Victoria

ArleighBurke ammpmm@aol.com

OMG. I exchanged emails with him on Risti, IIRC. So he's on there too??

maybe

new but very similar to charly s kind to make a strap

And that "Unikat". AND from Thailand...

you know i have had better expeariance with him

Germans stick together, Helmut.

(I think I'll pass, save for a VDBroucke one -- though that particular strap looks really cool)

Ms. Barrett: you are obviously allergic to watches.

Like many kids, I had childhood allergies, including to leather and dogs! Outgrew those, thankfully for my Strapitis.

I have been thinking about this a lot, since I posted.

I've used Cape Cod cloths many times, and I admit, each time without gloves. I had also cleaned my straps with conditioners before. Could the clincher have been the diamond paste?

It says to use goggles, in fact, in the directions. The guy in Timezone just swirled around some paste with his finger, so I took the chance...

Anyway, using all 3 in the space of some minutes was surely brain-dead of me.

At least it's not PlanetOceanitis Haven't had a flareup of that in a while, I think I'm over the worst of it

I can't top the medical advice you've been given, but, as someone with a 6mm diameter wound in their forearm (that'll teach me not to scratch) trust me when I say I sympathise Get well soon

Oh darling, thanks, and to WT too!

I think I've seen that, and didn't know what that was about. Be careful, TeeJay...thanks again.

@World Traveller: Actually, that was my mother's first reaction when I told her that we would be buying rep stuff from China, back in June. Perhaps when winter rolls around, I'll cut back...yes, I understand how virii work, DBR! *g*

At what extent are your arms involved, V? Only forearms, or arms too?

Any other body parts?

That's exactly the peppering of questions my father made on the phone!

It started on the palm of my hands, and fingertips. Then spread to my wrist. Then this morning, there were tiny bumps from topside to underside of my arms, until not quite my elbow. But my chin area also has smaller, blistery bumps.

Nothing else.

If I were itchy or blotchy all over my body, I would've gone to Emergency, as my father suggested right now. I declined, and he wasn't amused... ("well you've obviously diagnosed yourself. On your head be it"). You know how doctors are.

Just came from CVS pharmacy. Did you know that Claritin-D is over-the-counter, doesn't require prescription or anything, BUT in the State of Florida at least, they will not dispense you any without a driver's license?

They scanned it and everything!

Wow, I felt like I was buying cocaine. Very dodgy.

(Reason, apparently kids open the capsules to make their own little concoctions. The till lady mentioned crystal meth, but that can't be right can it? Brave New World...)

You can always come up to Palm Beach for a nice champagne and Aloe bubble bath. I have a huge roman tub you are welcome to use....................

In total private of course.

Aww, I would, Jfreeman. I'm just scared of your squirrel's nutsack. It looks like it could knock me out. And then...what?

You'd steal my bling ROLEXES! You think I was born yesterday!?

Maybe should have stopped at school-level biology?

I don't even have the Prince Harry excuse of barely scraping by my A-Levels.

Mind you, during an exam (as in study not clinical!) I once mistook a removed uterus and ovaries for pharynx and palatine tonsils

Obviously female anatomy is still giving you problems.

But seriously, V, speak to your Dad about inappropriate use of antibiotics and possible consequences. Honestly, it annoys me that global warming and bloody carbon footprints seems to be the topic d'jour these days, a pathetic joke in comparison with other more realistic threats

That's because Al Gore's documentary on the inappropriate use of antibiotics was shot down by Hollyweird execs.

-- Over the phone, he said to calm down (which I was!), not to eat proteins today (right, well, there goes my SoBe diet), and that he is bringing me either Cortisone-10 or Benadryl cream for the itch, and Claritin-D. Obviously, if you're in my condition, guys, one day, consult your doctor before using any of these --

Seriously, DBR, thanks a lot. As for payment, tough noogies. I'm still on the NHS.

4. You almost certainly have a mild contact dermatitis, use some type of aloe or soothing cream to reduce the irritation and pop a couple of antihistamines.

You'll be fine.

I knew there was a reason you had "doc" in your ID.

Thanks, DBR! Yes, that's what I meant about Keflex. Now you know why I stopped attending Med School in 2nd year -- for my future patients' own safety!

(I am more concerned with Wrist-check photos, than anything else. What this hobby has done to me is INCREDIBLE. I'm off to veg for a few hours)

...and now that you are back V...you'll have to have a strap battle with miss V...and even if she's a younger member...she's got the artillery...she bought everything that could be bought in the strap market...

*curtseys*

But nooooooo. I could never, nor do I want to compete. My purpose is to contribute and, sometimes, to delight.

Even if I've been delighting very little with my Caper series, of late...

But since we're being insular, I'll submit the sublimely-skilled Fabio Aurelio and his 091 (my favourite of all)...

F

Victoria please contact a health professional in your community to make sure it is not a serious problem! It could just be a temporary adverse reaction to the chemicals but it is important for you to verify that just in case!

Got doctors up the ying-yang at home, Corgi, but thanks for your concern. The moment they arrive home (my father ironically is at a doctor's appointment himself), I'll show them.

I've self-medicated in the meantime using Lotrimin for the itchy sensation, and Keflex so that it helps my central nervous system fight something more worrisome (it could've been something I ate previously, but I doubt it).

Mind, it says quite clearly in the Cape Cod cloth tin I received, to use gloves when using their products. It even COMES with latex gloves...what a doofus.

Thanks again, Corgi!

@Raijor: Thanks too! P.S.: I've had the chickenpoxes (as kids call them), but not mumps, etc. But not being around kids at all, I don't fear any of that for the moment. I'm almost 100% sure it's chemical overload of topical abuse.

Sorry, guys. Will try to hammer out the star-crossed Part 5 in the next couple of days. The photos have been long ready. It's just the text which needs to be worked on.

Sorry again.

The night before last, I received some straps and decided to buff them to a shine, using Lord Sheraton. Then a bit later, I had another crack at removing that hairline scratch on my PAM 111h using diamond paste (3.5 microns). WHEN THAT was finished, I had a go at cleaning two watches with Cape Cod cloths.

Miss Genius used her bare hands to do everything.

So yesterday I notice a small little rash, and went about my merry business.

Earlier today, I wake up, and both my arms, including my Wrist-check wrists...are covered in ugly chickenpox like dots, which have even spread to my chin (I presume I touched it with the chemicals at some point).

Vanity thy name is woman, I know, but it feels and most importantly for Wrist-check purposes, looks AWFUL.

I feel very depressed with my lack of common sense. So just in case, once again though most people don't need to be told this -- use caution when using any kind of chemical or solvent in our hobby.

Please excuse any lack of posting etc., due to momentary discomfort. I'll be back in the saddle shortly.

Christ - I would hope so!

Which part of the UK are you from?

[ ... snip ... ]

EDIT: Sorry lads. Maybe my long tongue got the best of me. Those who had to see my reply did. But the internet being what it was, I deleted it. You can PM me any question you'd like, within sexual deviance reason. If you're replying to it, I ask you to delete that bit. Anyway, my jet set life is not that exciting. Would be now. But at the age of 12, one Pyramid looks like Machu Pichu or the Tour Eiffel to any child.

Wow - you have awfully long fingernails for a dude!

In compensation, my di.ck is very small. Ludacris-like even.

Some of the Pugwash-grabbed shots of Washington's Panerai 196:

TeeJay's theory shot down in flames!

More celebs:

Ewan McNobi with Panerai (from Long Way Round)

Interesting! He took one year off to circle the world on his motorcycle with a chum.

Wonder if he wore his Panerai...

Thanks for the screen-grabs, perfect!

@TeeJay: "entreprenegro"...........LMAO!!!!

I always "toss aside" my OEM straps and don't wear them because I want to keep them new and unused for when I sell the watch in the future. A new strap always helps keep the price up. OEM straps are actually great quality and very comfortable (although usually way too short for me).

Ahh, yes, I hear that a lot. The default 115/75 is much too small for guys. Fits me great though.

It's a Greg's Crazy Horse. I love it! Just washed it for the first time and it went a shade lighter...

WOW! Courageous fellow. I don't think I would ever attempt a wash on mine. Just to be clear, because I have a vision of you throwing this in the laundry hamper, setting the Maytag to "Woolens" and dousing your Greg with Tide...this isn't what you did right?

Not the best photo, but this is my Greg Stevens Crazy Horse with antique Stitching too.

That I bought used, with a lovely patina already. My custom made black stitch looks FRIKKIN new...

I agree about that Paneristi 'lunch with Bonay' theory, VB

Given that the Risti member didn't specifically ask what strap Orly wore, it WOULD possibly make sense.

What I envision happened was that Bonay sent him the entire pearwood box, with the Fiddy on the OEM Cashmere, but also the other strap, screwdriver, etc.

And Orlando chose the second strap.

If you look at the production still pic I uploaded in the second or third post here, you can see that baby is DEFINITELY the Burgundy/Bordeaux.

I'm afraid I have to agree. That simply cannot be patina. I understand wearing one's strap TO DEATH, but come now. That's clearly wine red!

As for you 'filimmm' night idea,

Sniff. RIP Father Ted.

here's some advice. Life is short. Do not waste it on Elizabethtown. Nor anything with Hugh Grant (lobotomy nonwithstanding). After the Sunset is fairly decent, although not a patch on Brosnan's remake of '..Crown Affair...' in which incidentally he wears the complete antithesis of a PAM.....a 'stealth' Jaeger Le Coultre Reverso Duo

I cannot stand Hugh Grant. What do Americans see in him??? I was forced to watch Bridget Jones' Diary by some London friends of my cousin Margot. God help me -- never thought Gemma Jones could sink that low.

I want to see T. Crown Affair! Either the original with the handsome American, or the remake, with the handsome Irishman version.

(ADMIN Crown Affair...bless!)

Thanks to all for the pics. It is always fun to see what people are wearing.

Well, instead of sleeping (my body clock is completely out-of-whack...), I've been gathering more pics. I'll post them in due course, Kru.

Thanks for your kind word! Given the fact that you are in Nova Iorque, and have probably sighted any number of celebs, I'd truly love any anecdote you can post.

As for me, yes, I've always loved watches, but I wasn't hyper AWARE of them as I am now, in my watch hobbyist incarnation. Last year, I saw the rapper Ludacris seated at a Miami Beach eatery, not one table away from me. I'd be lying if I told you I can remember what watch he wore.

BTW, major a-hole...

That's the one I showed to Mrs Pugwash.

I too am a fan. Anyone that can create an entire genre (historical whodunnit) with one of his lesser works is to be taken notice of. I still think Foucault's Pendulum is one of the all-time greatest works of fiction.

Your response reminded me of another flawed genius, who also single-handedly "invented" a book genre (can you imagine doing something like that?), the "true crime" of In Cold Blood:

Truman Capote

Anyone want to take a crack at what watch he's wearing?

For the record, to his infamous masked Black & White Ball, he wore a classic Cartier Tank. It was this ball, the last great high society shindig of the Twentieth Century, that was called "Party of the Century".

Oh please. Jacqueline Kennedy didn't go. What kind of a party was that?

Persoanlly - my OEM cashmere strap is still in the box - along with the OEM Burgundy - both never to be worn. I prefer a Greg's strap - thicker and almost the same color as the cashmere.

Yes, I mentioned that gen owners often do this with their straps. They fling them out as quickly as do rep owners who get those abysmal straps with their watches.

But which Greg do you mean? Because I have several varieties of Greg Stevens and none match the OEM Cashmere look. It's not the Militare is it? The Crazy Horse (I have three versions), only if very very worn in.

Two Weeks Notice has Hugh Grant with his Panerai again. Oh, and Wild Hogs, while a complete pile of toss, had Tim Allen wearing his Panerai.

I'm not kidding about the Shoutbox Night at the Flicks idea.

I'll watch whatever you guys want, so long as it has nice watches.

E.g.: I have never seen Daylight.

Okay, whether it's a broke-down OEM Cashmere or an OEM Bordeaux, we're still left with TeeJay wanting a strap that is close to U$400, new. And over U$200 used.

Even I wouldn't buy one at those prices.

So, just in case of interest TeeJay, here is my Simona. She can customise it for you without blue stitching, just like PAMPAM's.

Incidentally, V and I share more than an initial in common. Our favourite colour of straps are red or reddish.

This "Simona Bordeau" is perhaps my favourite go-to-special-occasion-strap, reviewed in Part 1 of The Great Panerai Strap Caper.

Thanks V for backing me up on this (K, nice to see you back mate )

I posted my bit and then saw V's reply. I had no idea that you had posted this before! Kudos for coming up...

...with the incorrect answer.

Yes, as JBoy says below, it turns out that Bonay showed a member at Risti his Fiddy and it is a very worn in OEM Cashmere strap.

I understand the inadvisability of using aftermarket straps, but after all, it's a film. Shooting can be onerous, as the "dings to the casing" suggested later.

I thought there might be a strap change at the very least for this film, though it's possible it would've been another OEM not MF, or similar.

I am still not convinced that's a "worn-in" Cashmere. It's true that the member of the gen forum had lunch with Phillipe Bonay, and I do not doubt he saw and in fact, held, that OEM cashmere.

To me, it still looks like an OEM Bordeaux as both you lads surmised.

Given the fact that it's the second strap given when one buys a Fiddy, it would also make sense.

If not, wow. Talk about patina. Thank God I have a ginormous strap rotation, and my straps will never attain that KIND of patina through overuse.

@PAMPAM: Beautiful!! Wow, I'm terribly impressed by your strap. Wear it well, baby!

Exotic eh?? they say that bull testicle skin is one of the softest most supple leathers in the world....

A gringo tourist goes to the Plaza de Toros Las Ventas to watch a bullfight in Madrid. Having watched this amazing display, he goes to a modest restaurant next door, and inquires about their "plato del dia".

"We have a very good special today, Se