TeeJay

I understand that, but Joshua's comment was incredibly vague. He might have meant, that he does not QC. He might have meant, that he does not drop ship. He did not actually state which. I was simply highlighting a post which showed that Joshua is a known drop-shipper. Maybe his business practices have changed since that comment was posted.

Ahem...

Passive/aggressive people who assume the role of forum jester bug me, but that has nothing to do with reps. Nor does your post. Note to self: Thanks Double T, much appreciated.

I understand that there could be differences in quality of the application technique, but, even optical-grade applications (glasses) are not entirely without reflection of some kind... I have to admit, given the quality of lume applications done by Ziggy (smooth as silk), compared to what has been seen on some gen PAMs (pretty bumpy) I have to wonder (and this isn't directed at you at all) if sometimes people have unreasonably high expectations from watches... I remember reading on a gen forum where someone was complaining that the hands of their Submariner didn't always line up 100% to the thousandth of an inch with the markings each time, but it was a Real Rolex ( ) They were pretty much laughed off the forum for such an unreasonably high expectation... On the topic, I'd agree with the faux chronos. I'd point out that I don't mind if they perform afunction (ie date counter), but frozen dials just bug me

I absolutely agree 100% My absolute first choice dog (hopefully, I'll be able to have one oneday) With friends, family and kids, you get this: If someone tries to [censored] with said friends, family and kids, they get this: I plan on starting off with one of these:

The fact we are buying contraband is irrelevent. These people are businessman, the nature of their commodity is irrelevent. Dealers who are considered 'trusted collectors' have that position because of the quality of the service which they provide. If they want to stay in business, and want customers to trust them, then that means providing gaurantees on their product, and making replacements on faulty purchases. This is where it becomes slightly more complicated. He has offered to replace the watch case, which is scratched. That is good business, and, as with most dealers, comes under the catagory or replacing a faulty product. But. This is where the fun begins... Was the damage to the straps (which is undeniable) caused because the case was scratched, and thus having sharp edges, or because the strap was simply fitted too tightly to the case (by way of closer lug-holes) ? If it was caused by scratches on the case, then I would feel that some level of compensation towards the straps, which were damaged by faulty product, would be in order. If it was caused simply because the fit was tight, then that's unfortunate, but not the fault of the product, or the dealer. Again, the fact that they are dealing in contraband is irrelevent. They are operating businesses, and taking people's money. Money people have to work hard to earn. In that respect, if they wish to retain their status of 'trusted collectors', then it is in their interests to maintain positive customer relations, and to stand by their product in terms of after-sales care and returns. Daniel Craig summed it up perfectly in L4yer Cake: Well, opinions are just opinions, we're all entitled to our own. As above, the remedy from Davidsen would depend on the nature of the problem (ie was there a problem with the case, yes or no... If yes, did the problem cause the damage to the straps, yes or no... If yes, compensation would be appropriate, if no, then mere replacement of the case would be all that they, as a supplier, would be obliged to do.) Of course, it would be good PR to throw in a free strap as compensation, but that would be upto Davidsen's descretion, and not for a client (or community) to insist upon. Let the issue be judged on the facts as they are, and dealt with accordingly. I hope everything gets worked out in a mutually satisfactory way PS Welcome to the party

There really is a considerable difference between the IWC, PAM and the Omega... Are the other two double-coats and the PO single-sided? Or, is the difference just a different quality of application? To be honest, I'm not sure where the color choice in the coats comes in. All the lenses I've seen in glasses, all have a greenish reflection, where the AR in watches varies incredibly from yellows, all the way through to purples. The only reason I asked if you wore glasses with AR, was that it is the easiest way of demonstrating AR's performance, in both it's qualities and limitations.

Bazz, sorry I couldn't reply properly to your post sooner. I've read about these 'colored coatings' on crystals before, but, I really do not believe that that is what is on my 111g (and certainly not my 127) Such coatings would surely be visible at all times (even if only faintly) The coating on my 111g is only visible under certain reflective conditions, and, on my 127, only appears as a displaced reflection of a light-source, never as a total 'covering' (although the different qualities of the 127, I attribute to the refractive differences of the differently shaped crystal) I would have thought that the 'purple coats' would be visible at all times, and as total coverage, rather than just points of reflection (under normal lighting conditions) or a total 'wipe out' under specially created lighting conditions. The anti-reflective coats on our watch crystals are (to the best of my knowledge) no different to the anti-reflective coats on spectacle lenses. Do you wear glasses yourself? And, if so, do you have AR coating on the lenses? (or know anyone who does?) If you hold them to face a light-source (like a bulb, rather than a more diffused lighting) there will still be a reflection on the lens, it will just be a greenish color, and less visible than it would be on an un-coated lens. AR coatings do not totally eliminate reflections, they just greatly reduce them...

Had you considered the 029a? Admitedly, not one which sees much wrist time, but definitely one of the favorites of my collection

The standard by which I choose my watches is easy. No glaring errors in spelling. ie: Polex, Qmega, Paneroo. (I admit, I would like a really bad FAKE Rolex for my collection, but other than that, I like things to be spelled properly) Other than that, I'm pretty tollerant. Sapphire crystals are good, but I don't demand them. I've lived with scuffed up watch crystals my entire life, I'm not going to start getting snobby about it now I wear nicer watches. AR is something I can take or leave. My PVD 111g has AR, and to be honest, sometimes, the blue/purple glaze irritates me. If I wanted a watch with a blue/purple dial, I'd've chosen one with one. When I was unwrapping the watch, my very first time setting eyes on it, it had a case protector on it, and it caught the light so the dial appeared blue/purple, and my heart sank. I thought I'd been sent a watch with a blue dial. It wasn't until I got it unwrapped (and now significantly disheartened) that I realized it was just AR coating. I've come to appreciate it, but, nothing will take back that initial shock, and, as mentioned, the glaze can irritate me. I believe my 127 has some kind of AR coating, as there will occasionally be a blue/purple 'ghost reflection' of a light point (visible in the photos I've taken of it) If there is an AR coating, it is way more subtle than on the 111g, and never gives the blue/purple glaze, so that doesn't bother me. Fidelity of replication depends on the detail in question. I don't mind that my Planet Ocean is on a Seamaster strap, nor that the hour batons are a hair too thin. I would mind, however, if the spelling was wrong, font not properly centered or oriented correctly (one end of the text higher than the other) I don't wear rep watches to try and convince people I'm some high-roller with a fancy collection, I wear them because I like watches and am not prepared to pay artificially inflated retail prices. $20'000 for a 127?? [censored] that [censored]! I could put a deposit on a mortgage or buy a car for that money. I don't demand the same level of fidelity in replication that some do, because I don't want to pass the watches off as their genuine counterparts. As long as they are reasonably close in appearance to how the original looks, that is good enough to satisfy my collecting requirements. Accuracy of spelling is something I want for my appreciation, not someone else's, and, at the end of the day, is simply a matter of a product being made properly, rather than sloppily, and with no attention to detail.

look at the issues I had with my X-33 (and its replacement), and the vintage Rolex which was the wrong model... No QC there... I think you got lucky, amigo

Welcome to the party Personal preference is such a touchy issue... I would very much like a California for my collection, but, I doubt it would see much in the way of regular wrist-time as I prefer the more unified look of other dials. In terms of what I would wear regularly (were my 127 not glued to my wrist ) it would be something like the 210 or 232

Coming from quartz, then automatics, to manual winding, I would agree that at first, it can seem strange to have to wind a watch rather than letting it 'take care of itself', like quartz and automatics do, but, like anything, that's just the initial 'shakedown' period, and, after a while, having to wind the watch becomes part of the pleasure in owning and using one. I tend to wind my watches every night before going to bed, just so they never run to a stop (which could go unnoticed for some time, and then lead to the hassle of having to re-set the watch). Even if I forget to do so, I know that the watch won't stop overnight, and as soon as I remember, I just wind it, it's really not a chore at all. Personally, I view having to wind the watch as 'my part of the bargain': I need the watch to know the time. The watch needs me to wind it so it can tell the time. I keep it wound, it keeps telling me the time In terms of the watch itself, as mentioned, the California dial was never produced in the sandwich form (which I would admit to being my preferencial form as well) Initially, I was not too keen on the California, as I didn't particularly like the mixed fonts. One or the other would be fine, but not both. Serves no purpose. However. As I have come to know more about the history of Panerai as a company, I can appreciate the watch's historical value, so can certainly see it's appeal (for either reason) and will likely purchase one myself to round out my collection. In terms of Radiomirs in general, I've heard that they can have the same issue with crown strippage as dogged the Planet Oceans... Can anyone shed any light on this?

If it was later in the year, I'd definitely try and make it, but by the end of Feb, I just couldn't. Too many financial commitments and a trip for a birthday in late Feb have pretty much taken all my spare cash for a while. It now turns out, I'm likely to be heading over to Japan some time during the year (Yes, I would like to go, but, now my fiance's got the idea in her head, we're going to have to make it happen, and the cost of that isn't going to be chump-change... ) When a date's decided, let me know, and if I can make it, I'll certainly do my utmost to attend. I'm not scared of meeting folks off the net, belonging to an online tattoo community means I'm pretty used to it. My only reasons for not attending, will be purely financial. Of course, had the scumbag who still owes me

For sporty, I'd definitely suggest the 'carbon' straps, rather than #2, but to be honest, I think that the rubber straps are as sporty as it gets, other than the OEM Velcro strap, they're (the rubber straps) certainly the most functional in that regard... Here's a link to the other 187 I was refering to. Just looking at it makes me want to get one for my collection, even though I know I'd likely never wear it unless I went camping/hiking/on some kind of expedition, which is a shame, as it's an awesome looking watch

Depends. What kind of 'look' do you want the watch to project? Casual? Functional? Smart? Do you want it to match your shoes? All those things must be taken into consideration as to what will fit the watch better. Pugwash showed a fantastic PAM 187 on a very beaten brown strap. Looked absolutely [censored]ing awesome. Totally different look to how it would be on rubber. When I first ordered my 127, I thought it would just be a watch I wore on odd occasions, figuring it wouldn't go under shirt-cuffs easily, and that it's too big to be elegant, so I'd still need to buy a 'dress watch', but, I was wrong. The watch is incredibly versatile. A honey/tan strap, and it looks casual, excellent for jeans and a sweater. A black strap makes it more formal, but, to be truly formal, it needs to be on a black Alligator strap with white stitching. The black rubber strap, makes it casual, but 'informal casual' rather than 'smart casual', and, depending on the smartness of the outfit, blends 'up or down' accordingly. It also makes the watch look 'more modern'. So, thats what you need to consider, before considering what strap would best fit the 187

It's absolutely gorgeous IWANTITIWANTITIWANTITIWANTIT I don't suppose you have any plans for selling it in the near future have you Oh well, back to the searching

That combo might not be to everyone's taste, and, when worn by an elegant lady, rather incongruous to the overall attire, but, that really will be perfect for my friend That first shot is awesome. I have a hunch he's going to love this watch (which will have a deployant clasp fitted, for previously discussed reasons ) Thanks again for putting the combo together so I could see it. It looks exactly as I visualized, a contradiction of chunkiness and elegance, but, it will suit my friend perfectly. As for my own wrist, I've got the 127 back on the honey/tan sharkskin. (I was also wearing the same jeans/sweater/shoes/jacket as when I first took the pic, (Yes, they have been washed in between ) so, it might not be 'fresh', but it's still accurate)

*Sees the strap* My Precio- Sorry, I started chanelling Gollum there... Where did you track down the OEM Bordeaux? I've been hitting up Google, yet having no luck at all...

Nice buy I'm surprized buy your thoughts on the bracelet though. I've always found the rep PAM bracelets to be very solid, and, although the replease is a little fiddly, that's good... That means the clasp is unlikely to spring open under normal wear Also, the parts themselves composing the bracelet and the clasp mechanism, are nicely machined metal chunks. Way more durable than the flimsy, stamped metal in a Rolex clasp Of course, that's just my own feelings on them. A nice padded black leather strap would look awesome on that watch. There's one in particular (which I can never remember where it's from) which has a 'perforated' surface which would complement the texture of the dial perfectly

You won't find one as a straight out purchase, but I'm sure your dealer of choice would be able to make the necessary strap exchange for you

Ahh, I see your confusion. I have three 22mm 'thumbnail' buckles which came with my 111h/111g/029a's factory straps, two 24mm pre-V buckles, which I ordered for the BOB straps, the 22mm buckle which came on my 26/22 dive strap, and the 26mm pre-V buckle which came with my 127's factory strap (since replaced with BOB straps, but still with the factory buckle) When I order the watch, I'll ask for it to have the dive strap fitted, and that'll come with a suitable buckle, so I won't be losing any of mine I really ought to take a PAMily photo of them all

I agree, but, my friend's idea of 'dressing up', is black jeans, trainers, and a short-sleeved 'fashion' shirt Believe me, it'll suit his wardrobe perfectly Interesting indeed Mine's 26/22 as well Thanks again for the combo shots

That's absolutley fantastic As mentioned, not sure if it would be most people's cup of tea, but, my friend's 'aesthetics' are somewhat 'unique', and it should suit him perfectly Thanks for doing the test fit for me

Awsome, but no hurry I'll be interested to see the result, and people's opinion of it It's on it's way