Victoria

Do you mean Charley Boorman from the "Long Way" series? I don't know what he wears on their bike trips, but I saw Boorman wearing a black Sub on the first episode of "Long Way Down" last week. But I'm pretty sure he's wearing something else in the second ep during their trip. Probably the watch you mention.

Ahh, I saw it on the Bremont site itself, under "Bremont People".

I had, myself, not known who the "friend" was until Pugwash told me in another thread. It's odd, because I once met his father John during a visit he paid to Brazil in the late 80s...

And that looks like Bear's Emergency watch on the cover of "Outside." The b&w image may be throwing you, but you can clearly see the digital display screens.

Yes! You're right. I see it now.

It certainly was the B&W which threw me, but also I thought b16a2 had a similar Breitling Avenger in one of his Wristies. Perhaps not then.

I used to be a much bigger fan of Bear's until I saw this video clip:

Now I watch "Survivorman."

Ack, I'm not clicking on that. My (no doubt jealous) boyfriend already told me that Bear Grylls was "outted" as having shot certain scenes out of sequence, having had to be taught to do the things he seems to do so effortlessly. And also, staying at lodges overnight, instead of sleeping in dangerous snowholes, etc.

Who cares!

Is Survivorman an exceptionally handsome devout Christian OE, who rips the flesh off of and eats dead zebras, and has drunk his own wee? Not to mention having a perfectly formed bottom?

Is Surivorman even a WIS like Bear?

No.

Bear Grylls RULES!

In the end, I would go with one of the IWC's. They come accross as being sporty but elegan. The Chrono functions communicate a sense of technical appreciation which would seem to be important to a person assuming your position. The strap on the 3717 gives the watch a bit of a dressy posh which might compliment well dressed business casual look, but that GST is awfully hot.

I like the choice he went with, though it wasn't mine (uPO).

If Pug doesn't mind sharing, I would love to know if any of his co-workers like watches, and what kinds do they wear? Any questions asked about his?

To this:

Ooh, PAM 063 on a brown Europelli Shell Cordovan.

And I don't think anyone has ever said this outside of a gay black barbershop, Dluddy, but I just love your fades!

I rarely read magazines since getting broadband (2001), but I make two exceptions: Vogue & Outside magazines.

And guess who is on the cover of this month's Outside mag, wearing what I do believe is his Breitling watch with diver strap. Problem is, that's not his usual Emergency version, is it? The Avenger perhaps?

Bear Grylls! What a man!

This is Bear in dodgier times, wearing his more usual Breitling Emergency watch.

(That watch didn't help Steve Fossett too much...)

And Bear at an US chat show, showing off his Bremont watch -- the British/Swiss timepiece makers, of course, have a sponsorship deal for his "Man versus Wild" series. Their motto? "Tested beyond Endurance".

In case you're interested, he's wearing the ALT1-P, also favoured by Ewan McGregor and his chum, Charlie Freeman.

The Bremont marque is, of course, too new to have been repped, but if there is a serious contender to giving Breitling a run for their money, they'd be the ones.

P.S.: If you caught "Charlie Rose" on PBS a night ago, you'd have seen Jerry Seinfeld wearing one of his beloved Breitlings on a huge black leather strap. At a guess, I'd say it was a vintage Navitimer.

Rose himself must be another Watch Queen, because he changes his timepieces nightly. During that episode, a Patek Calatrava, I'm almost certain. Since he doesn't use cufflinks, his shirt cuffs are always exposed showing his wrists/watches.

It's like he's trying in some way to mimic Gianni Agnelli, but instead of dashing, it just comes out as affected...

hahahahahahaha!!!!!

Where's TeeJay when you need his tattooing skills??

Nanuq, of course, your solution is staring you in the face. Borrow a watch from a co-worker, and pop out during your lunch hour for one of these:

...and my search continues for the exact copy...but, I am still having trouble finding it.

Not nearly as nice as yours, SubFrog, but:

Much less than $100 from Watchsilix. I'm sure he has better versions in Silix-Prime.

That's right I'm sitting here naked as I type. My bare wrist cries out to me. THE HUMANITY!!! The horror... the anguish! What am I to do??!!

Okay! First! Don't panic!! I know what to do!

FxrAndy, boil some hot water!

Lord Rasta, tear up some bedsheets into thin strips!

Jsmith11, grab some utensils and sterilise them on a flame candle!

Stand back, everyone! Clear!

Oops.

Stay away from the light, Nanuq!!

A standard rep strap treated the right way can also be a very nice strap, you dont have to spend the earth. PM me if you need any help

It's good that you have this alternative for him. Distressing it by rubbing it, or putting bleach on it, etc. can be an interesting alternative.

But really, everyone needs ONE pricier Panerai strap. Some PAMs already have "tells" that they're not gens. You don't want the strap letting you down too.

EDIT: My own lack of distressing skills may be playing a role in my opinion. Remember my first (only) attempt?

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showto...mp;#entry292480

I have since researched the price and noticed that these puppied go for $100 +.

Yep, Robb. OEM and aftermarket Panerai straps are industry in and of itself. Average price of a Panerai strap is $150. The really nice ones start at $200.

Using the "Search" button, you will find my Great Panerai Strap Caper series, where I review all kinds of straps.

For those on a budget, check out FxrAndy's straps, and you'll find that he has or can make very reasonably priced straps (25-40 Euro).

For an upgrade in custom-made straps, you can try V, Tootall, and Savage, distinguished forum strapmakers. (65-130 USD).

Also, we have a sticky about straps written by V, so that is a MUST for a newbie starting out. It's on the top of the Panerai forum.

Lastly, these two sites are imperative for those looking for cheaper straps:

http://timeconnection.biz/page/timeco/CTGY/Special

And the genuine Panerai Accessories forum (NEVER mention what kind of watch you have, or where you got this info. They are vehemently against rep watches, as you can imagine):

hxxp://www.network54.com/Forum/353393/ (change xx to tt)

Sorry dealer!! I did not mean to pull a n00b on you. haha.

You'll find Robb, that you cannot have one of anything related to Panerai. Not one PAM, not one PAM strap, not one PAM buckle.

It's the single-most addictive watch out there, gen and rep alike.

Like all addictions, one wishes one could stop, but one just can't. At least your veins won't suffer.

Very interesting post Vic...

Personally all my reps have tried at some point the warm waters of Med without any problem at all

Might try it with one of the cheap Rolexes, after making sure the caseback is tamped down, and applying sillicone on the crown.

But not on my Panerai, V. Ironically enough.

A carnavalesque composition of Murano glass and an MBW Nautilus!

Doxa's are very cool and still reasonable! They were allegedly the first diver to offer an orange dial

So I read on Wiki. I always thought it was Seiko...

Davidsen told me that if I check my caseback is screwed on tight, and tamp down the crown guard, I can go "swimming" (I paddle inside the pool) with my PAM 112.

I did that with a gen Rolex, and messed it up. I'm therefore very wary to do it with a rep, though I hear you guys post you do all the time.

V- Nice mani again. Prada glasses a gen>? Id loe to see what the rest looks like. ( Pilot's just lovvvvvvvve to know)

Thanks, Watchbuff.

Yes, gen Pradas. My favourite glasses, and indeed, favourite strap on the 112. Without a doubt, the best combo for it!

The sheen! She blinds!

(Another awesome piece in this thread. One of the best I've seen in 5 months)

Anyone here on a gen Doxa? Always liked it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doxa_S.A.

Doxa Innovations

* First Commercial dive watch, Sub300t in 1967.

* First watch with a rotating bezel to compute no-decompression times, Sub 300t, 1967.

* 8 Day Movement, 1908.

* Helium release valve; first watch with a helium release valve. In certain diving situations, helium can penetrate the watch seals and cause a pressure buildup in the watch, eventually blowing the crystal off the watch face. Doxa, in conjunction with Rolex, invented and introduced the first dive watches with a helium release valve, which prevented this helium buildup. While this was a major advance at the time, few actual watches with this feature were produced. Doxa introduced the Sub300t Conquistador in 1969 featuring a helium release valve. Rolex introduced this feature into its Sea-Dweller watch in 1971. Omega also eventually introduced a helium release valve, in its Seamaster watch.

Make: CORUM

Model: Admirals Cup Competition

From whom did you buy it, John? TWP?

I fell in love with this watch the first time i saw it. A friend of mine from the gym had the rose gold bezel version so i handled the gen before the rep.

I wonder just how much our environment or acquaintances play a role in our covetting watches. A neighbour of mine had a La Do

Hey, the Brits were founded upon their sea-faring prowess! No choice in the matter!

On 11 September 2001, a few hours after the attack on the WTC & the Pentagon, I entered the nearest recruiting office I could find. It was the US Navy. Given the laws at the time for foreign combatants, I didn't qualify. But I forgot to mention to the recruiting Sarge that I didn't know how to swim...

I heard the Navy of each country are a little more receptive to women in the Services, so that played a role no doubt. Ah well.

One day I'll learn to swim.

And when I'll do, I'll be wearing my Rolex Oyster like Mercedes Gleitze.

I have recently become very interested in underwater watches. Here's something you don't know about me. I don't know how to swim. I'm the only one in my family, on both sides, that doesn't (there is a private reason for that)

Really Vic, you should reconsider swimming lessons. If only but for safety reasons. Here in Michigan, people all the time are running themselves over bridges or into side road streams and rivers, and without the aid of a centerpunch, (to break the glass on your door window) and swimming skills, they most certainly would not survive these mishaps. With your penchant for water, and living near it,and for your sake and the sake of your friends here on RWG, have no fear, and get yourself some lessons!

Just very briefly to say that two catastrophic things happened to me before I was 6. One, a fire ripped through our London home before my 4th year. Two, I saw my cousin Charlie drown before my very eyes.

Believe me, I have tried, but I just can't conquer the fear of flame and swimming. And I have a mother who is a child psychiatrist who has tried to help me too...thanks for your concern, DET11. Please don't let this admission circumvent our interest and replies about underwater watches, okay? I just wanted you to understand that my diving interest, and all those pool photos have a reason, now. It's a little triumph each time.

P.S.: I love the sea! Really. I was even given sailing lessons...

The target is set very high this week ! Nothing but awesome watches and excellent pics !

Mademoiselle V, did someone tellyou that your pictures have become more and more artistic ? Is that a disease linked to the boards ?

Interestingly, that photo shoot you see with Nicole Kidman's figure and hands (Chanel advert from October Vogue), and the Misha-Movado one took a few minutes.

I am very fast these days, since I have an "eye" for what I want YOU to see.

I'd like to say Bravo : that's not male chauvinism, but a woman with a PAM and taking pictures like you is something really...er, how to say, uncommon ? Exceptionnal ?

HELLO! This is the compliment of a lifetime, not an insult! Merci mille fois!

(As I said, I cannot stand how feminism has made it almost impossible for a man to compliment a woman, without an assumed sexism they think is implied. This is bullpuckey, and I resent it deeply)

Serious look for me today...

The suit, the shirt, the watch. Perfection.

@Eunomians: WOW!

V. interesting !! (sorry, couldn't resist it !).

Thanks for posting that very interesting article, Vicky !

My pleasure! Take a look at the photos I've just added. Some very interesting ones of Mercedes Gleitze, the first British lady to swim the Channel. A humble stenographer by day. A mermaid wearing a Rolex by night.

@TMG: Thanks! I'm sure it's been done before on RWG! But I agree, this topic is fascinating. There's so much we can learn, but also enjoy visually.

(The header is a work in progress, not to suggest this is my own writing, or a definitive post on the topic)

I have recently become very interested in underwater watches. Here's something you don't know about me. I don't know how to swim. I'm the only one in my family, on both sides, that doesn't (there is a private reason for that).

But I love the water. I could never live inland, or in a totally landlocked country, as I think I would die without seeing the sea.

My new interest has to do with having recently re-watched "Das Boot", and several other submarine films, of late.

I would love to know more on what exact kinds of watches submariners wore on duty, inside those great underwater capsules, from the 1800s to early WWII.

If you have any links, please post them!

Meanwhile, here is a recap from a gen site, which gives you a brief historical outline:

WATCHES UNDER WATER

As the wristwatch evolved in the 20th century from the pocketwatch, its public acceptance in large part may be attributed to improvements in its durability. The early enemies of the wristwatch included water, dust, shocks and magnetism. It was primarily during the 1920s and

I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but it's possible that there could be other significance to it stemming from India, as many symbols have done (such as the bastardi2ed swast1ka by the Nazis - originally it was used for luck and goodwill, even in Europe!).

As you say bastardised. The original swastika symbol is extremely ancient, mostly tied with Aryan culture (in the true, Indian sense of the word), which Amerindian cultures also revered.

This is a copy of a Navajo swastika:

When I went to Russia, and was given a tour of the old Winter Palace, present-day Hermitage, the tour guide pointed out the swastika as etched on a window by the late Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna. She did it with her diamond ring.

Next to the swastika she put her initials AF and the date (sometime in 1912).

As we filed out to the next room, I overheard two British couples saying, "Of course, they were Nazis, but so early?".

Lord give me strength...

There is some possibility that Jesus travelled to India during the "lost years" where nothing is documented.

And there is some possibility that he went to Greece (to Mount Athos), too...

And indeed, to England...

You may know that one of our suggested national anthems, to replace God Save the Queen, is Jerusalem. Here are the first two stanzas, which suggest Our Lord, Jesus Christ, travelled to England:

"And did those feet in ancient time

Walk upon England's mountains green?

And was the holy Lamb of God

On England's pleasant pastures seen?

And did the Countenance Divine

Shine forth upon our clouded hills?

And was Jerusalem builded here

Among these dark Satanic Mills?"

This is also the basis for some conspiracy theories, of ancient origin, so I have personally discounted this in my mind, but...

...who can know for certain.

There have been documentation of a figure fitting the description being found in buddhist temples, including some that had very little contact with the outside world and little knowledge of worldwide religions. If he was indeed influenced by Buddhism, it explains the "love thy neighbour" stance that appears. A big contrast from the smiting god that is in the Old Testament.

Jahweh is an idea. Jesus was Man. But in many ways, the figure of Jesus was more Godly, in the kind, gentle sense of the word.

Anyway, back to IWC! I have a question about underwater watches.

Wow, it looks like the Metta Catherina!! I WANT ONE!

EDIT: I have an absolute sweet tooth for deep burgundy, reddish straps. But is it the lighting, or what, since the first photos of the hide showed a more burnt Sienna type colour?

So please be patient as the pictures are coming! In the meantime, I hope you guys/gals enjoyed my short/crappy first review of my first rep.

Not at all, Inmotion. Your review was very helpful and bursting with the kind of enthusiasm all of us had, when we saw our first rep.

It's also good to hear that Davidsen is improving his recent QC. I PM'ed him last night about my own Ultimate 112 (overwound it, be careful, Inmotion! 40 winds is enough in the beginning), and he said that he is trying his best to improve his quality control issues brought up in the forum just two weeks ago.

As for photos, I personally cannot wait! But exams first. Ace them, then come back and post please.

In the meantime, a few shots of my own BELOVED PAM 112. I cannot express to others how full of quality this watch is. Next to DSN's Fiddy, it's the most perfect, gen-looking rep I have.

A bad watch week culminated in a bad car week where I was rearended last night. The car is totalled but I have no serious injury except for bad whiplash and general soreness throughout so today calls for the watch that makes me smile every time I look at it. Go The Zigmeister!

Slai, I'm so sorry. Most of us have had these one-after-the-other bad weeks -- bad luck seems to happen at every turn.

Fortunately, it eventually stops.

Good luck to you, and I see why you love wearing that watch. I makes ME smile whenever I see it. Imagine you.