TeeJay

hehe, I meant reliable when we talk about their shipping time. (I'm no english language king, when I read my last post I understand your answers! but hey, it's early in the morning guys!)

Their shipping time is good as well I've always found the USPS to be very reliable and punctual

I've never had a problem with USPS...

Likewise, I've always found USPS to be very reliable

Awesome purchase If you don't mind me asking, what steered you to the pumpkin variant rather than the black? I only ask as I have a (rep) 42mm in Pumpkin, which was a gift, but I killed the movement while trying to regulate it... Moving aside from that, even before killing the movement, I never wore the watch, as it never seemed to blend with anything in my wardrobe, so it remained solely as a collection piece, so I'm just curious as to what steered you to that color option

You're complaining because some get through?

Ish.

I'm complaining because most get through, and it's just the few who get stopped. Not because they get caught, or because the charges are applied, but because the charges and fees are applied indiscriminately

Would you prefer they got it right every time? Our hobby would be dead if customs was 100% efficient.

I'm sure folks would still find a way to get watches through It worked in Pulp Fiction

You're complaining because you're not always lucky. Carry on though; It sounds really funny and reminds me of my childhood days in primary school when Mark got a larger slice of pie than Joe and the tears about injustice started. Ah, good times.

Oh really?

Read back, my friend, I've only ever been stung twice by customs charges, in over a decade of buying goods online and from abroad. It's probably less than 1% of my transactions, so no, I'm not complaining because I have been stung, I'm complaining because the system is unfair and indiscriminately applied That's my beef

As I mentioned in Lanikai's thread yesterday, when I was younger, I would buy a new watch every year, and up till a certain age, my goal was to get as similar a watch, to what was being worn in Octopussy, so, this would be the watch which started it all for me

You're missing one point: Tax is due on the item. You can reclaim it later, but it is due now.

It's more like the hobo paying your toll fee across a bridge for you then claiming it off you, if you insist on the hobo analogy.

If you're hoping it sneaks through customs, you're gaming the system and as such should expect to have to pay what you owe once in a while.

I know that tax is due on the item, that is not my point. My point, is that HMC are pretty indiscriminate when it comes to applying that tax to begin with. If they were to apply it to each and every parcel (as they should), then fine, but the fact is, they do not. That is what makes it unfair, because it means that the people who are paying [the due] tax, are being singled out, compared to all the other parcels which do not get taxed. That is my primary beef: The inequity of the system. My secondary beef, is that Parcel Force as a company, are taking it upon themselves to pay that tax 'on the buyer's behalf', only to claim it back later (which is fair enough) However. My point there, is that if the person decides to forfeit the parcel and refuse to pay the tax, HMC send it back. If someone was to try and do that once the release fee had been paid by Parcel Force, then, given the petty bureaucracy of the British Isles, it would not surprise me one bit of Parcel Force were then to pursue the buyer for the cost which they chose to lay out (in the hopes of recouping) of the release fees. That's what gets me. If it was just a case of dealing with HMC, it would be a case of "yes or no", "pay or not pay", "get parcel/lose parcel". Parcel Force's involvement throws those options, as if the person does not act swiftly in telling HMC to shove it and return the parcel, then Parcel Force step in, and the buyer then finds themselves indebted to Parcel Force for paying the release fee 'on their behalf'...

It's not a scam. Tax exemption means you can claim it back.

Yes, you can claim it back, but, as before, the issue is that Parcel Force pay the release fee 'on your behalf', requiring the buyer to pay them to get the goods. At least with customs, if responded to quickly enough, it is a case of telling them to shove it and the goods getting returned. What Parcel Force do, is little more than spitting on your windscreen at the traffic lights, then charging you for cleaning it off As above, what gets me, is that the customs charges are not automatically applied to each and every parcel entering the country, just the parcels unlucky enough to actually get the attention

Doc -RG's issues aside, your statement regarding "scammers" is exactly how internet legends and myths are started. By making that statement in this thread you seem to be implying that WM9 is a scammer. Maybe you meant to, maybe you did not, but think about the context of your statement in this thread and then think about the guy who started this thread.

Some guy, with absolutely no established reputation, thinks he is "on" to something, posts his "evidence" (Of what, I am not really sure) and the next thing you know, people are saying I heard from someone, who heard from someone, who heard from someone, so and so is a "scammer"...

The whole WM9 is a scammer, WM9 doesn't use real gold, WM9 sells the same Rep you can get for cheaper at a way higher price etc etc etc has seen plenty of double digit page threads here at RWG. Any one of the people around here with a long standing history will tell you that all though many don't agree with WM9 and his prices - a scammer he is not.

Clearly someone here is trying to start some sh!t and a simple search of WM9 can and will reveal the truth. There is nothing new here to "watch" (hey that was a pretty good pun he he he he) as it has all been gone over before.

Ask someone like BK who knows WM9 or better yet, if you are someone who wants to know - email George yourself, don't take my word or anyone else's for that matter. I think you will find George will try and answer your questions honestly and thoroughly.

I really can't see how anyone can take this clown seriously...

It's pretty obvious that Styler is no n00b, so let's ignore the lack of posting history, and look at precicely what is being posted, not who is posting it

I can't see how you can't, if not take him seriously, at least give him the benefit of the doubt. If he's lying, then you have nothing to lose, but if he is telling the truth, then it is important information which the community deserves to hear.

It depends what I'm wearing shoe-wise... Smart(ish) shoes and a shirt, it'll be my 2531.802, casual shoes and a T-Shirt, it'll be my 45mm Planet Ocean

but you are from the UK, your customs are lazy. In some other countries they arn't (and they are definitely not stupid!)

I wouldn't go so far as to say UK customs are 'lazy', just somewhat 'indiscriminate' in how they apply customs charges on goods In the past, I've only had to pay their fees on a robe, and a box of soft-toys (two different consignments years apart, and shipped to different addresses) My father in law had to pay customs duty on a modified digital camera even though it was exempt (due to scientific use, or some such) but the way the scam works here, is that HMCustoms send the invoice. If the person doesn't act quickly enough and tell them to shove it, then ParcelForce will 'pay the release fee' and deliver the goods, but then demand the payment for the goods, leaving the buyer pretty much forced to pay it, where of course, if they tell HMCustoms to shove it and return the package, they lose the goods (that time) but avoid the fee. The thing is, as above, they are indiscriminate about applying the charge, so even if the exact same goods are re-shipped to the same person at the same address, chances are it will pass through customs without incurring the charge... That's part of the thing that gets me. Okay, I find it annoying enough that customs are charging duty on products purchased outside the UK, but the thing which really galls me, is the indiscriminate way in which they apply the charges. Either they apply to everyone (which they do) so everyone pays them, or, they don't apply at all, and no one should have to pay them... Crazy situation, but of course, it's not going to change

I have never lost an item through Fedex - and I use them lots......

Many other people have had rep goods seized by customs which were shipped via FedEx, particularly watches shipped from Asia. Just because you have been lucky in that regard, you can't discount the numerous other incidents where goods have been seized, where some dealers refuse to use FedEx because of the potential for goods to be seized, and where clients have insisted that a dealer not use FedEx because they didn't want to run the risk of having their goods seized.

I love reading Nostalgia.. as Ken .. Mikellem .. have attributed their infatuation with Rolex at a young age .. I can relate

great histories ALL .. Stephane .. TJ .. I have enjoyed reading them all..Thank you !!

Thanks for the oportunity to share, brother

For me, I've always had a 'compulsion' to buy new watches. When I was younger, I tended to buy a new watch every year. Having watched Octopussy, I wanted watches with the same kind of digital displays. When I read On Her Majesty's Secret Service, that was when I found out that Bond wore a Rolex, so from that point, the brand always had a special mystique for me. A few years back, my taste shifted from 'multidial' watches to simple diver's watches, and it was a little while after that, that I was in a position to buy a Submariner. I tried it on, and was utterly unimpressed. That propmted me to look into replicas, and I bought a EuroFakes Submariner, which I felt was much better value for money, and I wore constantly. After a few months, I was doing some reading online, and found the excellent comparitive review of the Submariner and Seamaster. That surprised me with it's result, as I didn't expect anything to beat a Rolex, as after all, it was a Rolex, but, I found myself agreeing with the reviewer's observations about the sub's shortcomings, and that made me decide to consider an Omega as a replacement for my sub. I decided to get a rep to save on cash, and, as Casino Royale was coming out, I decided to get a Planet Ocean, and as they say, the rest is history

Customs fees apply on all imports.

Well yes, technically they do apply on all imports, but the fees are not universally charged for.

I've ordered a lot of stuff off the net and abroad over the past decade, and in only two instances, have I actually had to pay a customs fee. That's less than 1% of my foreign transactions, so it's hardly as if customs fees are actually applied on all imports... HMC is little more than a sanctioned protection racket. "We got your stuff, and if you want it, you gotta give us a cut..."

Awesome, I'm really looking forward to seeing how the logo works 'in the flesh' rather than just on paper

You are not getting the point!! Apologies if I was not clear, mate - but there was NO (and I mean NO) delivery note left. That was just phase 1 of the scam! There was NO attempt to deliver the parcel. Interesting thing is I get tons of stuff in the post (my latest ebay feedback is 824 - all as a buyer) - but only the watches are stolen. In my 2 local depots, there must be some watch afficiandos.

I understood perfectly what you were saying, but, you are missing the point that this kind of scam is not the normal situation for people using the Royal Mail. As mentioned, above, suggesting people use FedEx is almost 100% guaranteed to get rep goods seized by customs. Suggesting people use FedEx rather than the Royal Mail is not giving a better alternative, but a much worse one. As I mentioned to Pugwash, there was a documentary on thieves in the Royal Mail several years ago. Wether the RM have taken steps to alleviate the situation, who knows, but, as before, the situation you have experienced (which I don't doubt happened) is NOT the normal situation, so yes, by all means make peoplr aware of it, but don't do it in such a way as making it sound that anything going through the Royal Mail is going to vanish or be scammed. As I said before, giving a warning about a situation is helpful to people, but scaremongering and suggesting people start using a courier which is widely known to result in goods seized, is not.

Fascinating. They put a 42 PO on him in the film. Then they make two special editions. One PO in 45.5m and an SMP, neither of which has anything to do with the film. These people are retarded.

No, just good at marketting

Wow, that is indeed an exceptional lucky find, hehe, especially when you've bought it in the EU... I immediately bought the phone because prices around here are just crazy... You're unable to find a good looking Iphone under $385, so that's why I think I made the deal...

Well, for now I'm happy with the deal, and what concerns my music, I'll use the ipod on the iphone, though I have an Ipod too, so when I'm in a long need of music, I'll just use that...

I hope the shipping is well and I don't have to deal with the customs (taxes!)...

I have to admit, it was an incredibly lucky find. My wife has recently been looking for one as well, as she's so impressed with mine, but we just couldn't find any where the deals were as good. I think the time of year doesn't help either.

I'm not too sure how customs fees might apply, but I couldn't see there being a problem, as it is a pre-owned item, rather than a brand-new item being purchassed

There goes his porn collection!

They have porn on these??!!

Well, the wal mart thing is not sure yet... And I couldn't wait that long. Also, it will probably be an Iphone + contract...

About the shipping, I asked the seller to send it with USPS Express Mail International. Would that be a good bet?

Ah, I have to admit, I thought TT's comment meant they were already on sale, so that was my misunderstanding... I was also basing the price on what I'd paid for mine... Admitedly, it was an exceptionally lucky find, but, I paid about

I have just bought a 2G Iphone 4GB ($250)

This one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...em=290281404257

Now I just have to wait for an answer of the seller.

How should I let it ship? Via USPS with insurance or with DHL?

What's the best price-quality?

Best regards!

I have to admit, the price is high for a 4GB phone, as TT said above, 4GB is available for $99...

Other than that, it looks to be in reasonable condition, and I'm sure you'll be very happy with it as a phone (I certainly wouldn't be without mine now I've got it)

With regards shipping, I guess the answer to that question is: How quickly do you want it?

Ziggy, as always, your lume work is phenomenal. Not a crooked line, botched angle, or mis-shapen indice to be seen. You truly are a Master of your art

I'd agree, the 104 is an excellent everyday watch. Paired with a burgundy strap, it will go with just about anything. My only other suggestion would be a 114 on a burgundy strap, if you don't need a date wheel or a second hand

I have to agree with Ziggy on this issue, it's much easier to remove the caseback and movement than trying to remove the insert from the front, which could damage the insert or crystal or even the bezel itself. I've found that it takes more time to write the process to strip a watch, than it actually takes to do it