PaneraiFan315

This has to one of the more constructive and kind responses to these types of questions I have read in awhile. Others may not be so nice. I recommend the OP to consider this advice.

I appreciate how you feel about not criticizing your competitors' handiwork. A true professional competes in the marketplace based on quality of his/her services and not by disparaging the competition. I too follow this principle. Sometimes it is difficult to sort through the waves of praise and marketing by what appears to be independent sources to figure out the reality. Anyways no big deal. It was just $200 for a lesson. I was more aggravated by what appears to be selective memory and vague responses more than anything else. On to bigger and better things. Enjoy your weekend.

Hey Zig! Unfortunately, that is only partially true. I eventually concluded the prior experience you are refering to was a one-off thing and contacted another modder to work on my other two watches. I did learn to just leave the craftsman alone, as one member advised me, and let them do their thing. I adjusted my expectations with respect to the timing and so far everything is good. Btw- I had other concerns other than the communication with my first project. But I cannot confirm at this point so it is baseless and unfair for me to state them now. Lastly, your handiworks are true masterpieces!

Engaged a modder to relume and double AR my FM Casablanca couple months back and got the progress pics last night. So far the dial looks incredible! Looking forward to seeing the completed project soon. I also have the similar work done for an Ultimate PO so I'm probably going to have to shelf my Pams for a while and rock these beauties...

Second what Marlin22 said about the shipping. 5 days from QC pics to wrist. Toro is fast!

Hi Pete, Is that a JV gold nubuck on your 217?

I am just curious for those who have owned a Tourby; if you had a chance to do it again, would you buy a Tourbillon watch considering the delicate mechanism and the difficulty of repairing such a watch? I was previously fascinated by the design of these watches, but balked due to the relative high cost (compared to other reps) and how easily they can be damaged. I just couldn't talk myself into pulling the trigger earlier and I am not sure I can now after reading some of the experiences by Tourby owners. Thank you btw for your candid feedback.

I don't want to imply anything negative about Andrew since he is a great dealer and my dealing with him have been very satisfactory. However, I don't think he is the go to person for Noob watches (Andrew has a stronger relationship with H than Noob). I suggest you consider Torobravo as an alternate source for the Fiddy. The backorder was 3 weeks for me and the delivery time from approval of QC to watch in hand is 5 days. Toro's communication style is different from Andrew. TB is curt and to the point...not a bad thing, but I got spoiled with Andrew.

blacklist... oh no! That's good to know if and when I consider using Uwe's service since I'm outside Germany. Thanks again.

I learned something today. Thanks guys!

@wiesn089 thanks for the insight. Can I conclude that packages sent from non-Chinese locations to Germany such as the US shouldn't be an issue?

That is a very stunning watch. Uwe's handiwork is really amazing. Thanks for sharing. I hope I am wrong, but I have the impression that getting our toys through German customs can be a challenge. I've read they tend to be seize-happy with regards to rep watches. Can anyone confirm or reject? Thanks.

Maybe one day, but for me I am totally happy with my Noob PAM127. I have no desire to do all that to get the "best" version.

I didn't have these issues with my Noob PAM127. It was immaculate and the watch was by far the best I've purchased in terms of quality and finish. ...and not to be a contrarian, IMHO I think the QC pictures would have shown the paint overflow. These were from a TD? Interesting...Is this the first purchase from this particular dealer for you?

I understand you want to respect the TD's wishes, but isn't the rule to buying goods is "buyer beware"? The implicit logic is the goods are subject to all defects. Was his request to show to share the QC pictures clearly posted on his website? If not, then I would do what you need to get comfortable before pulling the trigger since this is your watch. Post the QC if you are not sure of the quality.

Update to: I am partially guilty of not providing negative feedback as well. I had engaged the services of a well-known and highly respected modder and the experience was so ridiculous and amateurish, I swore I would learn how to mod watches myself than go through that process again. But I did not take it further than telling him exactly how I felt about his “services”. I did call him out... Oh boy, I am feeling frisky today! I expect I am going to be bruised soon by his loyal supporters!

I would ask for a refund if you don't want to wait. This has happened to me before and the TD, Andrew, was supercool about it. I got my money back about a month later which I think is reasonable. If on the other hand, you prefer to wait it out, it should be okay too. I waited like 3 weeks for the PAM127 to be available and that was no sweat as well. That was with Torobravo since Andrew doesn't seem to carry noob stuff. Good luck and I hope it turns out good for you.

Wow! What an incredible thread/read this was. Lots of interesting topics and philosophies were discussed by some heavy hitters. I think I must have read the thread 4 times and still feel I have not captured the complete essence of these posts. My 3 main opinions/takeaways at this point are: 1. FxrAndy did the right thing by banning Rockarep. Ignoring the technicalities of breaking forum rules #9 or what have you, the fact remains there was an active intent by G.S.W. to generate and increase sales for a related party. Clearly, G.S.W.'s intentions were not for the members' benefit, but to shill his brother’s watches. I cannot speak on the abilities of Rockarep since I am just someone who likes watches and nothing more; but in my mind, Rockarep demonstrated his lack of integrity by going along with the actions of G.S.W. Cavalierly stating his brother's actions on this forum was up to G.S.W. does not absolve Rockarep of his responsibilities. If Rockarep feels his watches are superior, then they should outsell the competition based on its own quality. As the saying goes, buy the seller and not the product. Based on your conduct Rockarep, I will not buy from you. And yes, I realize I am using the words "integrity" and "responsibility" on a fake watch forum. 2. There have been multiple instances of in this thread where the phrase "not to rock the boat" was used. I am disappointed by this thought process. Not acknowledging inconsistencies between the actual watch and the marketing behind it encourages these people to continue their questionable behavior. I am not suggesting this forum turn into a warzone, but as frankt has previously posted it is not helping the "newer guys who haven't been around long enough to develop a "sense of smell" when reading F/S ads..." when legitimate negative feedback is not made known. I am partially guilty of not providing negative feedback as well. I had engaged the services of a well-known and highly respected modder and the experience was so ridiculous and amateurish, I swore I would learn how to mod watches myself than go through that process again. But I did not take it further than telling him exactly how I felt about his “services”. Luckily, I only spent about 200 and I see it as a learning experience. 3. Docblackrock is a very good writer!

My suggestion may be influenced by the fact I just got the Pam127 this week, but I think it is a gorgeous watch. The domed crystal, sandwich dial and the gold hands are a great combo. I love how striking the dial looks at an angle when the numbers are partially obscured and my eyes are drawn to the shiny gold hands...It is a truly a great design. Things you may want to consider are: 1) The watch is in limited availability, made worst by rumors of a recent raid on the Noob factory and 2) It is a sizable watch. My wrist is about 7 1/8 inches and I think I can barely pull it off, at least IMHO. Can't speak on the Diver, DSSD or Pam243 since I don't own any of the models. I hope whatever you select makes you happy.

Hi all, I just want to share my experience with purchasing my Pam127 from Torobravo and my general impression of this watch. First, my ordering experience with Torobravo. 1. Paid on 6/21 and was put on the waiting list 2. Received and approved QC pics on 7/14 3. "Toy watch" arrived at my office on 7/18 afternoon I waited for about 3 week and got the watch in 5 days from China to LA. Torobravo's communication was prompt and to the point. Here are the "Clift Notes" about me: I am a newbie with respect to this hobby. I joined RWG March 2012 and prior to the Pam127 I have purchased so far: 1. Pam380 2. Omega 45 UPO - Orange bezel 3. Franck Muller Casablanca - Brown dial All 3 from Trusty. Btw- He's is a great dealer as most who have dealt with him already know. Although each of my first 3 watches had its own slight imperfections, I was very happy and enjoyed them immensely. However, when I saw the Pam127 first hand, I was totally surprised by its quality and beauty. To be frank, I didn't quite understand the fuss this watch was getting since the pictures I saw didn't really inspire me one way or the other. I am slightly embrassed to say I just got it due to all the rave reviews. After wearing it for close to two days, I am still amazed by the level of quality and attention to detail on this watch. I realize this is the honeymoon period, but I got to say I am totally smitten by this watch...This watch have gotten me so giddy and silly my wife has wondered what's gotten into me. (Giddy is not normally an acceptable behavior for a 43-year old man). One last observation is that this watch has removed all urges to acquire more watches, at least temporarily. Anyways, I like to thank the RWG community for sharing their knowledge to someone who previously have never bought a watch. This may sound like hyperbole, but this 400 dollar "Toy" has made me just as happy as when I got my Porsche. Here is the obligatory photo of the watch (one of the QC pics). I've never taken a wristshot before so I will spare the community my poor camera skills....for now... Thank you for reading this and have a great day, PaneraiFan315

PB Dad is working on a double AR on my FM Casablanca as well as a lume of the dial and hands. I'll let you know once I get the watch back hopefully in a few weeks.