Just wanted to publicly thank JMB for his patience. I asked him a bunch of amateur questions and he answered them all. I hounded him for a watch that was not even for sale yet, and he agreed to sell it to an non-established newbie . Great person to deal with and I am appreciative.
Also wanted thank everyone else that I bothered with my ramblings as well, including whoopy12, DVNE, lhooq... Everyone has been kind, courteous, and helpful. This can be an intimidating forum, but there are plenty of nice and friendly people here.
Anyhow, got started with a fine piece from JMB. Here are some quick & dirty photos;