but nothing happened. Some people indicated they had more general knowledge of Jakub and family (knew what the family business was and possibly where located). Again not followed through. Regarding value - roughly 11 of 39 items were finally returned. But many of the 39 items were watch heads or complete watches, and some of these 7753 movement and high end items. So minimum REP value of say $12000. That's from what I gathered from RWG posts only. There were other people in RG also who lost stuff, and maybe items not mentioned in posts. He may also have been paid for some work where the item never came back.

OEM is 27/22mm. Very few strap makers do this correct size. Most do 26/22mm. 26/22 is OK but leaves a very small gap between strap edge and the curve of the lug wire. HK Tan, Stone Creek and a few others will do made to measure straps (croc, gator, calf, other) to OEM dimensions. Most others have 26/22mm product. I'm picky, and prefer the 27/22 look....

Was last seen here back in September last year. Some lucky people got items back afterwards - last post of a received return was 14/11. Since then - nothing. At least no posts. Biggest scandal here for a long time, yet died a death and little real interest/reaction after November. I keep trying the AR coatings e.mail, but I'm not even sure that the account is still active. Don't know how to check. Offers of help and calling in Polish (we have some additional telephone numbers) all dried up.......

Been trying a few sources proposed, but no luck. Anyone able to help at all???