Bosox

I go to Italy very frequently, mostly to Venice, less commonly to Milano and Rome. Been doing it for more years than I care to remember and never, and I mean NEVER, have I ever been stopped by Italian customs, either coming or going. I think you are conjuring up a non-existent problem, though I guess s*** can happen. Spare yourself the anxiety and take a Timex

I have gens and I certainly don't hate reps or their owners. Why? Because I have more reps than gens, and I get a kick knowing that my five Panerais cost me probably $1000 total instead of $35,000-$40,000. But when I'm wearing a gen, there's a kick in knowing the quality of what's on my wrist and yes, that I could afford to buy it. (Plus, I could walk into any jewelry shop in the world and not worry about being called out.) Either way, I'm happy and I don't hate anybody.

Well, let me put it this way. While in a shop picking up my gen JLC Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931, itself an iconic watch, I wandered over to the PP case where I saw the most beautiful watch I've ever seen and "only" $25K or so. The salesman, sensing another purchase, had followed me over. He confided that although his shop carried most of the high end watchmakers, if he had his choice of only one brand, it would be Patek Phillipe. I would agree. My good friend inherited two VCs, both in need of some work, probably just a good cleaning which he hasn't yet seen fit to do. I said "Bruce, VC has opened a boutique in New York. Take them up there or sell them to me.' So far no luck on either score.

A few years back I was talking with some flight attendants as we perused reps in the Istanbul bazaar. One of them commented "It's gotten to the point that when I see a Rolex, I immediately assume it's fake" How true BTW I am now starting off with my first post, apparently, even though I've been a member for a year and a half with a good number of previous postings. I had to re-up yesterday when I couldn't log on with my old information, so I re-entered it exactly and here I am again. .