TeeJay

An old shot, but still one of my favorite watches

Wow. Whoever worked on that watch really worked it over. I guess they've never heard of cleanup. Scary that such people are taking money from the public

This was the comment I was refering too... What is the gen 127 an exception to? An exception with low crossbars? This was my confusion

From the comments, I get the gist that the rep crossbars are lower than gen. But, I read the comment that the 127 is an exception. Does the gen 127 have low crossbars on the 'A's?

Well, after a week of wet-shaves, a random trip to Argos turned into a slightly extravagent (and un justifiable) purchase. I saw a cheap Braun foil shaver, and, although it was 90% of the money in my wallet (at the time, I'm not begging for change here ) I figured, that, in the long-term, it might work out cheaper than blades, so what did I have to lose (well, other than money ) I've used Philips shavers before, and, to be honest, never really rated them over highly, and simply prefered the results from a wet-shave with Gillette blades. But, for the head, I figured a foil would work better than a tripple-head shaver. I got home and investigated my purchase. Came with two free Duracell batteries, and is rated as suitable for using in a shower/with foam (the battery compartment has a rubber gasget and a twist-lock closure). I decided to try it dry (try suggesting that to the Mrs one night ) and, on the first stroke, I was very impressed. I decided to give my head a once over before checking how close the shave had been, or going back for 'missed areas'. I went all over, and then ran a hand over my head. Smooth. I then ran my hand back over the grain. Or rather, I would have if there had been any grain It had shaved so close, there was absolutely 0% grain, just smooth skin. Wet shaving my head took fifteen minutes, and at least two razors to get everything, plus the hassle of doing round the ears without slicing myself. This took maybe five minutes, start to finish, with no concerns about nicks or cuts, and only minimum 'touch up' work afterwards. Absolutely awesome shave, I'm impressed by how much electric razors have come on in the past 15 years... I might invest in a rechargeable shaver so as to save on battery expences, but, this is certainly good enough for daily use, and will make a nice shaver to take away on vacation (it is, afterall, a travel model) Very satisfactory experience Here's what I used, a Braun PocketGo 570: I actually just read a rather negative review on the shaver, and can only think that that person either has ludicrously heavy beard growth, or had completely unreasonable expectations of the product. It worked fine for me

Indeed. I just don't feel that such an inflexible watch (of highly questionable design origin (blatant HBB wannabe)) warrants such a pricetag just because it is a technological marvel. I agree, the proprietary technology is worth something, but not tht much...

Very typical Libra here

That's quite true, and I agree, the JLC is definitely revolutionary, so yes, some level of price is a requirement. However. The reason why I feel that watch to be overpriced, is as I said above: It is not a 'smart' watch. It is not in any way versatile, and it's dial markings are hardly the best. For example. No 5,6,7 markers, and for what? A faux torbillon which doesn't even move... They could've at least made the sacrifice of the numbers worthwhile and included a rotating torbillon for that price

Not something I'd wear, but in terms of artwork, an awesome piece of work Well worth the price tag

Who needs Krug champagne, when one can buy a huuge bottle of Lambrini for under

I agree, a service-free watch is certainly a technological quantum leap forward, but seriously, look at the watch itself. Inadequate dial markers, with most likely non-existant lume, so only usefull during the day, and, an aesthetic which only lends itself to a sporting event (but lacking the chrono functions to actually be usefull) It's certainly not a watch which someone could wear with a suit (and expect to look smart). It's without question a nice watch, but, in terms of aesthetics, functionality and versatility, it comes up short, so R&D costs not withstanding, (obviously, a company will want to recoup costs) I wouldn't say that that watch was worth the price tag. In terms of costs of materials, maybe, I'll give it the benefit of the doubt, but, other than that, no way.

Absolutely so, that's precicely what I was trying to point out. Another example, albeit one I didn't think to elaborate on, is Gillette razors. In my headshaving research, I found out some interesting things about King Camp Gillette, and subsequently, the products which now carry his name. Gillette razors, not only have to compete with other brands of razor, but also, their own products. Now, I bought packs of Gillette Blue IIs for shaving my head, as I wanted something which was cheap and disposeable (I now need to investigate if Gillette sell any single-bladed razors, to solve the clogging issue) I figured that they would be (obviously ) cheaper than the FusionsStealth blades, even if the shave was not quite as close. I couldn't see the point in having one set of razors for my head, and another for my face, so, when I'd shaved my head, I just carried on with the same razor. Imagine my surprize, when I found that the Blue II gave just as close a shave, as my Fusion had provided At way less cost Talk about the power of advertizing right there Of course, my next test, will be to try using the Fusion, and comparing the performance, but, I suspect, that the cheaper razor, will actually be better for my purposes (less clogging, so longer useable lifespan) That's not to say that brandnamed products can't be good. As previously mentioned, my Apple-branded earphones deliver excellent sound quality. But. That's not to say that a generic product couldn't be as good. (although obviously it would depend on the product itself, as some generics are better than others. Just as some rep watches are better (mechanically/functionally speaking) than others.)

I think you misunderstood my tone, K. I wasn't criticising you (or how you were able to afford a PAM), I was just pointing out that just because someone (could be anyone, not you specifically) can afford to buy the product, that does not justify the pricetag which the company chose to put on it

C'mon, you can tell us... He's really an Ashera, isn't he Awesome looking guy, I'm sure he'll be a great companion

That's a fair point, and to be honest, one I agree with. Most of the electrical equipment I've ever bought myself, has either been Sony or Panasonic. The majority of my mobile phones have been Motorola (the others Nokias) I've always shaved with Gillette razors and shaving products. Brand loyalty, for a worthy product, is not the same (although very very similar) to product worship, where consumers think that X Brand is The Best, and will pay through the nose for it. (funny expression that, I wonder where it comes from ) That said, I wouldn't pay more for a product than I felt it was worth. Sure, I've bought Sony consoles since the PlayStation came out, but, only when the prices were what I felt was reasonable. I never bought them immediately upon release, because I felt it was something I had to have, and would never pay more for said product, than I felt was reasonable. If that makes any sense... Being able to afford the pricetag, and being able to justify the pricetag, are two different things Personally, I don't feel many 'luxury goods' justify their pricetags, compared to actual 'product value'...

I think you could be right there

Indeed, maybe not Corporate Greed as such, but, still a sign that all the time people are prepared to pay the price, people will charge it Sure, but, equally, to some, it could be considered a monstrousity (It's certainly a perversion of a watch, regardless of for or against ) I mean, the case is huge, the crystal is huge, the crystal permantly distorts the dial markings, the gold hands detract from the simplicity of the black hands of a regular Luminor, all in all, it's got more criticiseable points than plus points. Ooh, it has a nice clear dial... It looks nice... (depending on one's point of view ) I think much of it's mystique among gen collectors (I'm not really into the risti crowd, so can't say for 100% sure) could well be that it's a limited edition, thus more desireable to some collectors. But, was it honestly worth that price either... Sure, it might have been a reasonable price as far as the rest of their catalogue goes, but, in term of actual materials etc, it's still a heck of a hike in price from $500 for something which will be aesthetically and functionally, just as good. 'Gen' is just a qualifier. No rep can ever be a gen, but, that doesn't mean that a rep can't be as good as a gen... If it was down to a bar 'wrist comparison', I'd put my money behind some of the more unique, and modified reps here, than some city boy's gen daydate... Really and truly, no. And, if they're not really worth the money, then how can any like product be worth the money? If pepper and cumin where still being shipped in by people at risk from scurvy, floggings, and a run-in with BlackBeard, I'm sure the prices would be reflective of that Indeed, times have changed, but changed in various ways, and for various reasons. Until folks realize that, in the main, brandnames are a con, then prices will remain high. The one example of a brandname product being better than a generic one, I can admit to, is a set of earphones I recently bought for my MP3 player. I bought a set of Apple-branded earphones for use with my phone, and my seperate MP3 player, as, the headphones for the player kept popping out of my ears, and, the set which came with my phone got damaged... Anyhoo, with the standard earphones which came with the MP3 player, I had to have the volume set at 20, just to get a reasonable playback (it was a cheap player, and one I've since made redundant with a Samsung player) with the new Apple earphones, 20 was not only loud, but exceptionally good quality playback. As with any soundsystem, better quality speakers means better quality playback. But. Were the headphones good just because they were Apple-branded, or, would other generic headphones (possibly by the same manufacturer) be equally as good? Also, when I was passing through London, I saw that the majority of people with 'white earphones', had the same model as I'd bought, so, from that point of view, they are clearly a good quality model, or people wouldn't be using them, and would replace them with an aftermarket set. I think the real issue is one of product value compared to product price.

If a date function is a requirement, how about PAM 104 or 029a? The 029a has a GMT feature, which, might be a redundancy with your Rolex GMT, or, it might be an alternative watch rather to one you're not happy with. The 104's a nice simple watch. Not as plain as a 112, as it has both seconds at 9, and a date window, but, if you want a date window, it covers that requirement. PAMs are extremely versatile watches, and, with the right strap, can go with any outfit. Okay, so the 127 is a tad snug under a shirt cuff, but, an 029a or 104 shouldn't have that problem. Best of luck with your purchase, and welcome to the party

I'm of the opinion that no 'brand-name' product is actually worth it's inflated price tag. Wether someone will pay the price tag, is a different matter. Equally, just because someone is prepared to pay that price tag, I do not think that actually justifies said price tag in terms of product value for money. This is an opinion I hold thanks to generic products and reps, which, for my purposes, are quite adequate. The 127 is a prime example. $20K for a watch is crazy. That money could buy a car, a deposit on a house. But. Is the 127 really worth that much money? If reps of it can be sole for say $200, which are functionally, just as good as the gen, and, with another $300 (tops) spent on modifications such as relume or cannon pinion fix, are aesthetically just as good, how is the rest of the cost justified? R&D? Designer's fees? Not that much, and, certainly costs which would have been recouped long ago. I don't think someone can know too much about something, especially if that opens their eyes to the rip-off world of Corporate Greed. Good job McCarthy isn't still around, he'd have me hunted down as a Commie

Couldn't he be discharged for 'conduct unbecoming', or somesuch? Yes, the dog was obviously dead. But. That does not justify his act of desecration. NOTHING can justify an act like that. Even if that was a mass grave, there is no reason for flinging remains into it in such an undignified manner. As mentioned before, pure redneck trash, not the kind of guy anyone wants watching their back, and no business wearing a uniform. Absolute, 100% utter scumbag. If he's getting death-threats and threats to have his house burned down, good. Maybe that'll make him realize what an utter c*ntrag he is.

Absolutely awesome tests and pictures, I can't wait for the next tests

Hmm... Let me think... Putting a rep near water... Probably not the best idea... Joking aside, I've never really had a problem with putting a decent rep in water. I admit, I haven't gone diving in one, but, thus far, they've all stood up to everyday immersion, all the way up to swimming hard against a wave machine. A decently constructed rep, of something like a PAM or Submariner, is likey to be just as waterproof as it's genuine counterpart, afterall, both include a solid case, gasgets, screw/lock down crown etc, so should, by nature of the design, be reasonably waterproof. If a dealer sells a watch as waterproof, I'd test it tentatively before going for a swim, but, I'd certainly never pay extra to have a watch which was 'guaranteed' as being waterproofed prior to shipping. Given the track record for folks who have done so, it's pretty obvious that this is just an extra way for the dealer to skim a few extra bucks from people, but providing absolutely nothing. If the watch doesn't leaked, hey, it was waterproofed ( ) If it leaks, oh, sorry, they must've made a mistake doing it... Culpable deniability. I say wear them in water, and to hell with the consequences, if it floods, just buy a new watch. Besides, nothing's going to scream 'FAKE!!!' to associates at a pool party more than someone nervously removing an SS watch prior to getting in. Leather, sure, that's excuseable, no one wants to get a leather strap wet and ruin the strap, but SS or rubber, why the hesitation?

I think the process of 'factories' has already been described, as people building parts obtained from various places, in places of various conditions. Some might class them as 'sweatshops', others, might not. They are most likely not 'factories' as western business would define a factory (in either structure or working environment), and, asking the question again, is not going to yield a different answer... The question was already answered, although clearly not with the answer you wanted. As Samuel L. Jackson said to John Travolta in Pulp Fiction: "If my answers frighten you, Vincent, you should cease to ask scary questions..."

I'd suggest a Panerai 127. Very versatile, and, depending on the strap you wear it on, it will go with anything. For an even more casual look, I'd suggest the Panerai submersible/Arktos (not sure which it is) with '1000' on the dial. Freaking awesome watch.