Victoria

Just when I thought I was getting better, I have a weird palm itching flare-up this very night. My palms look like they're on fire...sigh. HOPEFULLY, though, Monday will have live photos. I have so many new straps to show you all! Can't wait!

FRIDAY

The fantasy HBB in YG from Paul of Woemart, not Narikaa's because my mum nicked that for her.

Close-up -- again.

SATURDAY

Jimminy Cricket! It's my PAM Lion Purdey (PAM 154).

Above I was wearing my Micah V-Dark strap, which looks awesome with the Lion Purdey. Here I am wearing that waffle-pattern strap I thought was OEM, before V told me, 'not on your nellie'. Don't like the angle of my wrist -- I look aged 97 with all those wrinkles!!

SUNDAY

Keeping in the spirit of the Special Editions, here's the PAM 076, showing the "Maiale" Submariners -- beautiful watch.

It's a head-turner! Never fails to get a compliment from startled bystanders. "Wow, cool watch!". The PAV 99 is on it permanently.

...I'll have Rollies, and other watches next week! Touch wood.

Anyone else having trouble accessing RWI (a.k.a. The Darkside)?

For me right now, yes. Haven't checked in all day though, so I can't say for sure how long.

It's been problematic these past two days, as I heard on the Shoutbox. As an aside, I'm waiting for the whole Muppet thing to die down, to restart visiting as regularly as I did...

Yes Victoria it just goes to show how feeding the wrong info to the forum can lead to many being uninformed.

Andrew just emailed an EMS tracking number this very minute. As usual with his ultra-professional communication, he said to factor in the US holiday on Monday. No worries. We all can do that.

Holy [censored]! I'm Aquarius and that thing totally nailed me on "You have an inventive mind and are inclined to be progressive. You lie a great deal." however I'm NOT a jerk, am I?

Guanaco, how you can you be a "progressive" and be a Republican?!?!

(Yeah, I have an pachydermal memory)

When I began shopping for my first Panerai, I began to communicate with DSN. aaand thats where he lost my business. DSNs replys left me wanting in multiple ways, he took his time, and generally speaking I found him to be less helpful then I needed him to be for me to send him $400 of my hard earned money.

Some will tell you he doesn't speak English well. I'm not sure, actually. I've seen some private correspondence with others, and it's plenty fine.

However, COULD be he has someone translate the stuff for him, perhaps a secretary. And his manners are rough-and-ready, to be honest. Another supposition is that he's used to the cutthroat world of HK, and clearly lacks the personal touch of an Andrew (and having finally contacted him) a Joshua, who are SUPERB in communication. Simply flawless.

I'm not quite sure what is at work with DSN, but he does finally settle down. Trust me. As I said, he even apologised in a very gentlemanly way for being curt. He must be aware of it, and one has to factor in that he's basically an one man operation, constructing watches in a small workroom -- just he and a smallish staff.

I think of Davidsen as an artist, and like many artists, he's temperamental.

Ah well. Go with what feels best, I say. I love Andrew, and TWP is awesome, so there.

@Mezz' follow: His AR is stunning. You can really see it on the 112, since the domed crystal of the Fiddy, of course, gives it a bluey-aspect.

@Sssurfer: Since you are The Master, I think people should listen to you more than ANYONE here. I fully concur that if you're the non-modding type, that sticking to a DSN is best. I seem to fall into this category. Also, I've heard modding can be expensive -- nearly $200 more than a fully paid up Fiddy, which is $420 factoring in WU fees. That's a little too rich for my blood, whether or not I have the money. My absolute cut-off is $400 for any rep. And used watches, $150.

I'm thinking I'm going to try to acquire a Davidsen fiddy in the second hand market, to try to circumvent the possible hassle of poor communication and potential quality control. Problem is, I hardly ever see the new ones for sale. I take that as a positive sign of the quality of the watch.

Mezz, when you get a good Davidsen Fiddy, you should hang on to it for dear life. Yes, very rarely have I seen one for sale, whereas Eddie Lee's Fiddies can be had by the M&M-full...

BTW, my Fiddy's stem had to be shortened by a local watchsmith (when I finally found one who would work on it). It's not perfect -- the crown wriggles back in when you are setting the time, and I have to keep popping it out.

But because it is heart-meltingly beautiful, the bridges engraving especially, and just the general FEEL of the Fiddy (it feels EXPENSIVE), I can certainly live with that.

His Ultimate 112H is beyond reproach, despite that it has threaded lugs. Don't worry about that. He sends you retractable springbars with them, and you can probably ask him for more.

Again, he works with you. He's VERY East Asian that way. It's like you can bargain with them all day long.

hey guys does anybody know is china ems is closed for china holidays untill 10-7-07 ?

OMG, Ken is going to burst a blood vessel too. Medic!

No, 2005Submariner. It's not true. A member posted the date erroneously in a recent thread, where you might've gotten that impression.

As of 4th October, EMS is back to normal. The person who is selling you that item MAY be wanting extra time, or to give him or her the benefit of the doubt, may want to make sure things are back to "normal" since you know how hectic China is, after a big do.

Your Info above doesn't mention location, but also factor in that 8 Oct is Columbus Day in the US. More waiting.

My first 47mm PAM from an RWI member...but which strap to wear???

TC Dirk that came with it?

Custom savage goodness?

Or the mighty PAV91?

The choice of Solomon!!

In order:

PAV 91 (daytime)

Custom Savage (whenever)

TC Dirk (nightime)

Oh fudge it, just take a screwdriver with you, like me, and keep changing them on the road!

@Slai below: White shoes?? What are you a nurse? ...wear it with khaki trousers and a navy blue Polo. You won't regret it.

I have just ordered a 127 (Ultimate Fiddy) and 111E Ultimate from Davidsen. While his watches look very good, I have heard mixed reviews of his quality. He states that his reps have superlumed hands and dials, but how good are they actually? I know that the work is very hard to compare to The Zigmeister's, but I need to hear from members who have had some experience with both. I have a current 111H that The Zigmeister modified with superluminova and the cannon pin fix that looks spectacular. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Bottom line is, if you get a non-Quality Control issue Davidsen, it'll blow your socks away, especially the Fiddy.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that his 112 has to be seen to be believed. It's GORGEOUS. My favourite watch.

(Can't speak to the 111e, but perhaps others can)

The thing is, and I say this fully satisfied now that he's corrected the issues, his recent Quality Control and general customer service has been very bad. Almost to the point of being insulting, and I think a few people can back me up privately about that.

-- They may not want to go on the record, as I have: I'm a little more brazen and the odd woman out here, so sometimes I feel more courageous --

Fortunately, he can be worked with when things go wrong. I have a thought he prefers repeat customers and not first-time buyers, but perhaps that's just me. I say this because he became more communicative after I bought my second DSN watch from him -- whereas in the first instance, it was like pulling teeth to get him to answer questions. Try not to bother him too much, as an aside.

He later apologised very cordially, though.

If this sounds like a mixed review, I suppose it is.

Near-perfect DSN watch = heaven on earth. But getting one these days is hit or miss. I fancy there are still A LOT more hits than misses though.

Best of luck to all!

I believe what would happen is that either another watch forum would start up, or one of the other existing ones would absorb most of the casual-user traffic from this site.

What you describe is my deepest dread for RWG. And I know it would happen. I'm sure others do too.

As content as many of the older members would be to see the casual user base dry up, what I don't think they fully understand is that the lifeblood of the community is based in the constant ebb-flow of new users joining and old members going away. How many of the regular posters here have joined the site in the last year? I bet you it's a significant %.

Actually, I'm not sure that's true. I see a lot of early 2006 members posting. BUT I agree that the forum has bled a lot of older posters -- and it's not like I see them on RWI/Repgeeks, etc.

It's just that they're otherwise engaged.

But the casual traffic is almost certainly members of less than a few months standing -- that I agree.

Ah well. Again, I'd rather pony up more, than have RWG lose potentially voluble members, just because they don't pay their share.

Thanks guys, appreciate the kind words...TWP is there any chance you can relume this for me, $'s not an issue name a price as long as its reasonable

Just to put in a good word for TWP, but he did the lume job on the PAM 005 I bought from him. Well, you've seen his light sabres, haven't you? He is fast becoming a Master.

I can't wait to get my logo-love, TWP!

Wow. You know, I love my reps. I'm sure we all do.

But there's just nothing like the silky smooth goodness of a gen, is there? They GLOW.

Wear it well, my dear DVN!

Ouch!!

Do you remember those Timex ads from the 60's and early 70's featuring John Cameron Swayze demonstrating watches being dropped, sat-on or taken for a swim in a dolphin's mouth? Well, I think you just topped them.

No, but I do remember Ella Fitzgerald breaking a glass hitting a high A. "Is it live or is it Memorex?". Well, turns out the Mythbusters on the Discovery Channel broke that myth.

Sorry, I forget where I was going with this. Oh yeah, nice photo!

Let's for a minute loose the "VIP" label as this in other areas of business would identify people who are given "special" treatment .. let's me use the term "subscriber.. "subscribers" are given a product and service in which they "choose" to pay for .. they are not "rewarded" ...

Well, now that you've put it this way -- that's true.

I didn't like it when the NYT went pay to "TimeSelect" with some of their articles, and I still wouldn't subscribe to that hoity-toity filthy rag -- but it does make sense that special articles, reviews, and photographs be for those most invested in supporting their best articles.

So, okay. You have at least BEGUN to change my mind about this, Lanikai.

Dluddy, I LOVE YOUR TASTE IN WATCHES!!

I think you, TMG, Hambone, Euno and Robertk of all the members here never have put a foot wrong, in my eyes.

@UB7: That's a heck of a shot. Congrats!

@Maxi:

so I don't want to spend a fortune on a strap. I am not sure between Croc grain or Calf.

Hmm, maybe V or I, or someone should make a sticky called, "So you got your first PAM and want a good strap, huh?".

First of all, congrats! There are several recent threads at this very moment, where members talk about receiving their PAM 111s, and the strap drama which followed.

If you are absolutely in need of buying a strap under $50, then look no further than Timeconnection.biz' Daily Specials:

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

I like Bob/Waccex, but the quality just doesn't compare. If you wait a day or two, you'll get a brilliant Toscana strap from 33.33 to 44.44, and the high quality Pacis and GeFs for double that -- a steal considering they are $200 and up.

My absolute must-have expensive, but not break-the-bank strap for any Panerista is still the Toscana Fiero.

Good luck!

I don't get it.I have never seen anyone type like this before. I think it's fine for that to be an individual's unique/particular style but it is hardly the "norm" yet I see it fairly often on this forum and RWI where TTK posts. Therefore, I can only conclude that people are simply copying him which is well...strange to me.

Jumbie, if you'll forgive me, this is one of the most "out there" posts I have ever read in any forum.

I would love to get into your mind to see what prompted you to write this, or no wait, let's back up, the sequence of logical thoughts that made you arrive at the conclusion that any member's "writing" is being imitated (the who, the whaa, the where?), instead of being merely a coincidence -- and a common one at that.

I presume you saw a post by Lanikai, who frequently uses ellipses, and jumped to the dastardly conclusion that he was "copying" another member? Is this it?

Or have you never read a Virginia Woolf novel...who made stream-of-consciousness...de rigueur...for any 20th century novelist...who followed her...because it sounded...deep?

Here is a visual list of the Special Firenze Editions, all blue-dials. What do you think?

PAM 228 GMT

PAM 224 Chrono

PAM 229

PAM 229 Caseback

...I think the 229 is my second favourite.

Have to admit, not my cup of tea... I don't like the sub-dial distinction for the second sweep, nor that it has a date window... Other than that, nice watch

For the memoribilia aspect, I think it's worth 10K. Otherwise, yes, agreed not worth it.

You know...tastes are funny.

I always disliked PAMs with date-wheels.

(Have only the busted PAM 199 with one, other than the PAM Lion Purdey and 076, which aren't "seen" since they are covered)

I always disliked PAMs with blue-dials. Not sure why. Maybe I thought them too masculine.

I always disliked PAMs with GMT functions.

More and more I prefer base PAMs without second hands.

And I always disliked PAMs which looked "busy" because of all these details.

...so guess which Panerai watch has TOTALLY captivated me since I saw it on a Risti member?

:wub:

If anyone knows where I can find a good rep of the limited Firenze edition, PAM 228, please post it. I'm in love. I even have the Tootall Moroccan Sunset strap already!!

EDIT: Hang on guys. Let me post this last bit on a separate thread.

VIP section should have all the good reviews, the good The Zigmeister info, collectors section, members collection gallery broken down by brand? And the VIP sales section should get used more? just some ideas so make being VIP more appealing.

It's true that the VIP sections are not up to much.

You know...

For all my la-dee-da attitude, and posh demeanour, I am basically democratic at heart. It would trouble me to post some "VIP-only" reviews because of that. I want to reward the VIPs, but don't want to exclude the other members in any way.

I know somewhere my beloved Ryyannon just burst a blood vessel reading that, because it sounds so PC, but it's true.

Hmm.....Gay-Date was that a deliberate play on words there Victoria

It's what I presume you go on, wearing this watch, Ken.

WOW! I just saw this on Risti, and was blown away. How come we in South Florida didn't know about this, or was it just me -- speaking to my Florida neighbours?

A special 2003 World Series Panerai watch with "Teal" markers (the Florida Marlins' predominant uniform colour): a PAM 206 - G Series. One of only 50 made!

The post on the forum mentioned that Josh Beckett, our "old" ace who basically closed down the Yankees TWICE on that memorable World Series run, and who now is a Boston Red Sox pitcher, was seen wearing it post-game today.

(Is this possible? I presume he wasn't pitching because you're not supposed to wear ANYTHING which might distract the batter's attention)

Here is Josh wearing it on Leno:

Apparently, Phillipe Bonay and Angelo Bonati created this special Florida Marlins Panerai edition, basically a revamped PAM 104.

I can't believe one of our players is apparently selling it, can it be? I guess even ballplayers fall on hard times...

Anyway, thought I'd share this cool commemorative PAM with RWG. And may I just say...GO RED SOX NATION!!

Is this too much even for the King of Bling?

Wow. We already have the Gaytona. Is this the Gay-Date?

i'm quite intimidated by my CEO..... he's in his mid thirties. makes 100-150k a month and very humble. he the kind of guy you sit next to at a dive bar and wouldn't be able to tell he's a millionare. to be honest, i'd think he'd ask me where the hell i got mine if i told him the LV was a rep......... then again, he just might laugh at me.................soooo......the LV is staying away from work??

Well, that sucks if someone tells you not to wear it to work because of flaws.

My mother wears TWP's LV everywhere, when she can pry it off my dad's wrist. One time, she was in a lift when a fellow German who lives in the condo asked her, "Oh my. Is that an anniversary Submariner?". She said yes, and when he asked to see it up close, she actually took it off for him. Pause. Looks at it intensely.

"This has been my dream for years. You're very lucky."

BTW, he owns a jewelry shop so either he was unknowledgeable about watches, or a sweet man who didn't call her out.

What can I say -- I'd wear it. I think your boss would be cool about it.

The only time any of my shipments (2) have been held up and taxed it has been the SF customs. Both times were shipments of 4. I don't order any more than 2 at a time now and pray they'll go through LAX.

JFK seems to be fine (touch wood). Got 3 orders of 4 watches at different times. All released within one day.