TeeJay

Oh sure, some folks will always behave like that, but I have to admit, if someone is that much of a cheapskate, their friends and family will know that they're a cheapskate, and their claims would probably fall on deaf ears As I said, I was just playing Devil's Advocate, and thinking along the lines of the barber/shave scenario PS Say no to swish and dip

Just to play Devil's Advocate for the moment, I can't see anything wrong with providing a service which the client specifically wants. In terms of watchsmithing, obviously it is not 'the full job', but if that's what the client wants, then that's what the client wants... It's not a case of simply providing an unsuspecting person with a lesser job, and passing it off as a full service, but doing something which the client specifically wants. It reminds me of signs I've seen in barber shops, where a shave with the clippers costs X amount, where a shave with a wet razor is a little bit more. Now, no one would argue that a shave with the clippers would be as good as a wet shave, but, it would still be 'a shave', and, if that was all the person had the cash for, or wanted, it would be good enough for them, and they'd be happy with the result. The barber might well think or say "A wet blade will give a closer shave..." but, they'd still do the clipper-shave and take the dollars for it, if that was what their client wanted... I'm normally not one to back the 'customer is king' philosophy, but in a situation like this, I'd view it as someone informed of their choices making a choice and being prepared to pay for it, rather than someone expecting a full service and only getting a swish and dip (which I agree would be wholly unacceptable) Like the barber doing the clipper-shave, I'd've taken the work, and had a little extra 'flash money' that week [Edit to add] Of course, if I were to do something like that, I would make sure the client fully understood that the results would not be as good as if the movement were fully stripped down, so the results would not be as predictable or gauranteeable. I'd then say that if there was a problem, to bring the watch back and do the full service for a discount

My 111h (which I've now sold) had an o-ring in the crown, and, as far as I can tell, so do my other rep PAMs... I'm not sure why my first 104 fogged up, as it appeared structurally sound, but, it's identical replacement, is fine to immerse. I guess it's just one of those things which can occur in the rep game... Most of the time, the goods are sound, but every now and again, the occasional lemon can be sent... As for my 127, as mentioned above, the correct pressure is not being applied to the crown, but, if the correct pressure is applied manually, the watch is waterproof.

I've only had two PAMs which weren't water resistant. My first 104, and my 127. The 127, I know is due to an issue with the crown guard lever/crown/tube not distributing the correct pressures, and one which will hopefully be soon remedied. On the occasions where I manually held the crown down, the watch was water resistant, so even that I could not really class as 'not' being water resistant, as it certainly has the capacity to be, once the issue is resolved. My first 104, however, despite having a solid CG lever, back screwed down tight and the appropriate gasgets in place, still fogged up when it got wet. I sent it back for replacement (I picked up the replacement yesterday) and, the replacement appears to be okay. To be honest, I think you're more likely to get a PAM which is water resistant, than being unlucky enough to get one which isn't. Even my totally inaccurate One Eight Something is water resistant.... Best of luck with your purchase

Not quite 'canal street', but certainly near a canal, my wife and I paid a visit to Camden market on sunday and picked up a few new bags and garments. I got a rather nice Louis Vuitton messenger bag for

You're most welcome, always good to read new reviews and see what's about I did have plans to write a comparitive review of my Cect P168+ and my Cect i32 HiPhone, but my wife accidentally threw the P168+ out with some garbage, so I could now only do a 'feature review' and use my existing photos of the P168+, rather than directly comparing the two phones... Oh well... ??? Indeed. Looks almost like a depressable gasget of some kind, but why would a lug require such a part??? The only thing I can think, is that it may simply be engraving as a kind of anti-counterfeit marking (which I'm sure it's likely not, but that's the only thing which springs to mind )

Awesome photos, amigo, the watch looks great I know what you mean about the rubber straps... I much prefer the OEM strap to the rep strap available, as, although the rep strap has a darker color, the OEM strap has a nicer texture and buttery softness, which the rep strap just does not capture. Nothing wrong with the rep straps in isolation, but once compared to the OEM, they're pretty lacklustre My suggestion, would be to try and track down an OEM dive strap, then modify the point where the buckle's tongue is placed, so it can be fitted to a deployant clasp That is an awesome combo for a such a watch, just be carefull if removing the deployant, as it might 'bite into' the rubber... I found that out to my cost As for the watch itself, I think it looks awesome, and the lume is impressive, so that gets a big thumbs up from me

I'd say go into an AD, and try them both on. But not at the same time. If you do, the 45mm will appear huge in comparison to the 42mm. However, if you look at the 45mm on its own, I don't think you'll find the size an issue. With regard your other points, I've never had problems with Asian movements (other than ones I caused myself, by trying to regulate them) or with issues of water-resistance, so I don't think you'll have a problem. The Planet Ocean is a really nice watch, and one definitely worth owning Best of luck

Wow! That is Eff You Sea Kay Eye En Gee AWESOME !!!!!!!

Welcome to the jungle (we've got fun and games....) sorry to hear that your first purchase didn't quite go to plan. If you're happy with the majority of the watch, then a new movement and caseback might well make it a very nice project watch. Of course, you could always just buy a whole new watch and be done with If you really don't like the watch, I'd be happy to give it a good home

Still wearing the 029a on the 24mm OP dive strap. Haven't had the opportunity to wear one of the other straps, but it's more than stood up to the plate

Not to make waves, and, old skool's straps may well have been inspired by tootal's designs, but, personally, I think old skool's straps look nicer. I admit, the stitching obscures some of the lettering, but I think having the keepers with the printing on, is 'the icing on the cake'. Inspired by, definitely, but enough personal input/innovation to be worthy of praise in their own right, and I don't think that says anything 'about the sort of person' old skool is, but more about tootal, for taking umbrage over a re-interpretation of an artistic idea, when, as he mentioned, immitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Awesome straps all round guys, lets take personalities out of the equasion, and appreciate the straps for the crafted art they are PS I really like old skool's strap with the 'football stitching' and off-set holes and tongue Peace out.

Could the buckle itself, have been the 'modification', ie it was fitted in replacement of a different style buckle?

I rather like my mother in law

A very interesting read Personally, I'm not over keen on them as I don't like how they stand straight out from the buckle (I much prefer the curve of the Pre-V buckles) However, I am curious about the buckle's place in history, as wether I like them or not, historic value is historic value, and more than worthy of any attached price tags Was there a reason for their creation, such as for millitary use only, or was it simply a design the good folks at OP decided to go with on certain models?

How about something a bit 'pop arty'? Panerai Dial through Running Water.

Considerable thought has gone into what I'm wearing today, as I'll be wearing it solidly for the next week. We're going on vacation, my 127 is in for servicing, and I didn't want to take a load of watches with me, so I had to make a choice... Water resistance was a must, but then, all my reps are waterproof anyway, so it came down to the option of aesthetics. I could've worn the One Eight Something, as that would keep dead on balls accurate time all week with no need to fuss about with re-setting the time, but, it's too big to go under a shirt cuff (if we were to go to a nice restaurant, for example) The PVDd 111g would go under a cuff, but doesn't always go with everything, and, changing the straps, would mean fussing about with PVD buckles... Too much hassle, if it was a case of going out in a hurry and wanting a change... So I settled on my 029a as it's so versatile in both appearance and size. Due to the heat, I've fitted it with the 24mm OP dive strap with deployant clasp rather than buckle. This will be my 'daily beater' for the duration. Sadly, while removing the deployant clasp from my 26mm OP dive strap, the back end of the clasp decided to chew into the strap, and it now has a series of little marks on the tongue... Has it made that strap unwearable? Not quite sure... Depends how easily I can source a new OEM 26mm OP strap. I do have a spare rep strap, but the whole thing 'looks' different, and I do prefer the OEM strap... Oh well, moving on... So, I have the 029a on the dive strap via a set of River's spring bars. For times when a strap change might be necessary, I'm also taking a burgundy croc BOB strap (one of my favorites) for 'formal wear' (with polished Pre-V buckle screwed in in preperation), and a putty Toscana strap (with sewn in buckle) should I want something a little more casual, but with no fear of getting wet or sweating into the strap No need for me to muck about with any of the buckles, all I'll need to do is simply replace the straps and I'll be good to go And, at the end of things, I wound up going with a GMT watch as well, which seems to be the choice of the weekend Sorry for the OCD ramblings, I'll try and snap some shots before I go, and certainly while away as well

I voted for $4 a month, as that is what a membership to a well-known tattoo/bodypiercing community costs. I agree, off-shore hosting is undoubtably more expensive, but, do the other rep forums use off-shore hosting? If not, and if they don't experience any hassles because of it, it could be argued that off-shore hosting isn't really a necessity, but more of a 'belt and braces' approach, and the easiest way to cut costs.

Thanks for understanding my point Sorry, I don't understand what you're trying to say, precicely. I agree with your point, people come and go, and are simply human, but I don't understand how that relates to the discussion about alternative watchsmiths. Precicely the point I was trying to make An excellent suggestion. The one thing I would say, is that if the OP was to start off a new topic discussing watchsmiths, and not mentioned the Zed Word, it wouldn't be long (I'd bet before the end of the first page) that someone would post something along the lines of: "Why do you want another watchsmith?? Just send it to Ziggy!!" and then the discussion would be back to the state it is here. Ziggy has stated himself, that he cannot and will not, work on everyone's watches, but those which he chooses to work with. That is not a criticism of him on my part, simply a statement of fact. For those he cannot or will not work on, as mentioned above, people might still need a watchsmith, rather than just living with the watch 'out of the box', therefore, if others can mention well skilled watchsmiths, then that gives options to others. Unless anyone tries different smiths, no one will ever know. Right now, my 127 is in pieces. Yes, that's right, pieces. I have one watchsmith servicing the movement, and will be sending the dial and hands to another for re-luming. Now, how open the first watchsmith would be to working on multiple reps, I do not know, so I wouldn't post him as a suggestion as an 'alternative watchsmith'. If others were to know of watchsmiths who would be happy working on multiple reps (and the increase in business which the forum would likely channel their way) then listing them can only be helpfull to everyone. I'll be sure to let people know what happens with the 127

I can't promise that you won't get 'sent down', but thanks for the vote of confidence

Personally, I think it is an incredibly reasonable suggestion, and one which does not diminish Ziggy or his unquestionable skills. This discussion has been raised before, and normally resulted in the OP getting flamed to Hell and back, for daring to suggest that they might need/want to send their watch to someone other than Ziggy. Personally, I don't consider that an acceptable status quo. Here're the facts: -Ziggy is an incredibly skilled artisan. No one is denying this. -Ziggy has said himself on several occasions, that he only works with people he is happy to work with. While this is his right as an artisan, it does leave people who are not on his trusted list, pretty much 'out in the cold' when it comes to getting work done. -Ziggy has, on several occasions, said that he is only doing this as a hobby, not as a business, and only does the work he wants to do. Same as above. This is his right, but, it does leave people with projects he does not want to work with 'out in the cold'. -Ziggy can, and does, 'take breaks' from watchwork. This means that anyone wanting anything done to their watch, is pretty much up 5h1t creek, and having to either wait for him to resume taking comissions, or seek an alternative smith. The problem being, there is no 'alternate smith'... To compare Ziggy to Monet is fine. But. Monet is not the only fine painter in the world. Personally, I like Seurat and Hopper. At the end of the day, what is needed for this community, are several reliable watchsmiths, who can carry out, and are prepared to work with folks on projects, so that people have choice, rather than having to rely on one watchsmith. There is more than one watch dealer here. No one would consider Silix to be an afront to Joshua's credibility as a dealer, or Joshua to be an insult to Narikaa's. Why is this standard not being applied to watchsmithing as well? At the end of the day, for whatever reason, people need choices and options in this area. Admiration of Ziggy's skills is one thing, but doing so when it is actually restrictive to the needs of people, is something else entirely. I admit, there have been few other reliable smiths who have lasted the course, but, that's not to say that every smith in the future will be unreliable or unskilled... No one can substitute Ziggy or the contributions he makes to this community. No one is suggesting that. What is being suggested, is that given Ziggy's preferences for work, it is only reasonable that there be other watchsmiths who folks could go to, should Ziggy be unable or unwilling, for whatever reason, to work on their watch. Regardless of if Ziggy is willing or able to work on someone's watch, they still need it worked on by someone, and right now, there is no 'someone' to give that option.

I can'T ThinK of many people bitter or twisted enough to want to get the forum closed down by restricting it's cashflow. Whoever it is, obviously has quite the chip on their shoulder.

Well..... The costs are what they are. As CBR mentioned, shutting down the non-supporting members would definitely cut back on bandwidth and make things cheaper. It would also make things much quieter. If the forum were to go solely subscription-only, that wouldn't bother me, I feel the information, assistance and community is worth it. But. There are many who would disagree and simply move on... I wish I was in a position to contribute, but at the moment, my hands are financially tied, I was living dangerously when I kicked up the auction price like I did, I was just lucky someone decided to up my bid... Believe me, if I could contribute some extra for the fees, I would

I was going to suggest a PAM 187, but was too late However... As far as I know, just the movement. A Vacheron Constantin Overseas I bought last year was an Asian model, but the case, in every detail, was the same as the Swiss version sold by Joshua, so I'd guess it would be the same with the SOSF

Over the weekend: 127 on rubber dive strap, modded to take deployant clasp rather than the buckle: Tomorrow: One Eight Something on rubber dive strap (with buckle):