TeeJay

Thanks It's not only a cool-looking result, but does give an excellent charge to the lume PS Awesome result on the IWC

That'll go really well with your existing collection

I think UV gives the best 'kick' to lume charging Awesome topic to bring up Here're some old photos of mine Charging: Result:

Nice collection, bro What's next on the 'shopping list'?

Further examination.... Ubi, indeed, I have a spare crown and stem, and tried your suggestion. The results were not encouraging... The PVD crown appears fine in its connection to the stem, and, when inserted into my 113, was able to wind the movement smoothly and without problem. When I inserted the 113 crown into the 111g movement, the same issue occured when winding. I can only conclude that there has been damage sustained to the part of the movement which engages on the 'square end' of the stem (possibly the clutch wheel?) If this is indeed the case, would it be cheaper and easier to just replace the entire movement rather than having the existing movement repaired? (I don't want to replace the entire watch, as it was a birthday gift from my wife, so has sentimental value, despite its lack of wrist time) [Edit to add] As before, the function of the watch appears unchanged, and it keeps time (and retains it's power reserve) as before, although, without the pressure of the CG lever, I fear the water resistance of the watch might have been compromised...

That's an interesting perspective I totally understand what you mean Personally, I wasn't over familiar with the history or other designs of VC, so I was just viewing it 'as a watch', but it still just 'wasn't doing it' for me

I've just performed a quick examination, and these are the findings... Upon removing the caseback, there was a few flecks of very fine 'brass colored dust' on the inside of the display back... I removed the stem very easily. It pretty much just pulled clean out... The 'square section' at the end of the stem appeared undamaged. There were no 'bites or dents' in the edges... Putting it back together, the issue is still as before. The watch will wind, but with occasional 'free-wheeling' Ubi, are you thinking I might have stipped the threads in the crown, rather than the insides of the movement? I'd hope that might be the case, but, the metallic dust on the inside of the case are concerning me...

Looking at the back, the gears look okay. No missing teeth or misallignment there... It really feels like the stem is not properly engaging into the movement itself to wind the mechanism 100% of the time. I might try pulling the stem entirely to see what kind of condition the end is in...

Nothing more than the result of distracted clumsiness on my part. I was winding the movement, momentarily distracted, and for some unknown reason, cranked an extra turn into the movement once it had reached it's 'maximum wind' The crown made a crunching noise, then rotated freely (not engaging the winding mechanism) The watch still works. It is still windable, keeps time perfectly, and still requires winding as per it's regular intervals, so nothing seriously amiss there. But. When winding, sometimes the stem will engage the winding mechanism, sometimes it 'free floats' till it re-engages the mechanism, and, since this accident, is resting in a slightly different position, as the CG lever now rattles loose, rather than it's previously solid 'lock down'. What kind of damage am I likely to have inflicted here? Damage to the stem, or damage to the movement (or both) Would it be easier to repair the movement, or simply replace it? Also, as a side question, if the damage is to the movement rather than the stem, if I was to replace the movement, would the existing stem (with crown mounted) be okay with the new movement, or might there be 'fitting/length' issues? Thanks in advance

May peace be upon you, my friend. I look forward to the day, God willing, that you are able to return. Best regards, T

Likewise, I wasn't impressed by it at all. I tried on a gen, and just didn't like it at all. At the time, I felt that the size of the dial, was too small in comparison to the size of the case itself, almost like putting a Submariner dial, in a Planet Ocean case I admit, a gorgeous watch, but one I didn't like once it was on my wrist, so I knew not to even think about buying a rep of it

Ahh, that's definitely making sense I admit, the 127 is a monstrosity of a watch in terms of individual details... The gold hands aren't as nice as regular black luminor hands, the domed crystal (when not exploding ) distorts the numerals on the dial, and makes it too big to go under a cuff with ease, the second sweep hand looks too small... So many issues which can be pointed out about it, yet for some reason, like peanut butter and jelly, it just 'works' (although of course, not to everyone's taste )

Might it have been the size of it? When I first tried one on, it felt ludicrously big (and for some reason, more so at night, when viewing only the numerals ) As the first one had an issue with the lever of the crown guard not closing fully, I sent it back to exchange with the PVD 111g I have. After a while, I also decided to give it 'a second chance' and ordered a new one, but this time, after wearing it a while, absolutely fell in love with it. I admit, I still think it looks large when viewing only the numerals at night, but, during the day, it just doesn't bother me anymore. All that's bothering me now, is that I need to get the dial re-lumed, so I can get the watch back from my watchsmith, and I'm really missing it

That makes two of us To this day, I still can't put my finger on why I actually didn't like it. For some reason, it just 'felt wrong', although as a piece, it was well made, and looked fantastic. I tried on a gen Tag Aquaracer yesterday, and was totally unimpressed. I didn't like the clasp, didn't like the feel of the bracelet, didn't like how thick it was at the back, which made it feel like it was way off my wrist, when in truth, it was probably no thicker than the 104 I was wearing (which the sales clerk didn't even look at ) (the silly bimbo didn't even know what watch the Aquaracer was when I asked for it by name, and I had to point it out to her in the display ) But, those are all reasons I can explain and quantify. For the VCO, I can't do that. I can only say "I didn't like it..." but with absolutely no explanation or justification as to why

For me, my biggest watch disappointment has got to be the Vacheron Constantin Overseas. Should have been a definite keeper, as it was a fantastically made, utterly elegant watch. It had features which I require in a watch, such as large hands and indices, it had a gorgeous texture to the dial, it was a brand that most everyday folks would never have even heard of, so it would never even get noticed, let alone called out, but, every time I put it on my wrist, my immediate feeling was "getitoffgetitoffgetitoffgetitoff!!!!!!" For some reason, I just couldn't stand to wear it In the end, (after owning it for all of a few days) I sent it to a friend as a gift for their father, who, in return, sent me some awesome straps for my PAMs. Here's a few pics of it from happier times

Okay, the kit list is building, and nearly complete. Well, it's a few things missing, but I think I've got the essentials. Let me know what you think.... Three 'bandana'-size cloths (for use as bandanas or triangular bandages) A4-sized zip lock bag (containing a sheet of tissuepaper as kindling) (could be used as emergency 'food bowl') One 'carrier bag' (without any holes in it. I figured it would do for an 'emergency latrine' ) One 'tool card' (Magnifier, compass, blade, can opener, multi-wrenches) Four glo-sticks One pack of 24 waterproof matches (in heavy-duty plastic waterproof case) which is attached to a luminous compass key-fob Contents of three first aid kits (everything from plasters to condoms) Packs of batteries for vest and hand torches Two permanantly mounted downward facing LED (9 LEDs) torches (one red-tinted, the other with stock lens) One 'windup' torch (3 LEDs) One spare 'mini-maglite'-style torch (3 LEDS, with lens red-tinted) One Stanley Knife with five spare blades Two Sharpie pens (double ended - Fine and Ultra Fine) One Butane 'blowtorch' lighter One black pashmina Platypus water bladder (2 ltr capacity, but only .5ltr useable capacity in the pocket) Drinking line is fed through the same elastic straps as the torches, and stows neatly under the padded collar One ready to eat meal (Not an MRE, but a camping meal which is edible hot or cold) One Spork One tube foot powder One 'poster tube' containing: 1000 rolled plastic bags, dry pair of socks, and two SS thermos flasks (one for drink, one for spaghetti) One waterproof poncho One pack of tissues One mini 'tool kit' of hex wrenches and screw-drivers (to be upgraded to Leatherman tool in time) To come... 550 cord Stainless Mirror Sun block Insect repellent What do folks think? Am I missing anything vital

I'm no expert in the field, so can only go on what I've read on the subject, but I'm wondering if it could be a case of, yes, at Point A they might choose to go down the castration route, thinking it will make them safer, but, when they get to Point B, their frustration has wound up causing the opposite effect, and they become more dangerous instead. Something which I think people sometimes forget, is that rapists don't rape for sexual pleasure, but for the sense of empowerment it brings, and that nonces don't go for kids 'to be grim', but because that is their sexual preference. A nonce can no sooner stop finding kids attractive, anymore than a straight guy could suddenly decide to become gay (or vice versa) Sex offences (from what I've read) are often much more psychological than people sometimes realize.

Sadly, statistics have shown that castration does not deter repeat sex offenders, and, in some cases, makes them more brutal, due to their inability to 'function'... I agree, it's certainly what they deserve, but, in the long run, it's not the most effective punishment...

Precicely. Abuse or cruelty to animals should be treated as severely as abuse or cruelty to a child. That's a bit of a loaded question... I doubt DS robs grannys, so he would not be able to accurately guess on what goes through the mind of a granny basher Debates on the issue of law and order I've heard on the radio, have come up with a consencus that a prevailing attitude today is not "Should I do it?" [because it's wrong and I know it's wrong], but rather, "Can I get away with it?" [despite the fact it's wrong and I know it's wrong] To answer the first part of your question, no, I don't think tougher measures would act as a deterrent for criminals, as in many cases, the maximum sentences are not imposed, especially thanks to the overcrowding of our jails. That is what gives these petty criminals the confidence to commit their crimes: The knowledge that if they are caught, they will likely not receive a custodial sentence, but instead, a community service order, or a fine, which, if they are claiming benefits anyway, they can pay back at

It sure will

Fantastic source, thanks for sharing

Errr, yes there is... I'm not too sure how things are in the US, but in the UK, people providing a service (in this case literally ) are bound by law to provide a satisfactory one. If someone does not provide a satisfactory service (such as a poor haircut) then the client does not have to pay for the unsatisfactory service, and has a number of legal avenues to pursue for reperations. This would apply totally in the case of taking a watch (rep or otherwise) in for servicing. The smith is being paid to service the watch, not to fuck it up. If they screw up the watch, the cost of repair or replacement is legally their obligation. If they say "Well the watch is a fake!" Just say "Are your qualifications also fake?" At the end of the day, gen or rep, the person is providing a service (servicing the watch) and must do so in a competent and professional manner. If not, they should either repair the damage for free, or, cover the cost of replacement. I had a watch unsatisfactorily repaired by a local smith, and they agreed to repair it free. Admitedly, their 'repair' left the watch looking worse than the first repair, and, as they were then retiring (through old age) I didn't really have any option for reperation, but any other circumstances, I would have, so, don't let the fact that your watch 'is a rep' put you off getting it serviced. I took my 127 in for servicing, and the smith never said a word about if it was a rep or gen. Now, I haven't heard back from them that the watch is ready, but, that's because I still have the dial and hands to get re-lumed

Absolutely gorgeous

Fair enough, I just wondered why you initialy suspected the seller of the Bargain Bond to be Tony As for Silix, that does not suprize me at all, mon ami, I've a few stories I could tell about Silix myself

Awesome photos, thanks for sharing