dylan

This is actual brilliance! I love Hammies...I have a 6497 version coming in on Thurs...but now I have an itchin for a Navy GMT & doing the same thing...

+1

actually guys... the strap is from Debaufre: $50 without a buckle their buckle is $25, but I got mine from ebay for $13. just go to www.debaufre.com and go to their strap section

So... On the SS bracelet, my skyland wasn't getting any wrist time...so I posted it up for sale last night...Well, my strap & buckle came in for one of my pilot watches, and I popped it on the Skyland. I guess I'm going to hold onto it for a bit more. I HIGHLY recommend a strap like this for the grey dial...just a perfect combo. This strap is 4.5mm thick & an antique marone...

Ok... The Hamilton is ordered... I have the Debaufre strap on hand...looks gorgeous....can't wait to put it on the Hamilton once it arrives.

Ok, So I really dig the pilot-style handwound watches...However, the affordable ones like Steinhart/Debaufre come in 47mm ++ sizes and I just cannot pull it off. I think Ticino makes a cheap one, < $150 w. A6497. Recently, Steinhart/Debaufre has come out with a 44mm version on a really nice strap for $575...superlume...ETA 6497...very nice: $575 without upgraded boxset. When it comes to ETA 6497 based watches, my own personal limit is around $600 (about the same amount for a fully tricked out PAM 6497 rep) Then randomly while I was at a watch store at the Short Hills Mall I was perusing through some of their stuff...some IWCs...Ball...Breits....1 x PAM 187 (in the back safe)...As I'm walking out, I stop at the Hamilton counter (been a big fan of Hammies) my eyes get drawn to one of their khaki watches...its really funny what you notice after you get into this hobby...but my eyes got caught on the unmistakable 9 o'clock subdial secs of a ETA 6497. Also, the back is cool...its a closed caseback with an exhibition area for the needle regulator. Its got various engravings like 'ETA 6497' Retail Price: $595. Sweet....not only that but they've got some nice double rivetted straps in 22mm for their watches.. So I go home doing some research. -ETA 6497 -44 mm pilot style case -sapphire crystal -superlume -gen Hamilton (long history & I have a personal attachment to this brand) -2 yr Hamilton Warranty Instead of the double rivetted Hammy strap, I've decided to go with the Debaufre aviator strap for it, because color is so gorgeous (at least on their website). Everything should be coming soon....

i have to agree....I don't understand for instance someone dishing out $200 for a rep speedy bag when the real deal is $600. I get it for the for $1800 ++ bags... if you're thing is armani or versace suits...you can find some nice stuff at Off 5th or Neiman Marcus 'last call' at way below retail... i've found some treasures at the Burberry outlets....one was this amazing light fall coat retailed for $1500 for $199.. i have yet ventured into rep clothing and i don't think i will...i'll stick to watches.... ON A SIDE NOTE: My brother just got in from South Korea 2 nights ago and he picked up a bunch of rep bags because I wanted to see the quality...I'm shocked at the quality... I've tried various dealers for rep bags/purses from the triad of forums, but my lady hated every single one... She has a gen LV Griet (monogram) & gen Damier Azur Speedy...we were comparing the stuff he brought, and its pretty sick how good this stuff is from there...Particularly his Damier messenger bag...

<sigh> i'd love to take on a 063 project....

Hey W, good question on significant others.... who's bringing a date?

Du is absolutely right...forgot about that... looks like you got the demand...now get to the printing press!

if its going to be costly, i'd think twice or maybe take pre-order payment... on the other hand...i think there are dw's that need to be done...particularly for PAM reps.... i'd love a PAM 7753 dw for my 188 and future 196!

nah...no mods here...i'm going to swap out the bracelet for a strap and thats about it.... nothing about this watch screams 'fix me'...sure the lume dots are off....but hard to tell on the wrist... the thing about previous breit reps that irked me are pretty good on this puppy...pearl..bezel..datefont... i'm good to go!

W, the bezel mechanism is nice on this one... its the best rep for under $300 for sure... now i'm waiting on a strap that i think will look awesome on this puppy...should be here tomorrow.. i'll post pics to see what peeps think...

definitely if you have a previous generation and want an upgrade it would be great...but keep in mind that the BCE v3s are out and the dw looks pretty good..

6:30 is fine for me as well. Drinks package meaning....everyone has to get the same one?

i'm up for whatever the group wants...just a place that can accomodate our group comfortably and some extra space...I'm assuming some of us are bringing watch boxes?

Can we have a secret handshake?

hmmmm...definitely with a large group it'll have to be well planned... I guess italian, family style may be good... I've got a list of fave restaurants of various cuisine at different price points...but considering the size of our group...some places may be tough... I wonder for steak if we could get a reservation at Lugars at such short notice...Keens is decent on 36th st... Asian/Asian fusion... Korean bbq anyone? Indochine is a NYC classic.. http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7087.../indochine.html Asia de Cuba? http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/1131...at_morgans.html Maybe I should treat Stephane to some White Castles....

Some random ideas...i'm trying to be varied since we are all different souls... 1. Since we are rep collectors are we doing a rummage down at Canal St? I could introduce you to the cheapest watchsmiths around...grumpy old chinese guys that yell at me all the time when I ask them to do a 7750 swap or change out some ETA day/date wheels..."Why you want to do that...that is crap chinese watch...why you want real inside that junk!" If that is a possible stop...then we could stop by Joe Shanghai for soupy dumplings....these delectable dumplings that actually have soup inside...where you have to balance the dumpling in your spoon..nibble off the top...suck the soup out...pour a bit of gingered soysauce in the freshly made nibbled hole...and then down the dumpling without spilling any soup on the plate....the person that spills the least will be heralded the King of Soupy Dumplings...we will hoist them on our shoulders as we run down Canal St... 2. Another fave stop is the champagne bar in the Carlton Hotel...great champagne...lovely restaurant on the first floor called Country... 3. Summer time...I'm all about rooftops...so if anyone is in the mood for a rooftop bar, there is always that....from the rooftop of the Gansevoort Hotel overlooking the meatpacking district....to the quaint, neighborhood style bar atop of La Quinta in Korea-town...depends on the mood/style 4. A visit to Tourneau on 57th? 5. For nightlife...all depends on where you want to drink...local dive bar....trendy lounge w. bottle service.....karaoke... 6. before i get really silly...g'nite

its white background, black font. thank you sir!

thanks Lani...actually Anton was kind enough to PM that he had a spare day wheel...so he's sending that to me...so i just need the white date wheel now...

here's the icing on the cake...he's sending it to me priority!!!!

Ok... So I have a white 3717-02 (spitfire pilot chrono) that needs the necessary ETA day/date wheels. I post a thread asking where I can get some in the States for a good price (I know you can get them from cousins, but their shipping is high for int'l orders)... Within minutes, Anton PMs me and tells me he's got a spare day wheel...and that he'd be happy to ship it to me ON HIM! Its these gestures that are a foundation of this forum...and I'm very lucky to have found it. Thank you Anton and thank you RWG for letting me hang out here...

Hey guys, Who has the best price for eta 7750 day/date wheels in the States?