Victoria

I am using two different products in my straps...

1. Lord Sheraton leather balsam conditioner if you want to clean and revive the leather...

Clive suggested that in my Stains on Straps thread. It's okay. It will leave a darkish residue on some straps, as if wet (E.g., Savage's British tan strap).

One just has to be careful with the grain of each strap.

2. Camel natural 'grease' to achieve great patina without wearing the strap that much

Ooh! Nice. An alternative to mink oil, yes? I read from Tootall that that can rot the stitches.

Although lanikai's offer of the new strap continuing the auction was generous, and a great idea, I feel the auction should continue as originally planned. The current bid is $70.00

Ok community members, show me your fervor.

I was going to bid, but now, given the other thread where I am laying myself down as some kind of sacrificial lamb my motives might be looked on with suspicion. Certainly by some members...

But what the hell. I am what I am.

USD100.

Do you mean Keira Knightley was not an innocent choice...

There is a resemblence that has been remarked...but she's about 100 lbs lighter than I am.

I could barely tell her apart from the ship skeletons in Pirates of the Caribbeans...

Or were you talking about the fake Prada sunglasses of Jane Badler ?

LOL! Hey! I know my sunglasses. Those are 80s Lacoste knock-offs.

Things went wrong, he fled. Not the wisest of things to do, but it has happened.

I agree with what you said further to this, but this sentence is just not right, b16a2. If he fled, his motivation might've been that he was scared. But he still SCAMMED people.

We need our Mods here to finally, please, add their voices.

If it's decided someone approaches their Mods, I'll take the fall.

They know I'm a rep owner already, and even when I become legit next year, they won't interact with me, or very little. So let me contact their mods and lay it out about what happened on RWG.

But for that, I need to know what happened exactly, because it was before my time here. If someone would point me to a thread, or post their stories here, with details, I'll relay portions of it, without IDs.

However, I won't do a thing before the Admin team or Moderation team pipe up. To bring in RWG in everyone's name is merely revenge.

@B16a2 below: If that is so, then Ken wouldn't have said he told a few porkies about only 1 person not having been restituted. I suppose we need to revisit the horror stories here, and see what was done to whom, and what were the outcomes.

what is the big deal its not death row for owning a rep and i cant realy understand your point at all.

I remember during the Lanikai/Flavor Flav debacle, you were amongst the first braying for Lanikai's blood. You're a very rash, unthinking young man, from what I can see.

I'm sorry. But if you think it's not a deep insult to people who scrimp and save, or just spend their hard-earned money to buy a genuine watch, just to have others thumb their nose and buy a rep watch for a few hundred, then what can I say?

Let me be clear AGAIN. I'm no better than you. I buy rep watches too. The difference may JUST be that I know what I am doing, with all its moral implications. You seem not to know. If I'm wrong, I apologise.

So the question is who wants to out him over there and confess they are active on the rep boards. I had never seen anyone confess other than Mark but I don't follow that forum very carefully. As it is the risti are incensed about fakes.

People there know squat about fakes, people. Listen to Kruzer00.

They won't think you're doing them a favour. They'll think it's some sordid little squabble between present fake owners and ex-fake owners, and nothing more.

I wonder in a sick way whether the risti's would be pleased to hear about people buying reps being ripped off.

That's EXACTLY how they'll think. I already predict the message titles.

How can you own a fake and expect to be believed here? (nt)

You got what you deserved (nt)

Mods can you ban these people?

Mods can you ban these people reply: It makes me sick these people are here, who else is a rep owner?

And so on.

And they would be totally in the right too.

I am not talking about the folks who are already over here. Maybe I am being too cynical. At the end of the day each active risti will make their own decision.

There might be a silent minority of people who think it's okay. As I said, I know there are many famous Risti members who dabble on both sides of the fence. They even sell their "Aftermarket" obviously DSN bracelets on the Accessories Corner. They get away with it. How I don't know. But they do.

But the vitriol is real against rep collectors. Moreso than any other gen forum I've read. Maybe others at this point would like to chime in...

And then what what...? I get the obvious self-interest behind your 'concern', but seriously, what are you so worried about? You think he'll out you? You think you'll be persona non grata? Talk about paranoia.

Perhaps you missed a very important post on top, where I spoke about this, DBR. I can't believe you would write this if you had read what I wrote they tried to create mischief about me.

Let me be clear:

Someone already outted me. They know I am a rep owner.

I am not concerned about ME. I'm concerned about OTHERS who are still on the down low there.

This person is up to no good, but until he actually DOES something there, what happened here happened HERE. The most we can do is to warn their Admins/mods, IMO. Anyone want to do more, they are acting out of revenge, and not to share information. Worse, they're taking others with them.

Now, DBR, I am tired of asking for apologies from you. You constantly feel you have to take me down a peg, for my expressing opinions. I like you, but it's enough. You need to modify your attitude towards me because it's unfair.

While in spain, I have heard tell, wearing a jockstrap on ones head demonstrates that you are indeed a big athletic supporter and walking off the plane with with head held high and a confident gait while your crown is adorned with a jockstrap will open the doors to the hearts of the people of Spain right away. The officers at customs will not even notice that you are wearing a counterfeit watch and will all nod with approval at the el supremo athletic supporter in their presence.

What about jock itch?

I hope some one will tell people what type of person he is on risti

Please, please be careful guys. This could snowball into a cause celebre for all gen/rep dual forum members.

I would suggest, if someone here is very adamant on outting him, to approach the admins/mods of the Risti forum, rather than a shaming post which he could use for mudslinging with others.

I feel very sorry for members who have been here for a while, who then bought a gen PAM, and are there now too. They'll surely be outted by this man, in retaliation. And then what?

Me personally....If I were going to Spain I wouldnt spend much time hanging around the swimming pool....I would be taking advantage of my time there and be absorbing as much of Spain as possible....

Ahh, come on now, Nightstroker.

We're talking of "Europeans" here, not Americans or foreigners doing the Grand Tour. Almost all of us have been to the continent on several occasions since childhood, because it's dead cheap to travel. I mean, we're talking U$50 London to Paris. Less if you have travel vouchers from the Sunday papers.

I can't even go to Orlando from Miami for $50!! Or 100!

Not that I am for one moment suggesting that "culture" should be snubbed at. That's not the point. Relaxation is also important to recharge our batteries, even if that includes a trip to Friday's instead of the local tapas joint.

(I secretly can't believe I'm playing Devil's Advocate here, again, with TeeJay. I'm one of those Brits who rail at my countrymen for simply hanging around other Brits in Ibiza, Mallorca, etc. ALL DAY. It's like they literally never left the UK, down to the radio stations and pubs. But ah well. Swimming is fun. And soon, it'll barking cold in the UK. Let TeeJay have his swim!)

Just thought I'd post this for anyone interested:

Just really getting in, after all day off the internet. Didn't know. My prayers go out to all who are affected...I'm not sure if that should include you, Fireman_Fred, based on your moniker -- regardless, my sympathies.

Oh God. Seriously with the BEST will in the world, I just don't see how you guys can like the Grahams.

Blimey, it looks like Jeff Goldblum in the Fly. All it needs is feelers and pus.

Maybe a Tank Americaine next to it, to simulate 6'0 Geena Davis.

Glad to hear it worked out and at 50% of my estimate. I'm sure your big smile and long eyelashes helped significantly

My mum is prettier and blonder than I am, so she dealt with him. I mostly stayed in the car, Hambone.

Also, my German isn't as good as all that. She understood about 80% of his Yiddish, so that helped enormously.

I've already "sprung back" in anticipation of DST ending, but I've vowed not to wind my 112 more than 40 times per night, and not until its run out of juice tomorrow. I'm so scared now!

DSN replied that if it happens again, send it back, so I'm at least partially relieved.

I usually use Meltonian neutral shoe cream, then just twist, bend, pull, and shake the sh@#$# out of it. Gotta break in/up those fibers, especially if it's new leather. Good luck!

That's exactly what Mario Paci's head strapmaker, Fabrizio, suggests for all pricey straps -- Meltonian Neutral. It can be bought at your local shoemaker or on eBay, dead cheap. I think it was $2.50 per vial, excluding shipping.

I also, just today, got Chelsea Leather Food from Greg Stevens, that other famous strapmaker.

I do have to say that I haven't tried this (Chelsea) on my Strapculture straps YET. What you describe Romp, is precisely why with regret, I do not recommend anyone to buy Strapculture straps, at least certain lines.

I know they are very popular. I'm sure when they are worn in they are nice. But the Legend line is made of VERY coarse, low-grade leather -- it's as thick as cardboard, and stiffer than John Kerry at a bar mitzvah.

Meltonian Neutral had no effect on my 2 SC straps whatsoever, but then, I'm no real leather expert, like V, Tootall or Savage. Try it. At least it won't stain!

V

Sounds like something is restricting the movement somehow. A watchsmith should take acare of it relatively reasonably. IF it is keeping time exact and then just stopping it is being restricted. If it did not run at all then I would not have a clue whee to start.

Well, after 30 minutes, one of my mother's pricey watchsmiths fixed it for $50. Well, that also included regulating 3 other watches, and adjusting the links of 3 others, so not too bad.

He was a Jewish gentleman with a thick accent, and took it out to the back of his shop, so I didn't see what he did. When I asked, he harrumphed, and explained it. Didn't understand a word.

WHATEVS. IT'S FIXED! Touch wood.

Not yours, FxrAndy.

VBarrett, love your "V" pic...took me back a few years

Thanks! Wow, it's been quite the success. I may keep it for oh, 3 days.

@Kiki_HR: Yay!! I thought of you when he handed me the watch. Hope it works out too!

If I hadn't been so encumbered and sickly, you would've had that divers' strap. Sorry, TeeJay.

Tricky situation.

Both are or were a bit wonky mechanically. The PAM 029 is gorgeous, but lacks an SS bracelet for the swimming. The PAM 111 is more reliable and versatile, but isn't as dashing as the 029.

Ooh toughie. PAM 111h. Go for the practical, and anyway, it's STILL an extremely good-looking combo.

Correct.

However, I wonder what value daylight savings has in this day and age, remembering that the winter time is the actual time and the summer time is the adjusted time.

True enough. Its immediate advantages are more psychological, perhaps. BST always meant for me that we had sun until at least 9/10 PM -- always a plus for lazy village cricket matches.

Feta1's sad post reminded me that there is a time change tonight, in North America.

At 2:00 AM your local time, we'll go back one hour to 1:00 AM, wherever in the US and Canada you are.

FREEBIE INFO:

"Date change in 2007

On August 8, 2005, President George W. Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This Act changed the time change dates for Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. Beginning in 2007, DST will begin on the second Sunday in March and end the first Sunday in November. The Secretary of Energy will report the impact of this change to Congress. Congress retains the right to resume the 2005 Daylight Saving Time schedule once the Department of Energy study is complete."

I personally didn't like the earlier change at first, but as ever, I gradually began to see its benefits.

BTW, EU countries changed over last Sunday, IIRC.

And in Britain, we don't refer to Autumn as "Fall" (WTF), so Spring Forward, Fall Back doesn't work.

Be kind to me and buy some more of my straps because the 'Boss' is my friend and he can easily change your nick from vbarrett to Lizard

HEY! I only just saw this. I bought your strap out of the goodness of my own crippled heart of gold!

Sheesh. You know what they say. Beware of Greeks bearing straps...

Oops, double post.

So as not to waste a post towards my 3000th post (gulp), here's a visual of the "V" Lizard ETs, in human form.

Very 80s.

Awwww shucks no more VB.. long live Vic

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss...

HEY! Admin will be wanting a word, POTR.

My dad and boyfriend call me Vicky. My mother and all my friends, Victoria. My cousins...well, actually yes. When I was growing up they called me "Vee".

This sucked because when I was a kid, there was this television series called "V" about lizard extra-terrestrials. A big hit. Unfortunately, I didn't like the inference I was a green scaly, evil creature with forked tongue.

That doesn't resemble me at all.

Well Mademoiselle Strap, maybe you should change you signature

Stephane, you're a genius! That's it. They look at my .sig and think Ahh, she's Stephane.

BUT WAIT!

Why would anyone except an egotistical arrogant loudmouth quote THEMSELF in a .sig???

Oh, right. Point taken.

I'm getting about 36 hours out of my 35 winds. Maybe my wind is a bit more than a full turn.

Hmm, I give it short turns, and FAST. Maybe that's not so good. I remember my grandfather (the watch fanatic) SLOWLY winding his watch every night, on his bed. I must've thought that's because he was old. Not because he was deliberate and precise...

@V: Thanks! I saw instantly what you meant, but I never would've seen it if you hadn't pointed it out. You and FxrAndy are wonderful watchsmiths.

UPDATE: Watch stopped again. It had run flawlessly from 12:46 to 1:20 to the dot, both on its front or back. I'll stop boring you now. Thanks guys!

The whole swan neck should be lower .. if you see it sits higher than the bridge and it creates a small black gap.

Can you give me a visual for that? Is this something the watchsmith can fix? (I really don't want to send this back to China).

I think I know what you mean, though. It's not "looped" around the dagger low enough.

EDIT: Okay, I see it. Nice quality control...

I though Victoria was Mademoiselle Strap ?

Or is you V. ?

:lol:

Yeah, I'm Mamzelle Strap. HOWEVER, apparently I am also "Stephane"!

Do you know how many times people confuse me with you? Because Stephane to English eyes LOOKS feminine, of course. They assume one of the few women here, must be Stephane.

Just imagine if you were called the French unisex name, Dominique!