Victoria

I'd rather go with a dealer who gets it right the first time.

Not to diss your opinion, Estaban, but I'll take Babola's keen eye on all things Panerai over just about anyone's, save Enzo, Sssurfer, and Kruzer00.

That we should talk about these problems is ESSENTIAL considering the misery Jawo, and I (as two examples) have gone through in getting a good DSN watch out of the box.

But let's not kid ourselves into thinking that any other merchant doesn't have problems with their rep watches. There is NO SUCH THING as an error-proof rep watch from any dealer.

As an aside, I am awaiting an modded PAM 005 from TWP, and I have excellent hopes it'll be fantastic. I know he'll take care of me, in case I have any issues.

I just can't get myself to wear a rep.

It's brand new. How do I get rid of it?

Hi. What's your Star sign? I'm a Leo.

great, now the authorities will know exactly where to find us. [censored], was that the doorbell?

No, it's a package from China. I wonder what could be inside?

(Sorry, this was all I could think of instead of just plain "bump")

Not what I meant by "fair weather" fan but apt all the same So much for "treasured and betrayed" eh?

I'm no fool.

When you're freezing your no doubt pendulous manparts this January, I'll be luxuriating near my pool, shedding a mournful tear as I open my latest Brit-Mart bought PG Tips. There'll always be an England, sniff (suckazzz!).

Back OT, finally I'm not alone, some realism and cold hard truth from D.ick Best...

Oh DBR, for GOODNESS SAKES! Let people enjoy the fact that England are in the Final! Right, well, we're not going to win (though I think anything is possible on the day), and fair dues to the Springboks -- I for one wish them well.

But why this self-torturous, po-faced, mealy-mouthed dose of castor oil whenever we do something well? Blimey, you think if Argentina were in the Final, they'd be this sour about their chances?

No. They're be OVERJOYED, and praying for a win, whatever their weaknesses.

It's almost as if being happy about your country's success, and the madcap exuberance and rah-rah patriotism which follows makes you unhappy. Well poo on you, Sir. Poo.

Thank God, I'm not going to the Playwright's Pub in SoBe for this Final, owned by a perpetually soused Irishman who always calls me Virginia or Veronica.

I might have to schlepp all the way to Ft. Lauderdale to be amongst my own, at the Fox and Hound, and it'll be worth it just for the hugs of joy when Jonny puts another one through the uprights.

INGERLUND INGERLUND INGERLUUUUUUUND!

This experience confirms that I will never buy a rep from Davidsen. What kind of business does he run? You don't send out a used watch that someone else didn't want and report it as new.

Horrible.

It's hard to stick up for the guy given what happened to Jawo, and I'm glad that TWP will probably have some new customers coming his way, because of it.

But a good DSN watch is worth its weight in gold.

I'm also fairly sure almost all other merchants recycle their watches, once they have been "serviced". I just was idiotic enough not to realise Davidsen was one of them (allegedly -- can someone please check the movements to see if our suspicions are confirmed?).

His pre-v buckles are hilarous.

They are. But I love 'em.

Since it's hard to find an old MX logo buckle, it's the next best thing. I think I have around 10 now.

Ah yes, the venerable "impact revitalization" technique. Does anyone have an idea why/how this works?

Through the same thermodynamics theories which made old tellies light up when you gave them a good whack on the side.

It was me who suggested it. Beautiful watch, very shiny. Absolutely perfect...

Thanks, Corgi! Though I didn't take your advice, I'll certainly take go back for the Conq. My mother has another older Franck Muller watch, but these are just perfect for me.

Oh, and don't look depressed. It's a sign of weakness.

Never mind all this middle-class or lager lout business, Pugwash. This is the best advice so far in this thread for Dutchy.

I was trying to put it a little more...well, kindly.

But this is it in a nutshell. Dutchy, we British prey on the weak, because we're born bullies, for all our love of the underdog. If you're not quick on your feet, and can give as good as you get, you're soon dismissed as the worst of all things -- a bore, and a weak bore at that.

So as my old Head used to say, "Shoulders back, girls, and head high!". Suffer inside, but never let them see you're hurting.

Right, enough Agony Aunty for today. I'm off for a cider! And when I say cider, I mean champers of course.

Thank you very much kind madam . I have posted a link to this thread in the reply to Davidsen. I am confident he will do the right thing. I have lots of trade references which would state that I am an honorable customer. I have 50+ reps and other merchandise I have purchased from various dealers in this forum. I have money to spend and I hope he treats me right.

I think he likes hearing that. I even showed him THAT famous photo of all my PAM reps plus straps that I posted once, which I had accumulated in just 1 month and 4 days.

I told him, "Do you really want to lose a customer who could be spending this type of money on you?".

Very inelegant on my part, but the circumstances looked dire at that point.

For the record, I think whether a person buys ONE watch or 100 watches from a merchant they should be treated the same courteous way. But in real life, it doesn't work that way. The more you spend, the better a merchant likes you.

Meanwhile, I'd take Hambone's advice if you haven't already. I never had to do that with a DSN watch, but on my other reps, you betcha. Gets them starting and so far, they haven't stopped (touch wood).

Honestly, if you really feel that way, then why not just come back? I guarantee you your 'grass is greener' thoughts would last 6 months at most.

No chance, loverboy. I remember the bloody weather.

Thanks for that V!!

I know what you mean, it takes time to adjust. It's just so strange when you know no-one and even the ones you are getting to know are constantly busy with their lectures and friends (hence the feeling left out feeling). I am trying to get into groups, being nice to the people I live with and all that. But for some strange reason I want more. I feel this need for everyone to really like me.....its a real psychological thing I suppose.

Of course. All of us have that inside, to some extent. Some will never be centered, and will forever have a gnawing desire to be accepted sooner than later, by those around them. Shy people are especially prone to this.

This first year is a really big group. People doing "Accounting, Business Finance and Management" (I'm signed up for that), Management, and Management Systems are all in one big lecture room (180 people). We all take the same modules in the first year. I just went to my first lecture and feel overwhelmed already. The guy spoke so fast and everything was so new.

Oh God, Business...look, you could've read Architecture, or Philosophy, two exceedingly cut-throat subjects in academia ANYWHERE, not just Britain. Those are the worst, IMHO.

But Business is very tough. The profs and your mates go after you in ways that seem personal. Sometimes that's true, but they're just testing your mettle, what you're made of, how you will react in pressure cooker situations in real life. Always be aware that it's not personal.

I had the same in History, where every tutorial seems a battleground of personal pain, being peppered with questions no matter how well-prepared you are, often are torn down into shreds by those around you.

I was born arrogant, but even I cried when I got to digs, Dutchy. Don't worry about it. It changes. Second year is better.

The hall I'm in is just for a year.

That is the case anywhere in any British Uni, which freaks out Americans reading these stories since they usually have housing during their whole 4 years, in dorms, at least on paper.

After 2 weeks, there is NO way anyone is going to commit to you for next year. I wouldn't even try until Hilary term, or whatever you call the January term at York.

I guess I expected too much.

I know there is an International Students Centre there, with staff to help out, not only about practical matters but emotional counsel. Haven't you tried to see if you can have an 'eart-to-'eart with someone there?

All in all, I expected things to be different....lectures where everyone knew eachother, friends made quickly, and house mates that would be your friends and support during your time at uni (at least the first terms).

Noooo. Even if you had arrived a month earlier, I mean theoretically, I don't think that would've been the case.

Uni isn't school, where you know the same faces for 4 years or so. I know you know, but it bears repeating.

It's a completely different set of rules and much more adult, which once you get the hang of it, you will appreciate. It's fantastic being treated as a human being in your own right, not as a child who needs rules and parametres at every step.

Anyway, thats my little ramble. I suppose I need to give it time, but for now, it looks like a giant tunnel with no light!

This is a morbid way to end, but now you know why young people commit suicide at higher rates than others. Because they don't have enough experience to see the full picture in life yet.

The full picture is this -- life at Uni in the UK takes a good 2-3 months to adjust to. 1 year to get a hang of. 2 years to settle in. And 3 years to master.

Then you graduate.

Thanks for the info and great advice. If you look closely at both movements, all the markings, screw positions, flaws, are exactly the same. He has assured me that a replacement will be sent to me right away. I have requested that I would send him back this watch only once his replacement's tracking number is validated. I have even sent him money for replacement EMS shipping back to me. A gesture of good will on my part. I am easy to deal with. I hope he will honor this request.

A diplomatic move on your part, and one I confess, I wouldn't have done.

But as you say, you are easy to deal with, and hopefully, paying for the EMS fees will make him happier than he was with me.

Just for the record, he treats return customers a lot better than newbies. He treats me like royalty now. Not sure why. Someone conjectured that he had a lot of newbies hose him for watches which they never "returned", and he's grown suspicious of them. A shame if true, but remember this isn't fact, it's just what I heard.

I wanted to stick around for a reply, just in case, but I'm glad you and DSN are sorting things out. I've cleared my Inbox a bit, in case you need any other ideas from my poor newbie self.

Night, Jawo, guys!

Wow, this is exceptionally disturbing. I have no doubt that this is the same watch as your return.

Yes.

EDIT: FWIW, the lume on that first Fiddy was poor. His second is a Star Wars light-sabre, but the PAM 112 is even stronger. I am very pleased on that score.

I am going to send him this watch back for a replacement. I don't like refurbished watches. Did he send you a replacement while you sent yours back barrett? I would hate to send it back just to have him switch out the bridge and send it back to me.

I wondered if I should have replied to you privately, about this matter. But you know what? This forum is to protect our fellow members first, and if this injures me with Davidsen, so be it. I love his watches, and I will continue to buy from him -- but you guys have to know certain things going in.

So here is what happened.

I made a POINT of telling him that I would hold his watch, until he sent me a new one. He wasn't pleased. Not at all. A few emails later, and he told me forget it -- he would refund me the money, including the Western Union fees, and shipping both ways. He was very unhappy.

That's when I had to appeal to his conscience as a merchant, and stroke his vanity as an artist.

I wrote him a very long email telling him I wasn't angry, but that he needs to prove to me he is an honourable vendor.

But I also got some "muscle" in the form of another forum member to intercede. I thank him so much for this, it's not even funny. You know who you are.

Whatever was the reason, the next day he apologised for not being a gentleman (saying he didn't realise I was a woman, and a lady ), and yes, he would send me a new Fiddy without my having to send the old one back.

GOD JOB TOO.

Since the second Fiddy arrived with mechanism issues, which allowed me to canabalise the first Fiddy unto the second.

That cost about $35 to do at my local watchsmith, as opposed to all the money it would've to send these back and forth.

So my counsel to you and to anyone reading this, is to do what I did. I'm sure you can read between the lines.

Good luck, Jawo...

I did a double-take when you mentioned that it was a gen. But the blued screws were the gen tell-tale sign.

And upon looking closer at the pics, I see CC blanked out the serial number. Rep owners never care about such things for obvious reasons.

New development.....After posting this thread, I went to look at the back of the Fiddy, and guess what? The movement is not working!!!! Yes, the quality control is in the crapper. I am waiting for all of you who told me so, "I told you so". I hope Davidsen is at least an honorable dealer and offer me a replacement. I will keep all of you posted.

Let me just say that if it's the old one I sent back, the movement was the last thing at fault with it. Very troubling though.

First, go through all the steps of making it work. Once you have ascertained that it is the movement, email him and tell him that you want a new DSN Fiddy sent to you. He is very good about that. He won't leave you in the lurch.

But dang.

EDIT: You'll have to pay for the post back. Make sure it's registered airmail. U$20.25 for me from SoFla to HK. Not sure from Canada, though I can ask my boyfriend. However, ask for stuff in compensation. New buckles, etc. etc. etc. He'll work with you. Still very frustrating for you. I'm sorry...

First, Jawo, just like to say your watches ROCK. I am really liking the idea of the DSN 111E series, instead of the more rep-outtable H.

HOWEVER, and this is huge. Did you ever read my own "DSN Fiddy" thread when I got the very first one?

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?s=&amp...st&p=299990

Remember I had to send mine back, because amongst other cosmetic flaws, which Evildee's keen eye pointed out in that thread, it had the Officine Panerai Firenze not painted in in gold?

Here is the closeup:

And another shot:

Could it be? Wow, did he send you the Fiddy I sent back??

Is that what happens with Davidsen watches which are sent back -- he recycles them to others? I mean, I expect that of other dealers, but I didn't expect that of him SOMEHOW.

Oh God, I wonder if my 112 is like that -- because I know Davidsen personally built the newer Fiddy himself, after I complained about the first very strongly.

But what a fool I am, if I didn't think this practise went on...

@ALL: Okay, I'm calmer now, a few moments after digesting what I wrote. First, I'd like to say that what I said is CONJECTURE. We none of us know for certain if this is the case, or if this is the same Fiddy. Nor do I think my 112 is someone's send-back, because it's perfect.

However, the engraving is DAMN close to my old Fiddy, including the smudged PANERAI all over. It's even smudged in the same places, which however, I don't know if some of his watches would have that, and thus, it's a coincidence.

I don't know what to think. Thoughts?

Oscar Wilde in a rugby thread? Sorry don't get the analogy

Come on. You know he was dying to get to the bottom of any scrum.

Winning ugly just doesn't wash. Brazil or Italy? Since you mention it, suggest you watch the '82 match between those two and the Final that year, a perfect example of how success and beauty can and should go hand in hand.

Yeah, and IT KILLS any Brazilian today that that side didn't win it all. They have never forgotten playing some of the most beautiful football ever seen on God's green pitch, and being humiliated by Paolo Rossi, in such brilliant fashion.

I once heard an exchange between a Brazilian and an Italian like this:

"1982 really hurt us."

"1994 hurt us too."

"We give you 1994, if you give us 1982."

"Perfetto."

And why not go back to '70? THAT'S what we remember, never mind the dusty old history books, the magic whether ultimately successful or not, is what inspires...not some dull drawn out stalemate settled by a hopeful kick.

All Brazilians know is that they have 5 stars on their shirt. And all Italians care about is that they have 4.

I also love beautiful football, and would love to see England win with talent and verve over South Africa. But I wouldn't actually cheer against them if not, because they didn't.

OTOH, that's something very British, for all your Irishness. We are a strange people, who love to whinge and moan even when we win.

@DBR in the previous response: Right. I grant you I know very little about rugby as compared to football, where I can stand proudly next to any man, in terms of knowledge, analysis, and feel for the game. But I'll be damned if I'm called jingoistic just because I'll be painting my face red-and-white, wearing my tightest Three Lions shirt (having no Roses), and jumping up and down like a fool, singing Jerusalem at the top of my voice come the 20th. All I care is, England are in the final, and there's no shame in being proud of being patriotic, long confused with nationalism by those leaning sinister politically.

Patriotic -- acting the fool by dressing up your sheepdog and yourself like St. George and the Dragon.

Nationalistic -- kicking dachshunds in the streets.

Besides, I'm over here, and you're over there. It's different. What embarrasses you, reminds me of all I treasured and betrayed by leaving. So take that and stuff it up your (no doubt very cute little) nostril.

COME ON ENGLAND!!!

yup, pretty ghetto :lol:

I like the timewalker. Pimpin ain't easy

What! That's not ghetto. If that's a ghetto watch, I'm LaToya Jackson. Now Jacob & Co. -- that's ghetto.

Cool shots, thanks for the idea, CC.

Call me an aesthete,

The last aesthete people respected was Oscar Wilde, and look what happened? People respect winners. Dull, dazzling, defensive, offensive, Brazil or Italy, winning ugly or winning pretty.

But win.

For Harry, England and St. Jonny!

P.S.: South Africa are a side to be respected too. Fair play to them for getting to the Final. Best of luck, to all.

Nice stuff.... but with that much budget in watches the owner should look for a camera being able to do a good white balancing...

When I bought my Sony Cybershot it was $900. Now it's $300. How much more do you want?

I'm looking for SMALL, not professional!

Not sure what the watch is but the film is brilliant! Went to see it hoping that it wouldn't lose the essesnce of it's predecessing installments as many films do. However, I was laughing most of the way through it, especially the bit with 'me and 'you' haha Really well written!

This is unbelievable. I am a film critic, and I have my own tastes, so this was never on the radar -- but I see it's got MAX VON SYDOW --AND-- ROMAN POLANSKY in it?? With Jackie Frikkin Chan and Chris Bloody Tucker?!?!

People, this was clearly not intended for the American market, but for the foreign one. Sometimes one gets films from Hollywood like that, and I always find it curious but shouldn't. A bad outting for a film in the US, sometimes breaks even abroad, and in fact, supercedes expectations because of its international stars. That's why foreigners always remember clunkers like Kathleen Turner in VI Warshawski...

BTW, the critics also trashed The Kingdom, which I finally saw yesterday.

Totally enjoyable, in a visceral, linear story kind of way. The critics also trashed it, but listen to me, watch it. You'll like it.

Didn't mention it last night, because no one, other than the Saudi Prince (who was sporting a solid gold Rolex, of course), was wearing a nice watch.

Jamie Foxx left his IWCs at home for this little plastic number.

Good show. Sometimes, though it makes a WIS happy, you look at a character in a film sporting a $20,000 watch and go, WTF. How can a cop afford such a thing?

Ok I know it's been done to death but my wife and I are fans of these movies and we both quite enjoyed it, but more pertaining to our little hobby does anyone know where to get a screen shot showing the monster of a watch on Chris Tuckers wrist?

Looked and looked. Thought it might be the IWC Porto in white, but not. In the poster, he's wearing another watch and it looks like the Bvlgari Assioma!

The few times I remembered to focus on it I could not get a clear look but the size of it seemed to dwarf anything in Panerai.

It's a bigun. I'll check the IMDB boards, and come back with any info!

I love the fact that the PAM's are manuals. It feels kinda cool winding a watch. The Swiss Unitas 6497 may also be arguably the most reliable type of movement in a rep. It is mainly the autos' that are giving people problems.

Agree 100%.

Tom, I have very few Panerai watches that are automatic. Lemme think. Hmm. 3. The PAM Lion Purdey. The "maiale" PAM 076. And the PAM 199.

They get very little wrist time PROBABLY because they are automatics. I don't touch them, since they're in the winder, and well, I don't get to wind them every two days -- out of sight, out of mind.

I love handwinds.

Whenever I encounter someone sporting a nice watch I want to walk up and compliment them. I've done it once or twice and gotten a bewildered but polite thank you, with no encouragement to begin a conversation.

HMM. You know, who mentioned that rich(er) people tend to be standoffish about such compliments? They could be right, because all my life, I always have complimented people on their jewelry or watches, to break the social ice.

Not just the richies, but waiters, fast food drive-thru' attendants, porters, etc.

They excitedly say, "THANKS!", and you can see it is genuine, as my compliments certainly always are (I don't say it, just to say). Often, they tell me where they got their watch, the ring, the bracelet, or that they have other pieces at home, yadda yadda.

But with a "high-end" watch-wearing person, this is the case -- it doesn't spark any kind of convo about it, although I do get nicer smiles than Mr. Tourist gave me.

Maybe they think we're being competitive?

I guess it's because I see so few people wearing decent watches in public that when i see someone I get excited, so I can understand Vic's behavior.

Thanks, Rima! I knew you would understand.

So, considering all the evidence then......combine his obvious lack of humour and not even the slightest sexual response when it came to a strange Bridget-Jones-type gauche/clumsy Englishwoman trying to steal his reservation, whilst grinning at him like a lunatic and tapping his watch (oh dear) with a long, red, manicured talon, and it is not difficult to reach the obvious conclusion that he was German and/or gay.

Oh, God, how this made me laugh. Talons! So true.

Elementary my dear Barrett - just keep telling yourself that "German and/or gay", over and over again if necessary, until you start to actually believe it

He wasn't gay. Women have good gaydars.

If I had to place him, I'd say North German. You know, Hamburgers are very socially awkward. No offence to you, Rolli, but post-War Germans have no "esprit" in social situations. It's like it's been dinned out of them, or something.

Well zere vee 'ave it in unt nutshell, Doctor Freud

Yes! Alas.