TeeJay

Looking good I hope it's a noticeable difference in clarity on the wrist

I would have to say this one, the fit on my wrist is absolutely perfect

That's a really classy piece, I'm sure it'll bring you happy memories of your dad for many years to come

Just to throw the cat among the pigeons, I think that bezel insert would be an excellent candidate for a little vintaging and fading, simply because the imperfect finish on it will lend itself to that kind of project work, as it would add 'additional points of distress' to any sanding/bleaching work undertaken, so hopefully a more natural result overall Of course, the perfect inserts also look great on the vintaged watches too, so it's all just a matter of personal taste

+1

Doesn't matter if it was rep or gen, I'd still vote for the B&M, simply because it's a cleaner design, and the case framing the dial of the MB looks 'too heavy' at the sides, making the dial look cramped and compressed. B&M just looks like a well designed, classy watch

Absolutely so I think watch collecting is definitely a hobby which takes time for people to truly 'find their feet' in terms of what they like and feel comfortable with, but in the end, everyone winds up with what is right for them

I guess it depends where you're looking for your evidence I don't consider a magazine article or watch expo as a gauge for what's actually in or out: They might like to say what they think should be in or out, and try to get the masses to follow their dictate, but many do not go by magazines... On a forum such as this, there will always be those who are diehard Panerai fans, so they will always have an interest in those watches, so that will always make them 'appear popular/under current discussion', but is not a true barometer of what the 'man on the street' is wearing... As above, I've worn PAMs, and have a huge appreciation for the history of the company (probably more so than for the Rolex company) but, I simply don't find them comfortable wear for any wardrobe choice requiring 'sleeves down' (I'm not in a position to get tailored cuffs ) My observation of what people are wearing in the street/bars/etc, are essentially Sub-sized watches, with very little to nothing in the +40mm range.

From what I've read, the clasp is prone to failure (on gens as well as reps) as the welds where 'the bottom leaf of the clasp attaches to the piece of metal which attaches to the links of the bracelet' have failed. (sorry I can't describe the part better ) Thanks for taking the time to post up the review

I would agree with the above comments about large watches. In the past few years, my taste in watches has fluctuated through a few brands, but came back to it's starting point of Rolex (okay, Tudor, but it's the same difference ) Can I put on a PAM without it feeling over-sized? To answer that question, I would have to say it depends what I'm wearing. I don't like having my forearms covered, so tend to either wear T-Shirts, roll the sleeves of a shirt, or push up the sleeves of a sweater, but of course, when the situation requires 'to the wrist' cover, I will put the sleeves down, and this is where my opinion comes into play. I can wear a Submariner-sized watch under a sleeve cuff quite comfortably. I cannot say the same thing about a Panerai... A Date-Just fits perfectly under a cuff, and, while it might look a little small to my eye if I'm wearing a T-Shirt (if I've just swapped from a Submariner) after a while, my eye adjusts to the size and it's quite acceptable (IMHO) I think the DSSD is an interesting example of a large watch, with an apparently undersized bracelet and dial. In theory, I would say, could the dial not fill the case in the same way the dial of a 45mm Planet Ocean does? But, from what I understand, the 'Original Gas Escape-Valve Ring Lock System' ring, is actually a reinforcing support to maintain the structural integrity of the watch under extreme pressure (which would crush the person wearing it at the time ) so from that perspective, I understand that the dial couldn't actually be any bigger, because of that structural ring. Of course, given the prone to failure nature of the welds on the clasp, I'm wondering if the DSSD wasn't just an over-engineered white elephant on the part of Rolex... Looks the part at quick glance, but on further examination, probably not really up to use as a true tool-watch beater, and clearly over-engineered in terms of depth rating The Date-Just II, on the other hand, I believe has a case size wider than a standard Submariner, so that would get my vote as Rolex's largest (realistically useable) watch

I'd go for the B&M, as the dial appears larger and less cluttered, but both look like really classy watches

I'm no fan of HBBs, but that really is a thing of beauty PS I'd vote for the original bezel. Not that I'm a stickler for 'factory stock', but I think the graining of the bezel complements the dial more than the other two options

I've had this watch on my radar for some time now, since I saw an actor in Bones wearing one, and figured it might make a nice replacement for my blue SMP Only question is how I would feel wearing a non-vintage watch I believe that it was a Japanese market-only release, but I'm not 100% on that... Awesome use of the GMTIIc bracelet and clasp, the polished stripe really brings some shine to the watch I used to think the same way about the old-style clasps, but once I heard people reporting that the welds on their DSSD clasps (same set up as the GMTIIc clasp) were failing under pressure, I realized that the old-style clasps wouldn't fail in the same way, the pins would just stretch Very nice project, you may have just tipped me over the edge in trying one myself

The usual for me, but with a new hat wifey bought me

How about buying a rep 1680, then installing your own dial and hands for a custom look?

No dude, I'm originally from Sussex, but moved to the shithole which is Norfolk when I met my wife

I guess mine just reflects aspects of my personality

As far as I'm aware, the only option is to build one from parts available, or hope that an existing owner might want to sell theirs

I think a water-slide decal might be the way to go with this project

I like the Panerai-style cyclops which is internal, as it doesn't mar the line of the crystal, but I don't like the way they are on Rolex, as I feel it spoils the line

I think you're both quite right there, and this might indeed be the begining of what was discussed a while back, as to how limited parts supply could likely result in many 100% shop-purchased watches winding up being reduced to franken-status simply because they require a replacement part which is no longer available...

Sweeeeet :thumbsupsmileyanim: I really don't like cyclopses

Is it a Snowflake Date Tudor, but in a cyclops-less case?

Love the watches, but as a company, Rolex really are scum

Not sure about the specific version, but I'm sure any dealer will be selling a 1655 (of some description )