scoobs1971

Welcome back, The Zigmeister!

I would be in for a 111h sandwich dial with proper L SWISS MADE L, the right 'A's, offwhite font color and right size of font. But maybe that would be too perfect

@Corgi: thnx for the tip, but I'm not bothered with Google Ads in general. My concern is more 'philosophical'. This forum among other things was made to prevent people to buy from possible scammers. From this point of view this forum needs to do all she can to prevent displaying Google Ads of scam-sites. I don't know if this would be technically possible, but let's at least try...

Wow, this looks very classy!! Almost Breguet like....

@admin: I don't know if it's technical possible, but can't you just block all ads with words like "replica", "fake" "grade" and all words that are referring to replica sites? I don't know if the sites I've found are real scam sites or just sites with some lower end reps, but to me they look rather fishy...

To me the very existence of this forum lies in the fact that unexperienced rep buyers are protected against (possible) scamsites. That's why we have a limited amount of trusted collectors here who's actions can be publicly judged by our members. Why then am I seeing Google Ads of for instance http://www.bestmanwatches.com/, http://www.princegift.com/ and http://www.dhgate.com/ ? I can understand the financial benefits of link exchange, but maybe there should be some form of control and filtering... What is Admin's policy for this? Cheers, P.

THURSDAY Lorenz Theatro FRIDAY TH Link Chrono @missV: Nice Gucci!!

Could it be a self winding VC Patrimony?

Goodmorning everybody! MONDAY Oris Big Crown TUESDAY PAM089 on BOB @By-Tor: that Aquaracer looks great!

Just found this link: http://www.paneristi.com/archives/sihh2003/finetune.html The case should be brushed while the bezel and CG should be polished.

SUNDAY Miss V, I know your love for the bigger Panerai models, but this is definitely the most stunning watch on your wrist!

Over the past few months I've been reading these posts about scamming dealers, presumed Cartels and too high pricing. Altough counterfeit products, basic economic rules also apply to the rep industry. 1. Initial high prices It's a common principle to price new products relatively high at the moment of release for a certain period. The manufacturer is not sure if the product is going to be succesful or a flop. To reduce this risk, they calculate the initial price to recoup their R&D-investment in the first period of sales. If the product is succesful the manufacturer can lower the prices because the initial investment have been recouped and all what is left are production costs and profit. Now the pricing is right for the mass sales. For a consumer it means that if he wants a new product fast he must be willing to pay more. The more patient consumer will find the product a lot cheaper - provided the product hasn't been flopped and taken out of production. I haven't been in the rep world long enough to know if prices get lower after some time. I would love to hear from the senior members what their experience is... But the bottom line is that a right price is the price the average consumer is willing to pay for the product. If you think something is (still) too expensive than simply don't buy. 2. Distribution exclusivity By limiting the amount of resellers and number of available product the manufacturer can 'hype' a product (the introduction of the IPhone is a good example of this). If a product turns out to be succesfull the manufacturer will maximise the production run and will also look for more resellers to aim for the mass market. Competitive manufacturers will also develop similar products trying to get their piece of the action. The same seems to be happening with some new 'Super Reps'. The IWC3717 started exclusively with Eddie Lee and now this watch seems to be available through all collectors. As long as it works likes this I don't see a problem here. Time will tell if products currently exclusively sold by the 'Cartel' will also be available through other collectors. If not, it is up to the individual potential buyer to allow this to keep buying with these collectors or to boycot them. 3. Ethics of advertising In the real world manufacturers have legal rules, self regulation and consumer power to consider when advertising their products. Misrepresenting (elements) of the product will be either penalised by law or it will result in negative consumer opinion. On the other hand the marketing department of the manufacturer will be very creative to stretch the limits. For reps it means that calling something 'Ultimate XXXX' or 'Super Rep' is creative marketing and naming a Chinese 2813 movement an ETA2824 or advertising mineral glass as 'synthetic sapphire' a serious misrepresentation. This should be penalised by warning the collector first and if misrepresenting continues banning from this board. Just my contribution to the discussion....

THURSDAY Lorenz Theatro Chrono FRIDAY PAM089

I was already thinking of sourcing a seperate case with sapphire glass and AR plus a seperate cyclops and datewheel to do a project. But I guess I'd better wait for the new version. Thnx for the info!

@Ole: Just received the164. My case is also brushed, but the clasp is polished. Weird... Date font and cyclops are terrible however... And the glass seems to be mineral after doing the 'waterdrop-test'.. But all in all for a very cheap rep definitely not too bad looking.

Today & tomorrow Link Chrono

Saturday PAM089 Sunday Tag Heuer Link Chrono @By-Tor: congrats with the Aquatimer. Finally...

I haven't seen a rep of the Calibre 36. However, I just bought the Calibre 16 version. When I have time I'll post pics and a small review. Cosmetics are pretty accurate (new version has updated date font), but I got bad luck with the A7750 and had to replace it. Here's a pic (not mine) of the rep.

Here's Gina, the lady in my life. Stuborn, cocky and every once in a while rejecting me while keeping her nose up. Just like a real woman! @fitmic: that looks like a real tough cookie. Me likes..

And another Stephane hommage wrist/laptop-shot Today and tomorrow I'll be wearing my PAM089 on honey tan BOB strap.

Since we're already off topic Too bad she doesn't wanna wear a nice pammy...........

And don

Since it's my dad's birthday I will put on my Oris Big Crown today: @ms V: thnx! Too bad of the broken finger nail, though.. So I guess no fresh wristshot today?

It's a 111h dial. But the font is really off... So I 'll give it a try tomorrow: No guts, no glory

Advise from the maestro himself Thnx!!!