TeeJay

"Rolex?" "Oh-MEE-guh..."

Quick Update: Having mulled over the issue, I emailed the dealer, and said that I was prepared to remove the neutral feedback and replace it with a positive one, but, that I would leave the same message, explaining the incompatibility, so I'll see how they feel about that. However, something which I think should be pointed out, is, having since looked through the feedback ratings, this seller has had several negative feedbacks this month alone, several neutrals, and some of those, relate to the same adaptor. As a point of interest, I tried using the adaptor with a set of Sony earphones, and the same audio dropout was present (was never present when I used the original factory-issued headphones) so the issue is clearly one if incompatability. So, given that the item (in general, not just specifically mine) is not without flaws, was I really being unreasonable by detailing them? (compare to the hypothetical watch review of a watch where everything bar the lume is top notch)

I have to admit, I am really surprized with the responses and attitudes here. Why should a dealer only be given positive feedback? Why should a dealer be given positive feedback, when the item they sell, is not 100% perfect for it's intended role? Why should a customer be bribed or bullied (as is the case with receiving negative feedback, thus forcing a retraction of the original feedback) to remove feedback which is not what the dealer wants to see? If the customer is not happy with the deal, or the dealer, or the product, they have the right to state that in a reasonable manner. That's what the feedback system is for. It also educates potential customers, about issues with said product or dealer, and can spare them the hassle of ordering something which is not suitable for the intended use. Key issue: Fit for the intended use. In the UK, that is the key definition which an item must fullfill if a refund is required. If the item is not fit for the intended use, the customer has the right to return/refund/be less than satisfied with it For something as trivial as a little sound dropout, it is not worth the hassle of trying to get the item replaced, when the replacement will likely have the exact same problem. Do buyers not deserve to know that a product might not be 100% what they are looking for? Is that not the very reason that forums like this exist? To educate and inform buyers? That's all I did in the feedback: Said I was happy with the dealer and their service, but left a factual, educational note, that the adapter does not work 100% with Apple headphones. That's not saying anything negative about the dealer, not saying anything negative about their business practices, but leaving a 100% honest evaluation of said product. Do I not have the right to be dissatisfied with it? Do I not have the right to leave comment explaining that? If not, why does eBay even allow people to leave feedback? Had I left a negative feedback, or, even a neutral feedback, but one with a really bad write up, then by all means, I would expect a negative feedback in return. But a negative feedback for leaving an honest review of a product? What's what that? Are people that sensitive that they can't stand any criticism at all? If a product does not work with X Brand of headphones, then the dealer needs to know that, just as buyers need to know that. That's not to say that I don't want the thing, it's just saying, it doesn't work perfectly with these headphones. I can guarantee that someone less tollerant than I am, would likely have left a negative feedback or returned the product. It would be like someone buying a rep which was almost flawless, but saying "The lume's not very good, I want a refund on it..." The rest of the item would be fine. Why go to the hassle of a return over such a trivial issue? If the person was to review "X is a great dealer, they sent the watch really quickly, and the watch is really nice. It keeps time at +2 seconds a day, and is visually identical to the original, however, the lume is not so great..." would people consider that an unreasonable review? Not intending to get into a flamewar here, I'm just really surprized how folks feel on the issue, we'll just have to agree to disagree Have a good weekend, folks

The amount is irrelevent to the issue of the item not being 100% compatible Hmm, I can see your point... Personally, I think positive feedback requires all aspects of the transaction to be perfect. I did state (in the feedback) that the dealer's service was above reproach, and that the issue was solely with the item itself, as it was not 100% universal. It could, but it's not. The factory-issue headphones delivered full sound, and, the Apple headphones deliver full sound when plugged into a different MP3 player. The issue is definitley with the adaptor, not the phone or the headphones, so I feel it only fair that future customers be aware of this compatability issue before purchassing. It wasn't a rant, afterall, the feedback space is limited, so I simply stated the facts: Dealer absolutely perfect, swift delivery, but item not 100% compatable with my own Apple headphones. Personally, I couldn't see anything unreasonable about that... The item is 99% perfect, and something I use daily. It was not worth the hassle of returning it for refund, as, that is the only source of such adaptors I have seen, and, that is the item required, as I have not found any dealers selling factory-issue headphones for the Cect P168+. If I could have bought a new pair of factory-issue headphones (as my original set got trodden on) I would have done so. However, none was available, so I went with the next best alternative. It would have been nicer to receive a product which did not lead to what can only be described as 'audio dropout', but, that's not the hand I was dealt... I felt that I was fair in my feedback, and simply leaving the comment as a 'public notice'. I felt, that not being 100% satisfied with the item, it would be misleading to give positive feedback, as that could encourage others to purchase the adapter, thinking it would work perfectly, and wind up disappointed. The 'dropout' I'm describing, is strange, and varies from track to track. For example, on Blue Oyster Cult's Don't Fear the Reaper, the guitar in the opening riff is not heard. In the Elton John track Crocodile Rock, the "Wah" vocals in the chorus, are not heard, only the musical accompaniment. Not enough to render tracks un-listenable to, but enough to be noticeable, and sign of a not 100% compatible item. $5 would not make up for the problem though. It would not make the item work properly, nor would it provide a replacement. I don't think it would even cover the cost of return shipping had I wanted to return it... As I said, I wasn't dissapointed enough with the item to send it back, and, I do use it everyday, but, it does not work perfectly, and, future customers deserve to be aware of such a compatibility issue. No. I have had money taken off a holiday bill due to issues which interupted our holiday, however, the location itself, was one where my wife and I had planned on getting married, and, the issues which presented themselves (such as broken and dirty chinaware at the eateries) put us off the idea of getting married there, as those are not the kind of things people want to be thinking about on a wedding day. To be honest, I'm not a particularly fussy or demanding person., I just feel that with certain things, they should be of a reasonable quality, or performance. While I might put up with less than perfect performance, that doesn't mean I will do so silently [Edit to add] Had the money been described as discount off a future purchase, rather than being conditional upon the removal of the (wholly accurate, honest and legitimate) feedback, I might not have looked on it as a bribe. Either way, given the incompatibilty with the headphones, I still feel the feedback was warranted and a reasonable note for future buyers to be aware of.

I had noted that premise, and it's one I fully agree with. I simply read your later comment to mean that folks who say they aren't wearing a rep to pass it off as a gen, as being less than honest Apologies accepted, but really not necessary, nothing more than getting the wrong end of the stick

Good good That's fair enough, but, that's your 'issue', not mine... Some folks find it hard to believe that Man has set foot on the moon. That doesn't make NASA liars If I wanted to try and pass off my watches as gens, I wouldn't be buying the Asian 'basic' models from Tony As I said, I might even have the lettering removed from my 127, so it'll have a totally plain dial. I'm still trying to decide if I like it 'sterile' or not (from a photoshop mockup) If I was concerned with passing it off as gen, I certainly wouldn't be removing the brand name (which, as above, most folks don't even recognize, so there's no point in trying to impress people with things they don't recognize ) As I said above, I can only speak for myself, and my own requirements in a watch. While I would agree that there likely is a digital watch which is as easy to read as a PAM, I've yet to see a digital watch which actually looked smart or elegant. Functional, certainly, but, not the aesthetic which I like (analogue) All I was pointing out, was that it is not fair to apply ones's own motives to others:)

I disagree. Are you calling me a liar?

Okay, so I ordered an adaptor which would enable me to use any set of headphones with my Cect P168+. The item was delivered swiftly, and, does work. However, it does not transmit the full range of sound through the headphones (Apple brand) As I was happy with the dealer's delivery time, and quality of the product, I was not going to give them a negative feedback, but, as the product did have that flaw, I felt it only fair that other buyers know that the item is not 100% universally compatible. I log onto eBay just now to order a new phone from the dealer in question (they have one I want to replace the P168+ with, as, it has no hardkeys on the case to get triggered in my pocket) and find a message from them, offering me $5 via paypal, if I agree to remove the feedback (which is only neutral, remember, and, only stating a factual issue with the product, not saying the item is junk, not saying the seller is a scammer, just pointing out that it isn't as universal as one would hope... Is this kind of behaviour common, relatively new, or just them? I sent them a polite response stating my moral reason for being unable to withdraw the feedback, said I looked forward to doing business with them again, and promptly ordered and paid for, the new phone. Crazy

Yes. If someone does not make the claim that the rep is gen, and, as I mentioned before, is simply wearing a watch, and is comfortable with it, then they personally, are not actively doing anything. Any opinions formed, are purely assumptions and judgements by their observers. Assumptions and judgements which, if the observer acted upon and questioned, the person could confirm/deny, neither of which though, need involve lying about the fidelity of the watch itself. Not so at all. That is nothing but a generalization, based on your own feelings on the subject... Just because that's your reason for doing so, don't make the assumption that it is everyone's reason for doing so I can speak for no-one but myself, so that's what I'll do. I wear a watch to tell the time, and, being an essentially lazy person, want to be able to tell the time quickly and at a glance. That requires a large, clear dial (as does telling the time in the dark/without my glasses on) I've found that diver's watches are the best suited to this requirement, Panerai, in particular, I find the largest and clearest. The watch suits my needs. I'm not bothered about the brand-name, hardly anyone I know actually knows the brand anyway, so it's not a case of wearing the watch to impress anyone. Infact, I'm considering 'sterilizing' my 127 to remove the lettering (Not sure why, it's just a mod which I'm mulling over at present) Sorry if that comes across as defensive, I'm just stating the facts of my own circumstances, as I don't like people putting words into my mouth, or ascribing assumptions to me which are inaccurate

I don't think someone could sub-consciously pass off a rep as gen. Someone could be comfortable wearing a rep, and not caring who sees it, but, that isn't necessarily passing it off as gen. People who pass off their reps as gens make a consious decision to do so. Depends on the watch, how well someone might know the details of the model, and then comparing that image to what the person is actually wearing. Not in so much a case of suit and tie = gen, jeans and t-shirt = rep, but the quality and cost of the clothes. Sure, people who have a load of money might choose to buy budget clothes, but, would they necessarily wear old ones (in a professional setting?) I once saw a guy in his 40s, on a train back from London wearing a TT Sub. His suit looked like something the Oxfam would throw away, and his shoes looked about ready to fall apart. His Sub was pretty beaten up as well. Personally, I think it was a rep, simply due to the lack of care in the rest of his wardrobe, and, while I wouldn't say someone has to wear a suit with a Sub, I wouldn't expect them to be wearing something which a charity store would reject. Had he been wearing a good quality suit, my opinion might have been different... I don't know what other people think, I'm not a mind reader I have had a female friend compliment me on my watch ( ) I've also had a male aquaintance think my 127 was a 'nice watch', but, he didn't think it cost any more than

The only rep I've had which wasn't entirely waterproof (with no obvious flaws in crown seal etc) was a very poor quality 2531.80, and even then, it only got condensation inside the crystal, it was not a full-blown 'flooding'. I've swum against heavy tides and a wave machine in my 111h and it never leaked. When I swam with it, I'd used thumb-pressure inside dish-washing gloves to secure the caseback not long before, so probably not even as tight as it could be secured with a case-wrench. Although I didn't swim with it on, the Radiomir I bought for a friend's birthday survived being worn in a hot bath, ran under a full-force cold tap, and submerged in a cool bath for 20 minutes. Not a hint of fogging or flooding. With watches like the Omegas, where the HE valve represents a compromise in the case integrity, then yes, maybe caution is required (not that my 'decent' 2531.80 or PO ever fogged or flooded after submersion) but, with watches like PAMs, where the case is a solid piece of metal, providing the fit of the other parts is good, then there's no reason why it shouldn't be reasonably waterproof, simply because it's a solid design.

Clothes... I tend to wear jeans and either sweaters, or sleeved shirts (as would be worn with a neck-tie) with the sleeves rolled back (although I can't stand the same style of shirts with short sleeves. To 'McUniform' for my tastes...) I tend to wear casual shoes rather than sneakers, but, in the summer, will sometimes were Converse-style plimsoles. I sometimes wear smart shoes with my jeans if I'm dressing up a bit, and of course, if the need arrises, I'll wear a pinstripe suit and the appropriate attire. I've used messenger-style bags for over a decade. They're large enough to get everything I need in, and, can be slung across the body to help reduce the chance of a bag-snatch in a busy place. It would be nice to have a nice briefcase, but, I don't 'go formal' enough to really warrant owning one. Maybe in the future...

The smith who worked on my watches has now retired (and was, to be honest, past it. They reassembled my 111h minus the movement clamp, but put the movement clamp screw in place...) I'd suggest going to a privately owned jewellers/watchsmith, and asking if they work on mechanical watches, and then taking the conversation from there. Best of luck

When there's people debating, the last thing folks need is someone arguing with themself

Thanks He's a funny guinea really, he doesn't really like coming out of his hutch, and has a tendency to simply sit in it looking sinister The black over his eyes make it seem like he has a mask, adding to the sinister air

While I don't really agree with the idea of people being 'drafted', I do feel that a mandatory period of military service (as mentioned with Isreal) is not only a good idea, but, one which 'the yoof of today' would likely benefit from. Not only would it force them to learn discipline and respect (something their parents sometimes fail to instill) it would also be a good way of 'less academic' people learning usefull vocational skills, which, when they return to civilian life, could be used to obtain employment, or start their own businesses. I don't think people should be forced to fight (by being drafted) but, such people could be given administrative positions, and leave actual combat to those who willingly sign up for active duty. Of course, once someone does become enlisted, then should they be required to do other duties, then so be it. Even standard shop employment contracts often include the clause that although an employee's usual place of employment will be that partictular store, the company reserves the right, should the need arrise, to require them to work at other branches (staff cover etc) so there's certainly a legal precedent for such a thing happening should the need arise. Although I don't get a vote in US Politics, my money is on Obama becoming the next US President, and he's also the candidate I would vote for, were I able to do so

And what happens when noobs (or anyone for that matter) has an issue with an "approved dealer"? People basically tell them to sit down, shut the frak up, and that *insert name of dealer here* will make it right. Not really much comfort to the person with the issue, especially if the issue is one which points to a pattern of behaviour, which others turn a blind eye to (or have in the past) As has been mentioned before, just because someone is not "approved", that does not automatically mean they are a scammer, and, equally, just because someone is on the "approved list", that does not mean that they are above question, should a reasonable and legitimate issue be raised.

Mine does that...

How about an Omega Aqua Terra? I customized one for my dad for his birthday last year. He hasn't worn it once, as the strap I ordered was too short for his wrist Anyhoo, what it was: SS Aqua Terra with black dial. Hands swapped with hands from Planet Ocean for 1) Improved visibility, and 2) more uniform look to the hands. Dial lettering removed with tape, so it only had the brand name present. Bracelet replaced with aftermarket brown calf-skin strap, which was itself modified with the addition of an OEM Omega buckle. Overall, I thought it was a really nice watch, and, while it was in my posession, actually wore it quite a bit. Here's a photo of it before I removed the dial printing:

Way too complicated for my taste, but still absolutely gorgeous watches

Sorry for your loss. Here're some photos of my first guinea pig, Scampi. She lived till 8 years old, and these photos would've been taken within the last weeks/days before she passed on from old age. She was never the friendliest guinea, always rather reserved, but, always good company. PS: My left hand is not deformed, as this rather blurry photo might indicate, I was wearing a thick leather glove, as we were about to cut Scampi's claws, so protection was necessary

That's definitely devotion to one's art

He gets upset when people talk about him here, as he "has no opportunity for rebuttal" (direct quote) Best not hurt his feelings further (not that he ever showed folks here the same consideration for their feelings )

Absolutely I think some of the terms used to describe the movements, say 27 jewels (or something else which doesn't exist) on one hand, I say is misleading, so not quite honest, but, at the end of the day, if the movement works, (and the watch is delivered) what difference does it make (Well, obviously it does make a difference, but it's certainly not as bad as selling an Asain movement as an ETA movement, for example)

Exactly. It's like, I bought a set of Apple earphones in HMV for