BlackFlash

I bought the Calibre de Cartier from TT after seeing a pic of it posted in the daily wrists thread. Awesome watch! It has a clean (not a very busy face), unique look that catches people's attention without being gaudy. I'm not an authority on rep builds, but it works perfectly, looks awesome and feels great. Go for it without hesitation. Flash

Chango - I've got 13 on and 7 to go. I'm grandfathered in for 20 and out. Watches have universal appeal. Plus, we (us fire fighters) everywhere! Flash

@Chango - Another fire fighter in the forum. Nice to meet you, brother. How long do you have on / have left the job? Flash

Thanks a million. I appreciate it! Flash

A while back, I know I saw a post about "fixing" the GMT hand on a Exp II and now I can't find it. I used the search function, scrolled through many pages of threads and just can't seem to place it. Just received one from a TD and love it - of course - but can't get the GMT hand to work. It adjusts, but doesn't run. It'd be great if someone could either post the link to the other thread or give me directions. My family lives in two different parts of the world and it'd be great to keep both times. So yes, I actually want to use the GMT hand. Plus, everyone likes their watch to work, rep or not. Thanks a mil. Flash **edited for grammar

Thanks for the info. I tried making a purchase on WatchEden and I'm having trouble with getting my payment approved. I even contacted my bank and had them walk me through the payment process on WatchEden's website. Should I be suspicious or is this a complication with making an internet purchase form a Chinese based merchant? What's the next best way to pay for the products I ordered? Thank you for your help. Flash

I'm wondering if there is link on this site (or perhaps a site(s) that another may be willing to share) of Trusted Dealers of other rep products. While I do recognize that this is site for watch appreciation, I also see it as a place where there are a number of members who appreciate more than watches, they also value owning a well made replicated brand without the price. I'm guessing that there must be sites for quality rep jewelry, electronics and the likes. Hopefully, you not only know them, but you're willing to share them with me. Thank you. Flash

I actually have a couple of Timex watches with straps. Nice conversions you've made here, Powell. The combo of strap and deployment buckle would actually dress up my cheap Timex watches and "sportify" my reps. So, I'm not a big fan of the color combo, but that's an easy fix. Plus, I doubt that was your focus of your post. Good job! Your New England Neighbor (in CT) Flash

Thanks guys! I feel like I truly belong here - at least if we're talking cars (Fiats, Rovers and the like) and watches. @Panerai153 - It would seem quite fitting to drive The Queen (Range Rover) while wearing a Steve McQueen. Perhaps it'd be a corny joke in my head (that has now escaped) but I'd think of it and smile. A vintage Rolex is beautiful, but perhaps I'll work my way up to it as a franken to get it right. Whereas, with a newer model I can make a few mods and have it looking sharp. @Freddy - As for my Fiat, you're right I've only had it for 4 years. And since I live in New England, it only comes out when it doesn't require the top up. Unfortunately, that means it's only a few months out of the year. It hasn't seen a flatbed yet, but from what I hear, it's inevitable. I'm not looking forward to that day, so I do my best to enjoy every mile that it runs as well as it does. @Nanuq - if you don't like washing your Land River, might I suggest that you get a boyfriend, like mine, who bathes it regularly It's just too bad that he has an obsession with the Lexus as he has two: the huge SUV and the baby hardtop convertible - yuck. Flash

Freddy, As for the Explorer II, I just sent an email to Andrew to see if he has it in stock. I've been advised to get the Asian clone ETA because so many of the "Swiss" ETA turn out to be not so 100% Swiss. Why pay for the doubt if the Asian ETA clone can be reliable. I'll also be on the look out for gen parts - crystal and crown/tube. BTW I've had better luck with my beautiful Fiat than with my rep Explorer! And if I do have a problem with my Fiat, I have one of the most reputable mechanics of Fiats in the country about 20 minutes away. Don't worry, while I may post a wristie with of me and my Fiat, I'll spare you by making sure that I'm not wearing my by boyfriend's dress shirt.

@DenimHead - WOW! Thanks for all that very useful info. Indeed, a rep is still a rep. Especially when you consider all the flaws. If I do go ahead with the 1655, I'd have a lot of work ahead of me. Much more so than the more modern white faced Explorer II that Freddy mentioned. @Freddy - The thing is that I did buy a Explorer II from a trusted Dealer and soon thereafter, the cyclops fell off. He offered to have me send it back to him, but it got "lost" somewhere along the way. It was a loss for me. Plus, it was my first rep. I decided to give it a try again with other pieces (with less to go wrong) and so far so good. The Explorer II is a great option and maybe I should go that route again and hope for less disappointment. Thanks for the reminder. Parenthetically, both aforementioned Cartier watches look good while I'm driving my 1981 Fiat Spider convertible too Flash

Actually, I'm a 37 year old woman. I've got the same height/weight/athletic build as Serena Williams. I pull off my Cartier Ballon Bleu (42mm) and the Calibre de Cartier (also 42mm, but wears much larger because of it other dimensions) very well - if I do say so myself. Flash

Actually, the direction (via the links) that you're pointing me towards is awesome! Thank you. Ultimately, I'm looking for pros, cons, maintenance, history. Thanks, again.