TeeJay

I LOVE POLAR BEARS... THERE I SAID IT!!! I am the guy that buys a yearly pass to the San Diego Zoo so that I can use my sons as an excuse to spend half the day at the Polar Bear Plunge!

This male was simply playing hard to get... several photos in the series later he is seen humping the air out of the planes tires in hope that the female on the rudder will fall madly in love with him!

That makes two of us

Okay, so I don't have a pass to SD Zoo to check out the Polar Bears, but, when I was younger, every year, I'd go to Chessington Zoo with my parents (back when it was Chessington Zoo, before it became Chessington World of Adventures) and my favorite part was always the Polar Bears They're my second favorite animal. Second only, to the Wooly Mammoth. They are just FTW in my book Being extinct however, the Polar Bear is technically more a 'joint first' rather than second

Now that is a helpful and informative answer ( for my case anyway ). I never knew that this existed , or was possible.

At this stage, I have absolutely NO issues with Tony, my description to what actually transpired with CQout was a totally different issue.

Thanks Tee-jay.

No problem, Rod, glad to be of help The CC option, is one he instated on his site following paypal issues. I'm not sure if he advertises it on CQout, as I haven't looked at any of his listings there recently. Essentially, it consisted of a weblink, to what looked like a simple enquiry form, ie: items required, cost (in USD) name, email etc. However, clicking the button at the bottom, rather than submitting it as an enquiry (which it isn't, it just looks like an enquiry form ) then moves you onto a standard CC processing page. I hope you get your issue resolved

Now, if Tony was an honest seller & there really was a mistake, at the very least........at the very least.........he would have immediately corrected the 'mistakes' on his website & updated it to reflect the actual Canal Street rubbish he is selling. As of 1 minute ago, the description (describing a working chrono) & pictures are the same. I do not know about anyone else, but when you advertise 1 thing & sell something else & then demand additional money to get the thing you advertised in the 1st place, that is called 'Bait & Switch' (aka GETTING SCREWED), which is NOT a mistake, NOT an accident, NOT an oversight & NOT acceptable.

How quickly do other dealers change their sales information though? Do they make changes instantly? Do they even make the changes themselves, or do they have a webmaster do it for them on their behalf? If so, that would take time, but, that's something you'd have to take up with Tony. I'm not his spokesperson, I don't have any 'inside scoop' on his business, I'm just someone who has found him pleasant to transact business with in the past, and was pleased with the results of those transactions.

If that's actually the case, and he is indeed pulling a deliberate Bait & Switch, then even if the case is good for a project, at the end of the day, it wasn't what you wanted. As it's not what you wanted, I suggest you send the Daytona back for a full refund. Don't settle for anything less.

Also, with regard your comment "demand additional money to get the thing you advertised in the 1st place", was Tony asking extra money for an Asian movement with chrono function, or, was the watch he mentioned (with the higer cost) actually a different model and (in theory) a higher grade one than the one you thought you'd purchased? I only ask, as that would be quite different to a Bait & Switch.

At the end of the day, if Tony's deliberately scammed you, then I won't defend him. I have no desire to get a reputation as his 'shill'. To be honest, I can't really add more than I said previously, about if it was a legitimate mistake, and giving him the chance to correct it.

Best of luck with getting a satisfactory resolution

Maybe Tee-jay should come in an clarify this?

What would you like me to clarify?

Yes, that is all Tony. The guy I buy my watches from. If an error was made by staff, then, I would make this point: Would a 'forum trusted' dealer be given the opportunity to 'make things right', or would they simply be accused of scamming?

From the response Freddy posted, I'd say that Tony offered a very reasonable solution: Either return the unwanted watch, for the wanted watch, and pay the difference (pretty reasonable, and, in all honesty, no reason why such a difference in price shouldn't be met by the client, as it is a considerable amount, and, the other watch would never have been sold for the lower price, so that must be accepted as clearly an error somewhere, by someone) or, keep the watch, and get a discount on future items (as 'forum recommended dealers' also offer to retain clients.) As for the sticker... Well, if I had the option of putting a sticker over the back of that Daytona case (I actually do have one, just not from Tony) then I'd do it, if just to coverup the engraving, so yes, a sticker can be of some use. I'm not sure about US law, but, in the UK, if something is advertised on a shelf at the wrong price, the retailer does not have to honor that price. (Despite many buyers thinking that they actually do have the right to insist on the retailer accepting the lower price) They are well within their rights to simply withdraw it from sale, and re-price the item. Not sure how that applies here, but, just to say, those are the 'price rules' I'm used to dealing with, and have worked under, in my days as a retail wage slage. With regards the issue of ordering the Swiss watch and not receiving it, I suggest that until someone actually orders that watch (ie now Tony knows that there is an issue) and still does not receive the Swiss watch, that he be given the benefit of the doubt, that it was a legitimate mistake. 'Forum dealers' are given the benefit of the doubt, for no reason other than they pay to deal here. That brings no other guarantees about their practices or services. As mentioned by myself and others, CQout dealers have to maintain positive feedbacks, or they are removed. Take a look at Tony's CQout feedback. Personally, I think that speaks for itself. I will agree, it is irritating to receive the wrong item, but, when the dealer offers to correct the issue, if the client chooses not to accept that offer, than that is no fault of the dealer. I believe that if Freddy was to order the Swiss Daytona and pay the difference, he would receive that watch (especially so now that Tony is aware of the issue).

Rod, if you had payment issues with Tony, ask if you can use his system for direct CC payments on his own site, that might solve your issue I used it friday to order the 187 (ish), and, although it is a few pages of info to fill in (name, address, card details etc) the process itself was flawless. I got my tracking number tuesday, and, god willing, will have my watch in a week or so (I didn't pay the extra for EMS shipping, so it could be more than the 7 working days EMS has always taken thus far)

With regards drop-shipping, I've never actually asked Tony if he does drop-ship. I will say this on the subject though. To date, I have never received an incorrect watch from Tony. I have only received two, which had manufacturing issues, but those were immediately replaced without any kind of resistance or argument. When I ordered my Planet Ocean (at the time, Tony was selling two versions on CQout) I asked if the version I ordered, could be fitted with the bracelet from the other version. He said that wouldn't be a problem, then, a few hours later, I received an email saying they bracelets didn't fit, asking if I still wanted the watch, and, if so, offering to throw in the rubber strap for free. At the time, I took that to mean he'd tried to fit the bracelets. It could, equally, have meant that he'd passed the order to his supplier, who tried, then emailed him back. If Tony does drop-ship, he clearly has a better guy working for him, than the blindman who 'checks' Silix's orders.

River's springbars solve all manner of problems, from stripped screws, to issues wth tubes. They also make changing straps very quick and easy Go on, treat yourself

Y'know what struck me reading that thread? Sounded to me, like the OP doesn't like 'them colored folks' wearing a 'richman's watch'... Their references were all about non-whites wearing the watches... What a racist c*ntrag

My rep Submariner feels identical to the gen Submariner I tried on in an AD, and declined to purchase, because I didn't feel it was worth the money, as it left me unimpressed. I'd also say my 2531.80 is pretty close to the feel of the genuine. I've never worn (or even seen) a genuine PAM, so I can't compare my reps to them in that way. However, I would say that the 127 is the watch I feel most comfortable wearing. I rarely take it off (if only to exchange it for my 029a) and would be happy wearing it in the presense of gen owners. The ones I have worn it infront of, never made comment or even glance at it, it just slipped 'under the radar'. Then again, Panerai is such an obscure brand, compared to names like Omega and Rolex, I don't think folks even know what they are. The only person who has commented on it, only thought it was worth

Something like that. It's definitely a Toscana.

ps. I took this for you today. I was wearing an IWC this morning, but changed when I started taking some pics.

That's awesome, thanks I know mine's not going to be over accurate (bezel etc) but figure it'll be wearable. I did ask if I could have the correct bezel (from another watch the dealer sells) but they said it wouldn't fit. Oh well, I've never really been overly concerned about accuracy, so I'm sure it'll suffice. I'm planning on putting it on the bordeaux strap I wear my 127 on, as that's got a pretty rustic feel to it. Thanks again for the photo

She's better looking than Divine Brown

Wow, that's an absolutely awesome project

Can't wait to see the strap choice, but I'm sure it'll look great

Oh? I thought it was this one:

It is a truly amazing strap, isn't it.

You're quite right, it was that one Was the strap a Toscana Rustic? I'm sure it had 'rustic' somewhere in the name...

Thanks for the responses guys, and indeed, that's confirmed my own thoughts. Once I'd done the picture (which was really just something to do) there was something about it which I couldn't quite put my finger on, but you've said what I needed to hear Now, to find out if the guy with the two 'under wraps' has plans to sell one Don't worry, I won't mod it

So I had a little time to kill while waiting for another project to finish drying, and got to thinking about modified cars...

I've always wanted an MGB, and for the last few months, someone down the street, has been working on two. (I suspect one is simply a donor car) I keep meaning to ask if they plan on selling them once they're done, but never get round to it, and had an idea, what it might be like to put a Japanese bodykit, and Chip Foose wheels, on such a car.

A few found photos, photoshop, and I had my answer:

What do folks think? Interesting project, or just a butchery of a design classic?

Polar bears are my second favorite animal

Thanks for the kind words, TJ

We built in the nick of time it seems, prices went up a lot here just after we signed the contract.. There is talk about our house costing 15-20% more if we had waited 3 months!

It's been rewarding building this, but I wont do it again.

No problem, it's an awesome project. All the more impressive, because you designed it yourself

Sounds like you got it built just in time, so a nice little bonus

It's the sort of wrist-weight that grows on you, fast. It's akin to strapping a tuna can to your wrist, but after a while, the steam-punk aesthetic just gets its claws into you.

There's that pic that got me thinking "Gotta get me one of those...."

It remains my all time fav watch and its size never forgets to impress the believers and unbelievers alike.. Just hope your wrist is at least 7-1/2 so you don't do the watch injustice and look like a silly clown in the process.

x

I'm sure I do that on a daily basis anyway I don't think the size will be a problem, I certainly don't have a problem with the 127 (although I know the 187 is beefier) so fingers crossed

you will love the beast

See, it's pics like that, that make me think I will (even though the one I have on order has NESW points, rather than minute markers) I'm just hoping the difference between case/dial size won't bug me as it did with the SOSF...

Well, as you have to dive down to -100 meters with it, that's the correct dial (and especially crystal) size... A larger crystal would easily crack...

Ahh, that's a positive spin on it A practical value Not that I'm likely to hit 1000 meters

The 187 has a sense of bling about it , plus being so massive. To me its somewhat in the big Breitling category. So I don't think you will give the size of the dial a second thought. However with the bezel that you are getting on your model, there might be a different feel altogether.

Rogerwine

Well, the thing is, the reason I passed on the SOSF, was that I felt that the size of the dial, was rather small in comparison to the size of the case itself. Silly, I know, not to have noticed that before about the 187, but once I saw the group shot, I had one of those "Oh $hit.... " moments. Of course, I might unwrap it, and love it immediately, I'm just a tad nervous, knowing that I didn't really 'feel' another watch for the same reason... Oh well

you are absolutely correct.

Unfortunately, I doubt it is a pic of the watch that the dealer actually has for sale.

I suspect it's a pic of a gen that was put on offer on the bay on some past time.

Isn't the small photocamera icon in the lower right corner sort of an eBay "mark"?

I think you're right about the watermark on the picture... I have to admit, I was rather liking that watch. It definitely seemed to me like a 'holiday watch' though, rather than a daily beater... If Tony could source one, I'd probably order one. I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to order from that dealer though. That said, the price on single units isn't too bad, especially given the current $/

Well then!

Here we are, moved in in mid february.. almost as planned.. Some work still left outside and on the ground floor side wings, but what we need is done.

I'm doing a little work when I am at home, but there's no real rush to complete it.

I don't frequent this great forum much anymore, lost a little interest in watches and spring is upon us with outdoors activities and all that..

We'll see when autumn comes..

Here's a pic I shot tonight, trying to get a good shot of the facade, not easy as it's built on top of a slope.

Please ignore the slight barrel distortion from the panorama stitching. (7 pics put together into one)

Here's one of the 'sunset' the other night. Can't wait for late may when we can see the sun set in the sea off the left headland there.

Damn, that's one hell of an awesome project

Beautiful house, breathtaking views, absolutely top notch

If I ever get the chance to work on such a project in the future, I'll be lucky

Sorry for the thread bump, but I've just noticed something... On the first link provided by SSSurfer, the 12 and 24 marks on the rehaut, are not alligned at the top and bottom of the case... I'd take that as a sign that it could infact be an adjustable inner bezel, rather than an independently settable GMT hand...

I've just ordered a 187(ish) rep, which I know isn't going to be overly accurate. It's got a quartz movement, and the bezel, rather than having minute markers, has the cardinal points of a compass on it. At the time of order, I thought "what the heck..." it'd do as a real roughwork beater, and, truth be told, I ordered it just so I could cannabalize the strap for it's deployant

I did rather like the pic Pugwash loaded once of a 187 on a rustic strap. Made me think of a watch that an Adventurer would wear while exploring the Amazon and hacking through jungle...

However.

I've just seen a nice group shot of PAMs, with a 217 and a 187 side by side. Now, as folks probably know, my favorite watch is my 127, and, for the purposes of comparison, a 217 is close enough. Seeing the two side by side, made me realize that the 187 suffers from the very thing that put me off the Breitling SOSF: Relatively small dial, compared to overall case size. Having seen the comparison, I have a feeling, that I'm not even going to like the 187 when it arrives...

(I might be wrong) Can anyone shed any light on them which might change my opinion?

@ Tee-Jay,

To say that I think ,you have misinterpreted the whole situation on my part, is an understatement,

Please, just let us leave it at that, the subject of CQout WILL arise in the future for many more members,

then they can use the search button .

If I have misinterpreted your situation, then my apologies, I just do not think of the things you mentioned, as being unreasonable, or worth 'warning' other folks about.

Peace.

I think you misunderstood me, I had no intentions of "rip $hit" into you. I was just stating the fact that I have had no problems with cqout, other members of this board can read it so they can see my opinion. It wasn't aimed directly at you.

I encourage other members here to share their experiences with cqout. YOU are advising people to stay away because YOU had a bad experience...

I think Rod was objecting to me pointing out that the issues he experienced were not exactly unreasonable...

Ok, lets use a bit of brevity here for the sake of all the members having to wade knee deep through all this crap.

Where did anyone see any complaint or whinge?

Only your entire post...

I was simply conveying my experience with CQout.

Which, from what you've detailed, was no more troublesome than subscribing to any forum or validating a paypal account. Do you complain about those things too? I appreciate you might have experienced payment difficulties with the vendor, but that is not the fault of CQout as a site. As DemonSlayer pointed out, the requirements of signups on CQout have considerable benefits.

Obviously one person took exception to me relaying that fact.

What fact? The fact that a dealer had issues with a payment system? How is that the fault of CQout? Were there other payment options which they accepted which you could have used?

Also, not just 'one person' but three pointed out that there are no problems with CQout. Given you quoted my post, and none of the others, you are clearly refering to me as that 'one person'. If you have issue with what I said, all you need do is respond to my points. I was not trying to be argumentative with my post, I was simply pointing out, that the issues you detail and clearly objected to, are not actually unreasonable or unheard of in other forums. With the greatest of respect, you sound like someone who bought something from a shop, lost the receipt, broke the item, and then starts kicking off in the shop because they won't issue a refund. Homer said: Quit moaning. To be honest, I can't understand why you are objecting to simple, and common, sign up procedures.

At least the members get to see the other side and realise that problems WILL arise.

What problems? That you had to sign up? That you had to pay an insignificant fee to do so? That you were required to validate a payment method? Those are standard practice with most things online. I think it would be more fair to say problems can arise, rather than will. The same can be said of any dealer, 'forum recommended' or otherwise.

Did you ever post the fact that you had NO problems with Cqout ?........ No ......

Oh really. How many times have I said that I bought watches from Tonyxkf from CQout? How many times have I mentioned I bought watches from Deeswatches from CQout?

For those who care to notice, I have done so on numerous occasions, so don't try saying I've made no posts about it.

you wait for silly f-ckers like me to come along ,then rip $hit into them.

I 'ripped $hit' into you, because, from what you put, your view of the situation (in regards signing up) is wholly unreasonable, given that similar requirements are made on forums and paypal.

If you care to re-read the OP, I acknowledged the fact that their sign-up process was too secure for me.

Too secure Is clicking a link in an email really to validate an account really too much to ask?

A great lot of good that will do the board.

Indeed, it will do the board good to know that there is a site of dealers, who, as both DemonSlayer and myself mentioned, get removed if they get too much negative feedback. That will do the board good, because people will know that dealers there are answerable to others for their actions, so those who remain, are the ones who have earned that privelage through continued good transactions, not just be dealers who pay to deal ('poach' might be a better term, for the behaviour of some) on a forum, and know that people will defend their poor practices, simply because they were happy with their own transactions.

I'm not defending CQout simply because I was happy with my own deals there, but because the issues you raise, honestly come across as either irrelevent to CQout as an entity, or simply unreasonable, due to them being required practices elsewhere.

iOffer and LoudFrog are free to sign up to, maybe you'd find them more to your liking. I just completed a very smooth transaction with a dealer on iOffer. I can't comment on delivery or goods, as, as yet, I haven't received them (and am not expecting to for at least a week) but, the transaction itself, went flawlessly.