bluespower

Unlike many of the forum members who will only buy SS due to poor quality of gold plating on reps, I like gold watches and have obtained some nice-looking pieces through some hard looking, research, asking dealers questions and trial and error (I've gotten some dogs along the way). I have a bunch of sporty SS watches, but like to have some dressy gold in my box to wear on the right occasions. I spend a lot of time in suits meeting with high-end clients, so I can pull it off, I guess. I currently have three in my collection: the rose gold Pam 147 which is a favorite of Clive's and is the most elegant and dressy gold Panerai rep available, in my opinion; a gold secs at 6 Daytona with gold dial and brown leather deployant strap from Andrew, which I think is gorgeous and looks every bit as nice as the real deal (I've compared them side by side, although the weight obviously is an issue); and a gold Cartier Pasha power reserve from Joshua with a cordovan leather deployant strap, also a beauty, although the caseback has "stainless steel" stamped in it. Oops ... One thing I've learned from looking around here at others' collections is that beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder. I wouldn't be caught dead wearing some of the watches treasured by others and I'm sure they would say the same about some of mine. To each his own. Based on my experience thus far, if you like gold I think there are nice gold-plated reps to be found out there. Just understand you might have some disappointments along the way. Also, I would urge you to ask the dealers straight up: How is the gold plating on this watch? Is it thick? Will it hold up? Is the color right? Or better yet: I'm looking at gold Daytonas. Which one has the best gold plating? In my experience, our better dealers will give you straight answers and usually make recommendations to point you in the right direction. Good luck. Paul

Anybody know where I can buy a rep Cartier box & papers for a gift? Thanks for any help. BP

The wife and I just went to NYC yesterday for our annual holiday pilgrimage to Rockefeller Center, etc. I made the rounds through Tourneau and other jewelry stores looking at watches and, I must say, came away with a very good feeling about the watches we collect. First of all, Tourneau had a pretty paltry selection of Rollies (all pre-owned), no Pams, a lot of Breitlings, Tags, Invictas, etc. I'm hoping there are other floors in the store I didn't see because I was thoroughly underwhelmed. The thing that impressed me is that all of the watches I own from our better dealers -- Rolexes, Omegas, Tags, Breitlings -- look every bit as good as the real ones at Tourneau, including the couple of gold-plated Rollies I own. Then my mind starting playing tricks on me: Are the dealers in NYC are passing off reps as genuines? Later, as we window-shopped through the Diamond District, I really started getting suspicious. Many of the watches displayed in the windows, especially the Breitlings, were wrapped in plastic (sound familiar) and not only looked like reps, they looked like really bad reps. That, coupled with the sleazy characters hawking outside those stores, really made me wonder if some well-to-do shlep went into one of those stores and plunked down five grand on a Navitimer, would he walk out with the real deal or a rep with a fake box and certificate? Anyway, the whole experience was interesting and made me feel really good about the collection of fine timepieces I have in my box. It made me feel good that a lot of people who don't know what we know are paying 10 to 20 times as much for watches that don't look any better (and in some cases, worse) or function any better than the ones we get from our dealers. If your conscience has ever questioned whether you're doing the right thing collecting reps, after my trip to NYC, I can say without question, you are. Rep on!!!

For today's trip to the Big Apple.

FYI, deltatahoe sent me a link to a photo tutorial on bezel swapping here. Hope this helps one and all. BP

Thinking about swapping out the bezel insert on my Rolex GMT Master II. Looking for any guidance from those who have done this operation before to avoid buggering the bezels. I'd like to be able to switch back and forth between the red/blue and red/black. Appreciate any advice. Thanks, BP

Yes. That doesn't appear to be the problem. New screws thread in nice and tight, but after changing out straps a few times, they're stripped.

The lug screws in my 212 keep stripping. Can anyone can recommend a source for good aftermarket screws? Appreciate any help. Thanks, BP

I have two - a SS numeral dial 2006 from Josh and a gold LB stick marker from Andrew. Both working fine, chronos fine, etc. No complaints so far.

I don't even think about being outed anymore. Just wear 'em and enjoy 'em. Anybody got a problem, f--- 'em!

Pam 147. Photo doesn't really do these beauty justice.

Not sure I understand why people want to wear a replica of a luxury watch that no one knows is a luxury watch. Kind of defeats the purpose, no?

No, Clive didn't sell it to me. I got it from Joshua, but Clive has one and has been extolling its virtues for some time now. It is an absolute stunner. Josh is the only dealer I've seen who has this model.

My photos don't do these justice, but these are both gorgeous watches frm Joshua - a 2006 Daytona with the improved seconds-at-6 movement and one of Clive's little beauties - the Pam 147. Been coveting that one for some time, Clive. Thanks for extolling her virtues. She's a rare and lasting beauty. Josh came through with the usual top quality and service. The Daytona The Pam 147

Perfect! Thanks, Feek.

Need some expert advice. Just bought a Tag Link Tiger Woods model for my golf beater, but can't for the life of me figure out how to remove a few links to make it fit. The links are obviously pinned together with two dimples on the back of each link. What's the secret? Please help.

Breitling Chrono Avenger Titanium

Finally heard from Josh through paypal. Seems like a problem on my end, as he had replied to all my emails. Can't figure it out, though, because I'm not using any spam filters, etc. Sorry for creating any concerns and apologies to Joshua. Paul

Anybody heard from Joshua recently? I placed an order Wednesday afternoon (it's Friday a.m. where I am) and haven't heard a thing, which is very unusual for Josh, as all of you know. Have tried emails and PMs. Just wondering if anyone knows if he's sick, traveling, on holiday, etc. Thanks for any info.

OK, that's freaking hideous!

Shaken, not stirred ...

congrats, andy!!! there is no replica for the genuine love you feel for your child. there simply is nothing better. enjoy every moment. all the best, paul

Really liking the SS 2006 Daytona white numeral dial from Josh. Have any of our Rollie aficianados done a review? Anyone care to kick the tires on this beauty?

Thanks for the info, guys.

I am getting freaking inundated EVERY MINUTE with spam from "TopWatchSales." The emails just contain an image file with the aforementioned name from a random address at netzero (so I can't snag it with my spamkiller), which is linked to www.catmaxx.com. (THIS IS NOT STEALTH ATTEMPT TO SOLICIT BUSINESS FOR THIS SCAM SITE!!! NO FLAMES, PLEASE.) It all seemed to start after I signed up for an account over at RWI. Anybody else getting this crap? Any ideas who in our communities of collectors/dealers might be sharing our email addresses? Any thoughts on how to make it stop? Appreciate any insights. Thanks.