scotty

Great post... Over the point of modders getting in over their heads and being swamped with work. I've tried to understand that in the past, but simply - why can't they pace themselves and find a way to organise their work. Ziggy's model seems an easy one to follow - he controls very well what he has on at any one time (with J's help of course). But there are tools that can be used - IT tools (basic from the organizer in Outlook up to Project), or even using a paper based chart of the next month or 2. If you're a modder, and have accepted 10 jobs, why keep accepting more jobs at the same time. Why not tell people the next available date - or at least say don't ship within next 2-3 weeks. It's fantastic that people offer their services. And I'll not get into the point over mutual expectations of work. But really - if in real life you've got 20 things on at the same time, do you not try to delay accepting anything else, or at least give a date when you think you will be able to? The community wants/needs modders, and they're very much appreciated. I think the community would generally accept if a modder says "wait a couple of weeks". I know I have and would. These gems should not be overly pressured and burnt out - especially the new ones. Maybe some modders can comment a bit on this point.

I've been discussing a possible watch purchase with a dealer called Polo. For whatever reason, they sent me pics of a new movement they have lined up - claimed Swiss ETA 2836-2 with red wheels and Rolex logo. They asked me to get feedback from people on their views of the movement.....so this is like a favour. Here's what they sent me.... I'll pass on people's comments, unless you guys already know Polo, in which case you can probably best feedback directly. BTW - I'm not trying to promote this dealer in ANY way. I've never bought off them, and was simply in communication over items. I don't know why they asked me to get people's feedback on this movement so like I say - treat it like a favour, that's all. Cheers all.

Some time ago in my early days on rep collecting, I bought an 'ultimate' Fiddy from trusty. I was pleased at first, only to find it had the E0581 wrong case. And later - as if it knew what I was thinking, it decided to self destruct and explode the crystal.... Last year I managed to pick up a new Fiddy from a great member, Cosmo. An old River model with the square bridges movement. No cannon pin fix, and no lume. But a very nice case. So - the 2 Fiddys went to VAC for a movement swap into the E0117 case, superlume treatment, and the cannon pin fix. The bits I got back have been sold off or gifted - hows the Fiddy project now Babola? After my prized baby had come back, I noticed the hands were not quite parallel with the dial. Something that is sometimes missed, I was informed. So the other month I dropped it into my local watchsmith to see if he could better position them, and at the same time better seat the bezel. Got it back yesterday.......crap shots from a Nokia 5800, at the desk. I'm particularly proud of the terrible lume shot, taken in the loo with the lights off after minimal exposure to the overhead fluorescents. This thing is a real torch normally, and lasts all night long. Fabulous work there VAC..... Hands maybe could still be improved, but I'm not risking it again unless I change them, and I'm not sure it's worth it. Strap is a Europelli Cordovan - not the most expensive, but I like it very much for it's vesatility. Can be worn formal and informal. So.....some pics..............

My view is that Omega wins slightly over brand name and image..... and as such, may hold it's value better than TAG, although I agree neither is for investments; rather having a good, solid gen for long term enjoyment. I have a Gen PO that I bought second hand. Wears very well, but I'm biased and prefer Omega to TAG in general.

Me likes the cars. Me doesn't like the watches .... Technical specs impressive. But aesthetics......not so impressive.... Assume the price tag is in the silly numbers range....

I've been in contact with Rocket also. I'm interested to see any results, especially over lume.

Great feedback and great pics L. Still a difficult decision....... One thing over the ROO's I'm not convinced about is the strap/bracelet tapering. I'm tending towards the HBB or UN.....

I've been fairly conservative in watches so far. Basically PAM and Omega. But I've started hankering over something more blingy/spectacular, for spring summer. And the rose gold/black combination is really growing on me. Small shortlist: Hublot BB Rose Gold/carbon dial UN Maxi Marine RG / Rubber / black face AP ROO - all SS or maybe RG version. Not rubber bezel as I've read too many horror stories of peeling.... I can't decide..... I've read reviews and opinions, and have an overall idea of each ones reliability and closeness to gen. But I'm stumped to decide which to go for...... Was in Genevre airport this week, and tried on the AP and Hublot. Different but both very nice. Strangely the AP didn't feel like a

Maybe not so much help - here's my gen PO. It's just over 2 years old. You can see hairline marks in the top surface AR. This seems from simply being worn under shirts rather than impact scratches.

Bienvingut. Tambe estic a prop de Barcelona, aunque no soc Catalan. Welcome - great city isn't it...!

All done. Quick visit to Nokia and updated........free.... Seems Movistar is crap at providing mobile manufacturers updates. Warranty still intact....

It's all nuts....................... One of the forums I consulted had a guy saying he didn't want to risk the warranty, nor risk screwing up, so he'd contacted Movistar service. they did the upgrades and he's got the latest version working hunky dorey, and all legal like innit..... So I spoke to customer service of Movistar - 30mins (free call) to their call centre somewhere in central America. Lots of holding and elevator muzak.... Finally they say call a local shop.... I call said shop - who says call a Nokia service centre, preferrably one inside a Movistar shop. I find one close to work, and they say pop in with the phone and they should be able to legally update without invalidating the warranty. So .... why the hell have they got updates blocked from the auto upgraders on the website, PC software, and phone itself.....??????????????????' Ye gods...... So maybe this afternoon it'll be done.....

Hi Laz and thanks. Have googled and theres pages of articles so I'll read through. But seems that changing the product code invalidates the warranty, and maybe not possible to go back. Also some people who have changed the code and upgraded are reporting some problems..... Bugger - thought this was going to be simple and risk free......

Right............. For xmas the wife gave me a Nokia Xpress Music 5800, from Movistar here in Spain. V.Nice, but I find out there are firmware updates since release - there have been 2 and so the latest is v.20.0 xxxxx (something). ALl to help many functional items including the image processing of the camera, which is to say the least, currently naff..... OK - I have all the Nokia software in the PC, including Nokia Updater for exactly this - software updates. Last night I tried and tried but was always told "nothing available". Bit of googling, and I find that Movistar blocks many mobile models firmware upgrades......grrrrrrrr. So - the Q is - how can I do firmware upgrades for the bloody phone, given that it's a Movistar one and they block it? Help........ I know - I'm IT retarded. So treat me nice......

Whilst I know Mr Vac has been very active in RG, I seem to remember that he was also originally around RWG. So maybe not so much "welcome", as "welcome back". I've had a couple of dealings with the Vacman, and my personal experience has been 120% superb. Communications, turn around, and most importantly the actual work done. So it's a pleasure to see you active here again. Welcome back....

Hi there Lello. Long time since 'speaking' with you.......I trust your home situation is all OK and your building project finished and being enjoyed..... It's always a shame to read posts like these. And having dealt with you in and out of the forum, I can vouch to all that you are one of the good guys with a genuine interest in getting the DW's right for everyone, down to the last detail. I bought 2 - 1 now in my PAM196 (works very well), the other was for my PAM 250, currently in 'stolen' status with Jakub........I hope I'll see it again one day !!!!!! But most importantly; I'll give you the same advice you once gave me my friend......don't lose heart and give up completely. That doesn't mean kill yourself trying to do DW's for everyone. This is a hobby, not full time work. And it should not ruin you economically either.... That means stay with the forum and your friends here...........the hobby is an interesting one from many aspects. Above all some of the technical joys. Please don't give in and disappear. Remember - you have your perfect 7753 188 project to complete one day.... And I hold you to the promise of the perfect 196 dial ........the quest must not die......... Live long and prosper.....

Recently I posted a thread on my mini franken PAM113, with a gen dial. In amongst the replies I got a post and message from jitai offering an e series caseback to help bring the watch 1 step closer to complete. I sat back and thought "this is what it's all about..". A member looked at my thread, spotted the watch had an incorrect H series caseback, and offered to help bring it a bit closer. That's what this place is all about.......and that's why I'm always happy to log-on and read through, with the occasional post. I'm no watch expert, though I've significantly improved my knowledge base through reading and having hooked up outside with a few seasoned members here. They know who they are.....great people...... So as of yesterday my e series caseback is in the post. It's going to be a hellish 10 days waiting for it to arrive (I hope safely) and switching. Thanks again jitai.......and to all for the excellent contributions past, present and future....

Hi stranger........getting any sleep?????? Thanx all. Jitai - you have a PM.

Beautiful piece. You've a PM.

Thanks Peeps. Much appreciated... Crappy pics from a Nokia 5800 - and even when I try with a decent camera my results are far from many of those posted here.... Before the gen dial the 113 had a DSN dial which was fine, but the lack of subdial recession was so obvious. I really don't know why no-one has fixed that until now. The gen dial cost a small fortune - was it worth it???? But now visually a huge difference. V.Pleased. I've always loved the white faced PAM's. My watchsmith recommended NOT to use a cloth or similar, as it may leave a slightly flatter spot. He proposed removing the bezel and polishing the scratches out on a wheel. He's got my Fiddy currently to re-set the hands (they're not 100% parallel to the dial, and the minute hand has a small deformation where it fits the cannon pin). Will probably give a cloth a try to see. If I screw up - off to my watchsmith..... Now debating what to do with my Slytech. Bought it from Schulz here (great guy). Has the black dial superlumed by Dr Ziggy, but came with a spare white dial and hands set. I'm debating to change to the white dial......not decided yet.....

Thanks gents. Like I say - mini Franken. Started off as a watch I bought from a member here......who should know what he sold me movement wise (Swiss or Asian)..... The case was marked, and I had a bit of luck acquiring a gen dial. So it went to VAC for rebuilding.... * new case * new crown * DSN hands * gen dial * carry-over crystal, crown guard and case back. The DSN hands match the dial lume colour 99%. Same for lume intensity, which is fine when charged but does actually drop relatively quickly. I think due to a very small surface area. I'm looking for a new case-back with correct series letter, but so far no luck. Has a few scratches on the bezel, and I'm not sure how best to tackle these - cape cod?

Cheers lads....! Overwhelmed with the feedback.... Can anyone verify the movement pedigree - Swiss / Swinese? Engraved or stamped - I think stamped.....

Few minutes to kill....thought I'd post these. Sorry about the pics - from my mobile at the desk. Opinions? Think the movement is Swiss, but can't decide if stamped or engraved. I'm thinking stamped, but actually looks quite clean. Dial is a good one

Not looking to keep the thread going, but I got an update from the PI agency. I'd suggested their fee was way too high. They've come back reducing it to 1000Euros for the first stage. They've also clarified that if they locate J, included in this is contacting personally and demanding all the pending items not returned. No assurance thereafter - depends on what they find. I'm just posting for info. If the 27 people pending returns were still interested, this would mean 37 Euros each. I reckon a bit more could be shaved off...if I could get them down to 800 euros that would mean 30 euros each approx.

Class humour from a fellow Scot...... These soft southerners - what's all the fuss? Bit of snow...