Estaban

The playground sounds like a better place than a Rolex dealer for the poster.

If you can pull off a $15,000 watch, go for the 036. Spot on. No recessed pin. I'm thinking about the same purchase but am leaning towards the 177 with sandwich dial. If I went that route I'd get some of the modded hands that one of our dealers has available. I'm not buying any watch until I can get a 45mm PO with ETA and curved and engraved bracelet.

I think he means length. A regular length strap should be ok (115/75 or 120/75). Go vintage 24/24.

I'm a sucker for wrist checks. Now I just need a couple of more reps to vary my checks. Here's my 196 with a Choco Bob Vertigo. As Veni has said, the Vertigo has the most bang for the buck. I guess I'm becoming a believer. One with a flash, one without. Not enough natural light in my office this time of day. Have a good weekend everyone.

My wife has never complained once. I tried on the gen PO in 42.5 and 45 and I much preferred the 45mm. I guess that's what happens when you start wearing 44mm Pams.

Here's what I've got on. I'm itching to add to my collection.

David, I see this watch all the time on your wrist. Love it. Gen???

I'm with r11co. 45mm ETA, curved and engraved bracelet. I'll save my money until then, unless someone has a white face ETA EXPII they're looking to get rid of

Why do you think I raved about my Navi Serie Speciale from Andrew for so long. It is a great looking watch that is indestinguishable from a gen (except for the "ticking time bomb" thing. I'm sure Terry will enjoy my watch. Now would someone please pass on a nicely used white face EXPII.

It's official-----Veni is the all knowing authority on straps. I will never provide strap suggestions again

wojtecki@gmail.com Don't mention you're from RWG. Just email him what you're looking for (color, stitch, length). I love his straps. Great deal. $70 for thick and rich leather. $85 with sewn-in buckle.

Bob and Wojtecki make nice thick leather straps. Mario Paci and Dirks are also pretty thick (and also pretty expensive). I have some of each. Wojecki is my personal favorite for the price.

I'm still in for one for my 029 w/2836 if it will fit. I'm not a newbee, but a novice when it comes to any mods. Here a couple of pics to show my current crown. Please advise.

About 1 week before my local Panerai AD began selling their Pams I went in to see their selection with an acquantaince that has numerous gens. The dealer knew very little about the watches he was about to begin selling. I was wearing my first rep, my 111G. The guy I was with was wearing his gen 187. We started talking with the owner and I said to the guy I was with, "should I show him my rep?". He said sure, why not. I showed it too him, started talking shop, and then revealed that my watch was a rep. I think the owner was a bit embarrassed that he didn't have a clue that my watch was a rep. He hasn't looked at me the same since then but he now knows what to look for in a gen (no recessed pins, correct crown guards/crowns, and good lume. I bet I could still pass my 196 and 029 off as a gen with him

Tough decisions Veni. I would have stuck with the Metta. 196 on Woj black and copper. I've got to take some better pics. No skills here.

Two more: Breitling Aerospace and Breitling Super Avenger with Valjoux 7750. I've always loved the Aerospace and I want something really big.

Casablanca all day. I tried the gen of this watch and it is simply stunning. Massive, clean, and elegant. I also like the Conquistador a lot, and it's available with a spot on movement match.

I'm with Esmarc on this one. I love the 029. Looks good on straps, bracelets and rubber. Sporty one day, refined the next. I personally like the large second hand. You can see it sweep better than the little guys. BTW, if you decide to thin out the stock, I might be interested in the 117.

I just sold my Serie Speciale to a member. It is a very good rep. Crisp dial, decent datewheel, decent movement (at least on mine), and exceptional fit and finish. I only sold it because I want a 45mm PO with ETA when it becomes available. After becoming a Pam guy, 40mm is just too small for me.

Moderators???

You only have yourself to blame. If you would have done business with one of our trusted guys here, your problems would have been taken care of in a timely manner. Live and learn. Pick your dealer, then your watch.

Let's be clear here, Esteban is NOT Estaban. I have too much common sense and respect for you guys to waste time, bandwidth, and energy on stupid posts.

Nice work. I've been holding off on a relume of my 029 and 196 (gulp). Might have to bite the bullet after seeing your work.

I have many nice leather/croc straps but sometimes I just like the workout of a 44mm on SS. It's gets many compliments, fits my wrist perfectly with 7 links on one side and 6 1/2 on the other. Actually fits better than my rubber with deploy and some of my leathers. I'm a big guy and demand a big watch

The 196 is so close to the gen. Date wheel is the only give away in my estimation. My crown and crown guard are a perfect match for the gen. Couldn't be happier.