TeeJay

Slightly off-topic, but with regard form and function, while I haven't so much mulled over the issue of function rather than form when buying a watch, it has been a huge consideration for what I wear on vacation in November, as it is international travel. At first, I was considering wearing a GMT watch, because I didn't want to have to re-set the watch on the plane, and then get all anal about it being bang on seconds accurate when it was re-set (for that reason, the other option was to set the watch ahead prior to travel, but that would then be awkard having to 'compensate' while in my native time zone) so the solution I've wound up with, is as the second sweep on a Panerai doesn't hack, that will be easy to jump forwards an hour without losing out the 'seconds accuracy'. Probably not a watch I would have chosen to wear on vacation, but, function has won out over form

A repost from the Panerai Area, but this is how my 111h is now looking... I'm getting used to it...

Thanks, indeed, it doesn't look bad at all. I have to admit, since I made the post, I've grown fonder of the bracelet, but, because it makes such a radical difference to the appearance, I feel more like I've got a new watch, rather than just fitting a new bracelet, that's what I meant when I said it doesn't feel like 'my watch' any more. Aesthetically, I love how it looks, and couldn't be happier with the quality and finish of the bracelet, especially as it blends with the watch so well, it just doesn't have the same 'emotional bond' that the leather strap had., but, given how quickly it's growing on me, who knows, by the end of the day, or tomorrow, once the initial 'new impact' wears off, maybe I'll feel like I'm wearing 'my watch' again It wasn't from PT, but PM sent It's funny, I used to be a diehard SS fan, I guess it's just one of those things where tastes change with time. That said, I do think that there are certain watches which look better one way or the other. For example, I think the Omega SMP 2531.80 only really looks its best on the SS bracelet, and I only really think a Planet Ocean looks it's bets on the rubber strap. I think PAMs are certainly versatile enough to pull off either look, I just think the tone of the watch changes drastically, so more likely to appeal to people on either extreme. I think my shock is, as mentioned above, that more that it looks and feels (emotionally, at least) like I have a new (different) watch to the one I had on earlier, when all that has changed, is the strap for a bracelet... At least I don't have to worry about it getting wet on vacation now

Absolutely so, but, the point I was illustrating, is that if people can't even see what the community has to offer (as with totally subscription only forums) then they are not likely to make a payment 'just to see if they like it'. Even adult 'subscription only' sites have a 'preview' section so a person can get an idea as to the content. I fully agree, some people do only come to ask 'who has the best sub?' and then vanish. I've had numerous PMs from people with zero post counts who asked where I got my SMPs, yet get no reply of thanks, nor see them then posting on the forums, so I appreciate that for those people, that's all they ever will do. That said, if people were to have to make subscriptions just to be able to view any information, then they're more likely to move on, and, as I said before, new people bring new ideas and other contributions, and people shouldn't be judged on the size of their financial contributions, as group closure is a very ugly thing.

Well, the new bracelet arrived today, and, I have to admit, before it arrived, I did have some concerns about if it would need a bit of 'tweaking' to get between the lugs, but, it fitted perfectly the first time it was 'offered up' One thing's for sure, it certainly changes the whole 'tone' of the watch, and to be honest, I'm not really 'feeling it'. I think I definitely prefer how the watch looks on leather rather than metal. That said, I bought the SS bracelet so I can wear the watch in the water on vacation, so from that point of view, it'll fit my requirements perfectly. On an aesthetic point of view, the brushed/polished details of the bracelet work perfectly with the brushed case/polished bezel and crown guard, so bearing that in mind, it all looks like one purchassed item, not just a watch with an aftermarket bracelet attached. (The bracelet was from the same dealer as the watch) Taking all that into consideration, I'm pleased with the fit (fits both the watch, and my wrist, like a glove), the quality and overall appearance, it just doesn't 'feel' like 'my watch' anymore (where on leather, I'm totally comfortable with it) so it might just take time to get used to it. I might put it back on the leather strap and keep the bracelet to the side for my vacation (as planned) but I think I'll give it till the end of the day to see if it grows on me before swapping back to the leather strap. Anyhoo, onto some photos

I had no problem with t eh speed of delivery, just that the product was not as described. He was accomodating enough to offer replacement inserts, which I declined, as they would have been of equally unsatisfactory quality. All I asked, was that he remove the inaccurate statement "You won't be able to tell it from the original" from his listings. He chose not to do that, but to continue lying to people.

How could it be a good thing? New people means new ideas and new contributions.

That's looking damn good If I can get my Vintage Planet Ocean project to come out half as good as that, I'll be happy

Then maybe people who 'pass through' wouldn't see anything of value or relevence to them, might not want to pay a subscription fee just to see if there is anything 'inside' that they want to see, so they would move on, and that would mean less new members than before...

Oh boy, I've dealt with this clown before as well. Best to steer well clear. If you leave him negative feedback, he just responds by saying that you're a liar, and that all customers are satisfied with the products I registered a dispute a while back when I ordered an insert for my Submariner, and what arrived was junk. I pointed out that the bezel was distinguishable from the genuine (which his sale claimed it would not be), but he just refused to cooperate with the eBay complaint, so after the set period, the complain automatically cancelled itself (leaving me with a negative feedback, which, thanks to me having very few eBay purchasses, put a big dent in my rating ) He is a liar and a cheat. One thing's for sure, the way he carries on, oneday, he's going to get a serious smiting, either from a dissatisfied customer who's close enough to make it personal, or in karmic form.

I can't wait to see the results to the case Did you mask the crystal, or did you let that take a few knocks as well?

At the end of the day, I would have to say the only difference between the brands is aesthetic appearance, and maybe an update in the materials/technology involved, say, a modern divers watch having double ARd saphire crystal, compared to the perspex crystals of yester-year. It's the 'little things' rather than the glaringly obvious, as, at the end of the day, they're all just watches. All just devices for telling the time. With regards Clone Watches like Invicta, I view them solely as a company which, although wanting to make a name for themselves, doesn't have the talent or drive to design anything of their own, so just copies and bastardizes another company's designs before slapping their own brand on it. Sure, the replicas might be copies of real watches, but at least they (the factories) are (at least in theory ) replicating those specific details and branding, rather than simply cloning the watch and applying their own label. In that sense, reps are at least 'remaining true' to the original, as although they may be imitations, they only appear to be imitations, rather than a different brand all together, which the Clone Watches appear to be.

Autographs or not, Jenna is an incredible person, and very much underestimated by many. If there were more people with her kindness of spirit in the world, it would certainly be a better place No surprize, I'm still wearing the 111h on it's factory strap But. Either tomorrow or wednesday, the SS bracelet should be arriving, so that will make for an interesting swap

Indeed. The thing I find the most 'comforting' about Islam, is that although there are things which are obligatory, they are only obligatory to those able to perform the requirements, there is nothing about people having to do or give any more than they can

Congratulations indeed, I hope all works out well

Not wanting to get all 'preachy' about things, I found this rather excellent passage in the Holy Qur'an and thought I'd share it Assalamu alaikum

You're quite right, the emotional blackmail is posts 'encouraging' ( ) others to donate. The point which has been raised many a time, that it is not for forum members to lay a guilt trip on anyone for anything. As pointed out, most forums are not subscription only, and neither is this one. If a forum is subscription only, then so be it. If a forum is run by voluntary donations, then so be it. If people really feel so strongly that this should be a forum where only subscribers can access information, then maybe a petition to make that so should be collected and presented to Admin for consideration. One thing I would point out, is that the amount of people who become members and stay around, will get much less if people have to pay an upfront subscription fee in order to read anything on the site, and with a hobby/subject like this, then it is most definitely a case of the more the merrier... Islam demands that I make donations to the needy (who a person deems needs it most) I could donate to animal welfare, or child welfare, but instead, I will donate to the forum, as that is clearly in need, and something I feel the money will actually go to the intended recipients, unlike some 'charities' which skim off the top in 'administration' fees, so I'd rather my donations go here than elsewhere. Assalamu alaikum I'm a rather recent convert to Islam, but don't broadcast it around too much as I know that Muslims aren't exactly 'flavor of the month' in these times... I'd've thought you'd've made the connection to Islam when I said how many times a day I wash my hands

Not directed at tech personally, but just to point out, that these are precicely the kind of comments mentioned on page 1 which totally discourage people from donating. It makes people feel unnecessarily belittled and cheap simply because they do not pay funds. Lets be very clear about something here. This is not a subscription-only site like some forums are. People do not have to pay just to be a member or read the content. Therefore, the content is free for all to read, and comments like those above, do rather come across (intentionally or otherwise) as emotional blackmail to make people feel bad about not subscribing. Come friday, funds allowing, I will be donating $50. I will also donate $50 the month after that, and the month after that ad infinitum. These donations will be made, not because I personally feel I should donate that amount, but because Islam demands I make zakat (charitable donations) and it is not my place to question the will of Allah. Assalamu alaikum

Just an idea I was kicking about in my head, ie what would a 45mm Planet Ocean look like in 50 years time, and wondered if people thought it'd make a good project? Off the top of my head, I'm thinking scuffed up bezel insert and missing pearl, dial lume vintaged to a browney orange, all over 'hair scratches' on the case, as well as a few 'meaty dings', and maybe even some damage to the crystal. Strap wise, while I guess it would be possible for someone to source the rubber strap in 50 years, I'm wondering if a NATO strap might be more in keeping, or if the rubber strap itself should be distressed? What do folks think? Yay or nay? PS This would not be happening to my 45 Planet Ocean, but one I'd source specially for the project

Carefull with the hammer, you wouldn't want the shock to affect the movement (unless you strip the watch first, of course ) Sounds like a good plan though

It is?? Oh well... Carry on

In all fairness, you did write dad's rather than dads. Dad's = dad is dads = posession of dad

I see what you mean, that indefineable satisfaction from something (Indeed, I do get that when wearing a nice rep ) If anything, when I try on reps in ADs, the feeling I get is 'Meh...' rather than 'Ahhhh'

While I'd admit that gens have a generally higher level of QC, and in some cases, better contruction, I'd point out that I have peace of mind in my reps as I know the dealer stands by them. Their reliability has never been a problem, and in that regard, they are no better or worse than the reliability of a genuine watch (let's not forget the photo of a Seiko which had condensation under the crystal) In all honesty, do we really need product guarantees at these prices? The fact that ADs offer them goes to show that even gens are capable of breakdown, and sure, while getting a DOA watch is an unnacceptable standard from a dealer, if a rep floods or something goes wrong, it's a lot easier and cheaper to repair (or just completely replace) than the gen version...

Sorry I missed your post until now. That's great that PT is sending you a replacement dial I would say that if you could get the back off the watch, a dial swap is a fairly straight forward procedure, but I'm not sure how chrono pushers could complicate the procedure. Best of luck in finding someone to take care of it for you