TeeJay

I'd say it would have to be my Hublot Big Bang although most of the time people think its the AP ROO

That doesn't surprise me (that it gets attention) as the HBB is a very eye-catching watch

For me it would have to be this one it gets compliments from a lot of different people not just the youg ladies but also the older ones too. You guys are right is a great feeling when you get the compliment with out anything attached to it.

Again, I am not surprised. That watch is just class on a strap.

People don't seem to say anything about my watches (even the Panny) except the Glycine on steel bracelet. It gets the most stares, comments and compliments but usually "what does it do besides tell the time" or "geez, what kinda watch is that?". Probably just more noticeable because of the size and all the shiny steel (and they are thinking it looks ridiculous) Its more of a travel utility anyway which serves my purposes very well.

And that, is indeed unique, I'm not surprised it gets compliments Before we left Spain, I saw a similar watch in a store which had several dials like that, but it was in a huge case about the size and shape of a pack of smokes

Thanks bro I've worn the Armani the most outside the house, so that one has got more comments than the others. However to make it a fair 'test', I would have to give the others the same amount of wrist time, and then see which ones get the most

From my experience, anything shiny/blingy will catch the attention of young attractive females

You're not wrong there, bro

That said, the second woman who complimented the 029a wasn't really 'young', but she was still definitely in the 'would' catagory I mean, sure, it's nice for people to know about watches, or appreciate them, but when someone just says "That's a nice watch," totally out of the blue, without any kind of pretense or agenda, it's a nice feeling. I just found it amusing that the times it's happened to me, it's been the same watch, so wondered if others had had similar experiences of a particular watch getting more compliments than others

These days, I tend to wear my chick magnet watches . The Armani below is a chick magnet, I've had several compliments on it being a sexy watch:

So are these:

Those're all slick watches, bro Would you say there was one which got more compliments than the others?

Not your favorite, nor one that gets compliments on forums from fellow watch enthusiasts, but when out in the wild, amongst the great unwashed uninitiated masses ( ), do you have a particular watch which attracts genuine compliments more than any of the others? Not to become a topic on passing reps off as gens, or justifications for why we buy them, just a quiet chat on which piece in the collection tends to get more praise. As far as I'm concerned, we all buy the watches to amuse ourselves, not to impress others, and that's going to be the official line on this thread

I'll get the ball rolling, and it's without a doubt, my 029a. I don't think it's the best watch in my collection, indeed, I know that it isn't the best (in terms of replication) and it's not even one which sees much wrist time, although it is one of my favorites. But, it is the only watch which people ( by which I mean women ) have commented on in a complimentary way, without any kind of prompting or other watch-related chat, regardless of it being rep or gen. I haven't had a guy compliment it in a totally off the cuff way, but it has gotten the attention of the ladies

An interesting topic My feeling would be that the parts would have to be gen in nature rather than rep. For example, I could buy several reps, strip them, then cobble something together from the parts, but, I wouldn't consider it a franken, as the parts involved wouldn't be OEM in origin...

I'll be interested to hear other's thoughts on the subject

I read it that he later went to the guy's shop with the reps.

I read that too, but, I read it that they went there together, during the same meeting, rather than going into the AD at a later date. Either way, regardless of the rule, the guy he showed them to, not only did he not initially know that the guy was an AD, but when he actually went to the premises itself, it was with the guy he had been speaking to, and in context to the conversation they were having. It's not like Mahler just randomly walked into an AD and started flashing a rep while trying on other new watches I agree with the point that it's not a good idea to start flashing reps in ADs, and I appreciate the rule about not discussing such things here, but in all honesty, this doesn't read like the kind of situation the rule is designed to relate to: It was a private conversation, where it later transpired someone was someone else. Heck, once, when I was managing a video store, an older gentleman came in to rent some movies, and, following a conversation about media production (which I was studying at the time), he casually asked "Don't you know who I am?" He wasn't being snotty, he was just asking a genuine question, and I didn't. It turned out that he was Paul Darrow. Probably the nicest, most polite person I have ever met in my entire life. Having never seen Blake's 7, until he said who he was, I didn't have a clue who he was. I'd think this was a similar case in Mahler's situation, where he simply didn't know who the guy was, until later in their conversation

looks like a nice holiday there TJ

It's a great location, and, if a quiet week of eating out and quiet drinks is your idea of a good time, then I'd highly recommend it I know some folks like the excitement of an adventure-packed vacation, but personally, I'm quite happy to sit down for a beer and watch the world go by

Nice one Dude. Thanks for putting that lot together.

Nice to see the other side of the rep world once in a while, damn there were some monsters there.

Hope you had a good Holiday

ST4

Thanks, and no problem, it was fun to do

Indeed, some of them were pretty scary, but, in their own way, had quite a charm to them. I was quite taken with a few of the Breitlings, and very nearly bought one (It was either one of those, or the PAM I wound up with) with a view to swapping out the movement, but, when I put it on, although I liked it, I realized I'd likely never wear it, where the PAM at least has the potential to be a project which might get wrist time (and I do have some interesting plans for it )

I had a great time, I love the lifestyle in Camp Arse'ole and Mazarron, all I need now is a more regular internet-based income/pension to live there permanantly

God Damn Tee, next time you go to Camposol drop me a PM, I use to be there once per week (I have a good relationship with the owners of the complex) and we will meet to play some holes in the golf or some time in the spa (which is one of the best one you can find in Spain).

Glad you like it, I will tell it to the managers

best,

toni

I wouldn't like to say for sure when I'll next be that way, it might even be a year, but that definitely sounds like a plan, although I must admit, my golfing abilities lie firmly at the 'pitch and putt' level I've heard that the bar at the golf complex is very good, and that thursday night is 'buy one get one free' night I managed to get some business flyers up around the Commercial Center and down in the port, so hopefully they will generate some interest

Suddenly it appears you're missing half the pics from the report.

Hah...thanks it was fun.

To be honest, there wasn't that much scattered ass around, and what there was, I wouldn't've been able to catch on camera without fear of discovery, afterall, I did have my wife and mother in law with me

Glad you enjoyed it

Glad you had fun!!

It was indeed I absolutely love Mazarron. I'd move there full-time if it was possible

Really nice photojournal bro, I enjoyed that. Thanks for making it

Thanks, bro, I'm glad you enjoyed it It was fun to do, and something to do while away, rather than just aimlessly photographing all the womens

before:

and after:

before it wasn't bad at all - but now I really love it

Before, it was an awesome watch. Now, it's simply a masterpiece

Okay, so there weren't any trains involved, but two out of three isn't bad

This vacation was essentially a birthday present from my wife and in laws (who came with us). We stayed in a region called Murcia, in an urbanasation called Camposol (which I like to affectionately refer to as 'Camp Arse'ole' ) which is very close to Mazarron (Probably my favorite place) We stayed for a week, and during that time, I took a few watch-related photos, which I'm hoping folks will enjoy

On route to the airport:

In the parking area. Searching for Jetmid?

In aeropuerto Alicante:

On route to Camp Arse'ole:

Next morning, was the morning of my birthday, and my mother in law insisted that I display my cards:

At birthday breakfast (inspired by Victoria's pictorials):

All the tens on my phone:

I didn't buy this watch, but it was on sale when I last visited Mazarron 11 months previously, and I still rather like it:

Some urban artwork:

The whole wall:

Traveling back to the villa (I don't drive):

Pre birthday dinner wristcheck:

All the tens revisited:

Post birthday dinner drinks:

Following a visit to Mazarron's Saturday Market (lots of nice Canal Street reps on sale)

Visiting Mazarron's Sunday Market:

Ever wondered what an HBB crossed with a PAM would look like? Guess no more...

How about a nice quartz Planet Ocean?

In the end, this was what took my fancy...

An obvious must visit

Funny what artwork can be found in a restroom

Another day, another car trip...

A boggled resident...

The obligatory 10:10 wristshot:

Going for drinks on the last night:

A late night trip to the AD's window:

I quite liked this HBB-inspired watch:

This B&R wannabe wasn't too bad either:

All packed up to come home (I sprayed the case myself):

Back on British soil Vacation over

I was just joking Teejay.

A serious question now. Do you get the caseback water resistent if it's closed without a caseback tool ??

Carpe Diem

Cats

Sorry bro, tone can be hard to determine sometimes in text

Indeed, getting water resistance hasn't been a problem with the 'glove method'. I admit, you will have to screw the case round so tight that when it stops rotating into place, you will think you're about to feel the pads of your thumbs seperating from your thumbnails, but, that should be sufficient. When I went to Spain last year, I was wearing my recently serviced 111h with the caseback from my 029a, which, while away, I removed and re-closed using gloves, and there wasn't a hint of fogging or condensation while bathing or swimming. More recently, my new 210 fogged up when I first put it in water, but, I then realized the caseback wasn't closed as securely as it could've been, so, I stripped it down, dried out the case, rebuilt it, closed the case, but when I put it under water again, the condensation returned. That was when I realized that I hadn't actually done anything to the movement, so that could still have had condensation in it. I stripped the watch down again, then left the parts to dry on a window sill all afternoon. I rebuilt the watch, put it in water again, and no problem whatsoever

I think as long as you can get enough pressure on the caseback, it's a viable method, but, as mentioned before, to get enough pressure on that 'final turn', you will feel like you're about to lose your nails

At the moment, my thumbs are just sore. Had I removed and replaced another caseback, they would definitely have blistered, but that's not normally a problem when going through the process a single time

Teejay please show us the trick how to remove a caseback with your thumbs

Carpe Diem

Cats

Bro, all you need is a pair of snug fitting rubber dish-washing gloves. The ones I used were a bit loose, so were able to move about between the pad of my thumbs and the caseback too much, but, they got the job done in the end

I'm ambidextrous, and wear my watch on my right wrist for the simple reason that that's the wrist I've always worn a watch on. When I was given my first watch, my Nan told me to hold out my arm, and that was the arm I held out... Only time I've worn my watch on my left wrist was when my skin flared up really badly as I'd been wearing my watch way too tight, and the trapped sweat had had a pretty grim result on my skin. It felt really weird wearing a watch 'on the wrong arm', but I had to do it to let my wrist heal. Needless to say, I've never worn a watch that tight since, and can always insert a finger between the strap/bracelet and my wrist. I could force my watch to go round my wrist if I wanted to, but it wouldn't rotate without doing so manually, and, to be honest, doesn't really slop about my wrist as much as one might think

Awesome box You clearly have an awesome mother in law to bring it for you rather than just shipping it

I love my mother in law too, but the less said about that, probably the better

Here're some pics of the bitch

I'll post some pics of the movement tomorrow, but right now, having stripped my 201 twice this afternoon, my thumbs are too sore to remove the caseback

Magic

When I was younger, (about 10-11) I did briefly wear my Casio on the inside if my wrist. It's not something I did for long, and to be honest, didn't really find it any quicker or easier to view my watch, (I only tried it as a friend did, and said it was quicker) but, given the examples folks have mentioned (ie shooting or driving) I can certainly see how it would be a practical way of wearing a watch in certain situations and circumstances

One potential leak, two strip downs and one extended drying session later, I'm still wearing my 210

Turns out it was just a case of the caseback wasn't screwed down quite enough the first time, and the second time, I hadn't let the movement dry thoroughly, but, it's all good now I'll be wearing it for at least the rest of the weekend for it's 'shakedown cruise', and likely quite a bit afterwards

Well.... The 44mm Luminor case is almost pushing it for me as it is. Lugs aren't overhanging... They're about even with the wrist now. But any larger and they will be!

Ahh, seeing that photo, indeed, a 127 might be pushing things a bit... Another suggestion, would be a 45mm Radiomir, as the lugs aren't any longer than on a Luminor, but, the dial is slightly larger I have to admit, I'm loving my new 210. It might not be the easiest of watches to change straps on compared to a Luminor, but, I do love how it looks, I think a Base Radiomir would definitely suit your style and tastes

Personally, I would make sure the watch is well packed in bubble wrap, put in a padded envelope, and then sent via regular air mail. Just write 'Stainless Steel Fashion Watch' on the customs declaration, and something like $20 as it's value, and it should arrive unmolested. Or, failing that, follow any return instructions your dealer asks you to comply with

Agreed--with all aforementioned.

However, keep in mind, that "final 10%" can make all the difference. If you get a watch that has cheap glass and other details compromised (sometimes case is lower grade SS, or dial/hands are cheap), you don't really feel like wearing it. Particularly if you have some better reps, and know the difference. It seems that the longer one collects reps, the lower tolerance one has for mediocrity.

I'll live with a lower-end movement if trying out something new--if the rest of the package is the same as the high-end version... Though, if I really like a particular model, I want the best movement I can get.

RSM

I'd agree with that point. Although initially, when I saw the PAM I bought in Spain, I thought it might have been salvageable as a project (ie add a decent crown and CG etc) but the more I looked at it, the less viable it became. The case is plated brass, so that would eventually look like crap, and, unless I can release the stem, I won't be able to even remove the movement for a new case... If that's the case, it might just wind up as a dial transplant (with the movement physically ripped from the case) or even just a paperweight

I do think it depends on a person's expectations and requirements in a watch or project, but, I also think there does come a point in collecting, where one becomes unable to overlook flaws when they make the watch itself non-viable...

Awesome photos, guys I'm wearing my new 210 (I think that's the correct PAM code )(which was a birthday present) on my 26mm burgundy Andy Strap

Thanks, guys.

I think my personal preference is going to dictate that I find a few straps that are solely dedicated to each watch. So, SIBs are okay

After having slept on it, I think I have an idea of what I plan on doing... Which will probably be boring amongst the likes of the RWG PAM consensus, but will be consistent across the watches that I plan on building That is, until I get the itch to maybe go vintage? Tempting... But I don't think my wrist can carry a 47mm watch like some of you guys can

When I first got into PAMs, I thought there was no way I'd ever be wearing a 47mm watch. Exposure to a 127 later...

Had you considered a 47mm Radiomir? They have a much smaller profile than a 127... Same advice as I've given when viewing the 45mm Planet Ocean... Don't try the larger watch if you have only just taken off something of Submariner size, as, until your eye adjusts, it will look huge by comparison. Leave your wrist bare a while so you're looking at it with 'fresh eye'

As long as the lugs don't hang over the sides of your wrist, it's not too big

I'm by no means the strap collector Victoria was, but I do have quite a varied collection (even if I never actually rotate them much ) I think dluddy got it bang on by saying that it's a very personal choice. I'll give a few of my 'factors', and they might be of help to you

• I always* match the buckle color and finish to that of the watch case.
  
  
• I've found that Pre-V Buckles with a curved profile are less prone to snagging in clothing than some of the 'flat' buckles (such as the GPF Mod Dep buckle ) so I find that more comfortable to wear
  
• While some sewn in buckles might look nice (and some do look awesome) I would have to point out that the permanant fixing of the buckle restricts which watches the strap can be worn with (I would could never wear my Toscana putty strap with my 004, due to its sewn in, polished buckle)
  

I hope that's of help to you

* As much as possible. For example, I've just picked up a Radiomir from the post office which was ordered as a birthday present, and have fitted it to the burgundy Andy strap which I love on my 127. It (strap and watch) looks great, a real vintage looking combo, but, the buckle, is the 127's brushed buckle as I don't have a polished 26mm buckle. It looks okay, but the buckle certainly doesn't complement the watch in any way, where a polished one would...

So while it's not a set in stone rule, it is definitely a very firm guideline