Victoria

"Friday, October 12, 2007 (New Delhi)

Former US vice president and climate change campaigner Al Gore has been awarded this year's Nobel peace prize.

Al Gore was presented with the honour along with the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

In what comes as good news for India, the intergovernmental panel, which brings together the world's top climate scientists, is headed by India's RK Pachauri."

No comment. For once in my life.

Congratulations, Floris!! York University is a fantastic place, in a wonderful city (my favourite "oop North" -- which to me, a Southerner, means anything north of Watford).

Don't worry too much about feeling the outsider.

Please remember that we British are normally wary of foreigners (island peoples are often like this), but there is a lot of curiosity there that is unspoken, and very palpable. Don't take the lack of warmth to heart, and just be yourself. In no time at all you will be making friends right and left, adding them onto Facebook and MySpace, wading a big social swath all over.

Hang out at Fibbers, Toff's Gay Night, Reflex, Flares, Gallery always, The Zigmeister's if you're into alternative. Sainsbury's in town is actually a happenin' place, believe it or not...great place to meet people from all over the world, trying to figure out what Oxxo is.

Look, I'm an Oxbridge product so I can't speak about York since the systems are different, but Freshers year is all about socialising. Of course, you must do your work, and be worthy of your spot. But have fun, make friends, and above all, relax.

These are the best years of your life. Never forget that! Good luck!

My dear Victoria, as I am a southern gentleman, you may feel free to presuppose that I would dare not deign to initiate a conversation that may invite critique of any lady's personal attributes.

You had me at Southern gentleman.

Why does one always get visions of an aristocratic Carolinian fellow, with erect carriage, or a beefy Maryland blond lacrosse player, or best of all, a Hampden-Sydney Matthew McConnaughey-a-like, dripping molasses when they speak?

Please note, my reveries never include Clay Aiken, but I digress.

And actually, DLI63 is quite an amazing piece of architecture. Under varying conditions... it can nearly disappear in a blue sky, provide an amazing display of gold against the dusk, and reflect the last rays of the day with major dramatic effect. (A very elegant middle finger to "the North" when it was built, and at the time, the tallest skyscraper in asia, now just the 3d tallest in Seoul.)

This is very well-stated, and well-analysed, but it still doesn't take away from the fact that it's a humongous building in gold-leaf.

For the record, I also hate the Gherkin building in London. Basically, my architectural edifice tastes entered hibernation shortly after the Chrysler building went up in Manhattan.

Actually, I did misspeak earlier, a little.. nearly the entire exterior is gold-leafed save the windows, of which, most are gold sputtered, hot new tech at the time...

Look up DLI63 with Google images, I am sure you will find a few nice ones among the next generation camera batteries.

I Flickered the KLI63. Nice building. But not imaginative, IMHO. Will reserve definitive judgement until I go.

Holy crap, that's a pretty pricey gift for a 9 year old! You sure it wasn't a rep?

9th grade.

(Or as it's called in Canada, Grade 9)

So about 15-16 years old, if in North America. Your point still stands though.

BTW, I was given a Cartier Tank (black face, lizard strap) when I was oh, 13/14. My favourite watch of all time, next to my Christmas Mickey. It wasn't a surprise. I asked for it, being a lifelong WIS.

EDIT: Guanaco is originally from El Salvador, if memory serves. As you know, Central and South American kids from good families get spoilt far more than American kids at the same age. In Brazil, parents don't give fancy watches, but I know upper-middle class 11 year-olds who get Vespas and those clunky Sand Vehicles, like THAT. I'm sure someone like Guanaco fits this bill perfectly. Lucky dog.

Don't know what fly in the ointment means BTW.

Yes, you've heard that expression -- it suggestions an irritant. Maybe your bosses got wind of those 7 or 8 cars, and didn't like it or thought you could survive a lay-off better?

Pea-eyed green envy being the worst of all human sins, IMHO.

Let me try to list them off:

1995 Chevy Blazer Michael Jordan Edition (what the heck is that anyway)

1989 Chevy Celebrity (Paid $5)

1992 Toyota Camry

1995 toyota Camry

1996 Dodge Avenger

1998 Ford windstar

2000 Ford Contour Sport

Who pays for the EMS every time a DSN isn't right? If the customer has to... that watch just jumped in price by $90, not to mention the WU fees from the get go.

Just to clarify, Raymond lives in Hong Kong, so perhaps he has to use EMS. I myself used USPS, and paid $20.25 including recorded delivery. David gave me some stuff to make up for that (little things, but it makes you feel better).

As for WU fees, that's a shame, but since some idiot made PayPal close down his account because he complained about a rep, I hardly think that's Davidsen's fault.

Wow, the blue movement engraving looks great.

I remember Tourby, who is a well-know modder and knows his stuff to say the least, was terribly impressed by the blue-screws, and the general DSN engraving on a certain person's watch (in the Sale Section).

I think that's David's strongsuit, despite the PanerAI being half-way obscured.

As my eyes become more trained, thanks to the heads-up of faults by those in forums (Babola had a magnificent review of his own DSN 111 in another forum), I too can now spot the flaws.

The numbers, especially the 2, cringe. Chad is right. 3-grade art class.

And WHAT IS UP WITH THAT LEVER DIMPLE on the CG?? Why can't DSN make a flush pin?

You know, I asked him for a replacement for my DSN 112, which is otherwise flawless. He VERY KINDLY sent me a replacement, which was exactly the same! For his Fiddy, it's dead on, so not sure what's happening there.

On the one-hand, this is a lovely watch. You can feel its presence, Raymond. I would be proud to own it.

I am in love with Christine for what she did for you, working with Davidsen to get you that 3rd and final 111. As I said, that's a wife!! -- especially since she's not supportive of your hobby.

But 3 attempts to get a watch right? What's up with that?

Maybe he needs to step back and get himself a better staff. You can't put ALL the blame on the guy. He does have to improve this, or else his reputation will suffer drastically.

Raymond, bottom line, congrats! What a review.

Lol I must have been the last person to order one at the old price from him the other day.

Ask him for a refund, or a discount on your next order. Hey, what can you lose by asking? That he'll get angry? Never. Not Jay.

@Others: Yes, email him.

Sincere regrets and hugs about the lay-off, llsteve80. The US economy is percolating, despite some ideas it was going towards its usual end-of-decade readjustment, but lay-offs are perpetual sadly.

Small comfort for you, but you'll get something. There's always something out there.

Best of luck on your Franken, and don't give up hope you'll finish it, though it might go on the Bay!

FOLLOWUP: 7 or 8 cars?!?! What on earth, sell those first! My God, I was about to PayPal you an anonymous donation.

I could watch that cheezy You-Tube video over and over again and not get sick of it.

I could do without the giggles, and yokel hee-haws in the background, but I did like that Youtube vid a lot, admittedly.

CBR, I know what you're saying, I too appreciate the mechanics that went to build this watch (279 parts!!) but you put a Tourbillon in the front, not the back, yes?

I just don't get that.

5 Stars already??

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

I have a sweet tooth for Manifatture Firenze straps. When I saw this Python strap they were offering, which is an one-of-a-kind, never-to-be-repeated Prototype, I HAD to have it. HAD TO. Like men HAVE to have some women, you know?

I've thrown all my 44mm PAMs at it, from PAM 111 to PAM 177 and they all play. GORGEOUS!

L to R: Toscana Siena Carbon; Tootall Moroccan Sunset; Toscana Fiero; Mario Paci Senape; Taikonaut White Kangaroo. Below, the reverse side of the MF Python on the PAM 113.

I may be a girl, but I like a bit of tail.

These nails were meant for scratching a man's back.

(Editted since my boyfriend reads this. )

SUNDAY

Remember what I just said about gold-leaf tattiness, the Over-The-Top Brunei Royal Family, and how much I prefer the Queen's understated ways? Fugehdaboudit!!

Ice ice baby! Call me, Jfreeman!

@By-Tor: Yeah, I noticed you were here very seldomly recently. Puggy too, but he's out handing his CVs.

@Mark Eleven: Nice! And what is your country's holiday, if I may ask?

@ALL: Wow, 4 Rolexes in a row. Care to make it a Rollie Weekend?

@TWP: Thanks so much. No brownie nails for me. They look rank on me. Autumn leaves, what's that? Actually, I have some friends up in North Carolina who are experiencing their first real autumn ever. And my boyfriend said that it was actually cold in Toronto yesterday...so autumn has truly sprung.

@TWP again: BTW, I've always been meaning to tell you that the 203, especially with your leather jacket, and the Fiddy, are my fave Wristies of yours. You look HAWT.

And your opinion on Kathleen's Pearls, dear?

Teeth or oyster detritus?

FOLLOWUP: Yeah, if you're even an average reader (and I took an Evelyn Wood speedreading course) you can polish off a Sobel book like The Planets in a day.

The Daehan Life Insurance Company building (DLI) in Seoul. Three story basement IMAX theater. Since 1985........

I got to see it in 87 and again in 88. It is definitely on my list for a third go around, the next time I make it to Korea. The building is 60+3 stories (they used to call it DLI63, now I think they call it 63City) and the entire exterior of the building is covered in real 24K Gold Leaf. You'll love it.

Yipes, actually that sounds tacky and a half.

I'm glad Koreans are having fun and building skyscrapers, but this gold leaf whimsy reminds me of the Brunei Royal Family. Have you seen them in Westernised clothing? Horrid. Simply horrid.

And here is a Brunei princeling taking his bride off to their honeymoon. Solid gold-leaf Rolls...

Say what you want about our Queen, unimaginative, dull, sedate, but give me her hearse-like, black, 50-year-old Daimlers any day to this gaudy Eastern tat.

Thanks for the IMAX info though! If I go to Seoul, I'll check it out.

Oh, and I did read Dava's book, because it happened to be on one of my favorite subjects... however, she does have a way with words, and if I hadn't already been in the pursuit of building the ultimate (at least my ultimate) chronometer "REP", I probably could have gotten away with blaming her for my insane pastime...

I think you're being tactful. That's a kind way of saying Sobel writes pleasant historical fluff pieces, like Robert K. Massie's "Nicholas & Alexandra". Fantastic, but a little novelised and therefore, not serious or scholarly.

Love reading her, but it's not hardcore History like I intend on writing. That's why I'm going to be poor and unknown...

P.S.: OOH OOH! Since we're completely OT, by now. Sigourney Weaver AND Kathleen Turner at a Halloween gala.

Have you ever seen the biggest IMAX screen in a basement?

Trick question? I'll say, NO and hope for the best.

And Victoria, darling, I don't think Ms. Weaver is 182 meters tall... CM, maybe...

Blasphemy! Anyway, have you never seen IMAX screens?

(Uh, yeah, see...I'm an Imperial measurements girl, through and through)

EDIT: Hey, have you guys in the US seen Sigourney Weaver reprising her Ripley role, for DIRECTV adverts?? Ugh. It's like Sir "Ed" Hillary doing car adverts a few years back (Subaru, wasn't it? WTF).

May I request some club or general sports related wallpapers from the various MARVELLOUS RWG photogs?

I'm thinking of soccer, baseball, etc. but I have a particular fondness for Jesse Owens, as one example. It doesn't matter about the watch on top of the background photo.

In fact, it would be interesting to see which watch is chosen for which sport-related wallpaper.

Thanks!!

Won't be on on my letter to Santa Claus .......but if I get one I'd be very very very happy.

I'm sure with the ever increasing popularity of Panerai there is growing demand for exquisite premium pieces ........there's enough mult -millionaires out there who'll lap up this fusion of "haute horoligie", timeless Italian style and "action man" heritage.....

You know, that's a perfect description of this watch.

"Fusion of "haute horoligie", timeless Italian style and "action man" heritage"

If I were a Panerai AD, I'd make my poncey assistants memorise it and recite it back to their potential Viagra-taking millionaire 80-year old clients.

Still prefer the 233....not convinced that the extra dial isn't over complicating a design that hinges around it's simplicity........I mean AM/PM ....I might not know what day it is sometimes but I always know if it's day or night !!!!! :-)

Hmm, thanks to you and TeeJay for the clarification of why there is an AM/PM sub-dial in some watches. I can only imagine the mine owner might be the one to afford it...

@geo1nah2a: AWESOME commentary! This thread is chock-a-block with top-notch analyses.

Instead of writing Tourbillon on the dial, they should have found a way to show it on the dial...

The "TOURBILLON" engraving is SILLY... What is the trick of a tourbillon movement if I can't see it moving on my wrist?

The TOURBILLON is just fughazi.

It's like the Mercedes Kompressor or Saab Turbo. Neither is as alarmingly in bad taste as Tourbillon on a watch though.

My theory is that Richemont authorised it, to paraphrase George Mallory on why he attempted to climb Everest, "because they can".

It's a big ass watch. You can pretty much write Tourbillon on it, like you couldn't on a 24mm Cartier.

On the other hand, I think same for 190 (8days)

Instead of writing 8 DAYS on the dial, they should have found a way to put a power reserve indicator on the dial...

Oh no you di'int!

I love the 190.

IMHO, Panerai is ONLY good on their plain watches with workhorse unitas movements, and with their submersibles... Rest of the line is FUGLY.

Well, as I said, I belonged to this mindset until almost individually, they won me over. It's a very charismatic marque.

This reminds me of the L'Egiziano thread where Pugwash and I duked it out a few rounds about whether or not it was beautiful.

I loved it, but then I hate the Ferrari PAMs, so truly beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

After some recent exploring on the world wide interweb, I discovered that replicas of the new "Red" Seamaster line have started showing up both in standard SMP and Chrono SMP versions. The big question is whether they're very good reps or not. As you'll see in the following pics, there are still a lot of problems.

I believe By-Tor mentioned one with a leather band a year back (!).

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?s=&amp...st&p=134115

There was a chap who came on here once, whose name I forget, asking for a red Seamaster above something or another, if memory serves. Posted a new photo of the precise one he wanted.

Hope he sees these now, because it could be the closest he'll get so far.

Heavy Duty Bling. But at $888,888 a little too rich for me!

Hehe.

Just in case there is a newbie that doesn't know (not saying you, Butterfly), Joshua usually prices his new releases as 888,888. 8 is a lucky number in the East.

Pronounced in Mandarin/Cantonese, it sounds the same as "fortune".

OK, well, I'll break the consensus here.... I think it's seriously cool. Yet I wouldn't feel terribly tempted to own a rep of a $98000 watch...

Well, just about to sign off for the evening, but GOOD, Chieftang. I'm glad someone opposed the first (bad) impressions here.

The BIG problem with Panerai, is it's a persnicketty marque. It's exasperating because something you once hated, you suddenly find yourself loving. I mean serious falling in love, to the point where you NEED IT NOW.

First, I hated Panerai when I first joined RWG. Then I got a 111h, and the rest is bank statement history...

Then, I hated the Radiomirs. Suddenly, I bought the 183, 190, and 210, and guess what? Loved them. I want a 183 gen one day.

Then I got the Fiddy, which I thought was HORRID. Looked like a frikkin' mantle clock. I took one look at it up close, and was a goner.

My recent "hate" is the 232. Now I want it like yesterday.

I'm sure this happens to everyone with Panerai. They say, no way never. And suddenly, they're TeeJay.

It's a figurehead, a flagship, a statement of intent, the crown in their in-house movt. crown. It's not meant as a seller, just to show the horology world they're a serious player. You ain't nobody unless you have a Tourby in your line-up. Even if you put the bloody thing on the back - genius

Wow, DBR, that's one of the best analyses I've ever read here. It's true, because it's common sense.

I posted a while back on the entire Manifattura series, the design of which seems to have been outsourced to a bunch of near-sighted numpties (probably ex-town planners), who when looking at the brief, skipped the part about "inkeeping with the traditions of Officine Panerai" and just crammed lots of crap in there. The 233 is about the only passable model in it's cute mini-Fiddy case, but even that has the execrable linear ('Nibbler's Fang' as coined by Pug) PR indicator.

Nibbler's Fang, LOL! Oh that Pugwah.

And ex-town planners, marvellous visual. I never thought Milton Keynes and Panerai would have something in common.

Wonder if they have concrete cows too?

Oh dear...

Hmmm... Toubillon movement that's not actually visible on the dial = What's the point?

That's always been my take on Tourbillon watches. What's the bloody point if you can't see it?

On that note, here is the PAM 276 Tourby at work:

:yucky: It doesn't do anything for me.

Quite.

Panerai seem to be suffering from Rolexitis -- the idea that since you're popular, more is better:

Overwhelm your followers! Leave them gasping for air! Bling! Blong! Tourbillon! (hey, that rhymed, cool).

No Panerai, don't go this route. The Fiddy is PERFECT. The 217 is a gem. Even the 233 (not a fave of mine) works. Adding a Tourbillon with a cheesy little dot (A DOT! What is this, Disney World? It's like that ride "Mad Tea Party" with the spinning tea cups) spinning 'round the seconds sub-dial is the height of design hysteria. And the GMT? Ugh, God.

I won't even mention the AM/PM sub-dial. I'm just thankful they didn't think of a Day-Date under it...........

Hope someone loves this, because I just don't see the PAM 276 taking off.

Famous last words.

Its been so long since I was on the site that I can't remember who to turn to (preferrably in Europe) to help me out.

Any suggestions?

Off the top of my head:

Navigater

Tourby

RepAustria

Maybe others have more suggestions.

These 3 are all members, and they can all be PMed, presumably. Good luck!