Victoria

Thanks, Docblackrock. I truly appreciate it. Olive-branch accepted, and understood about the other bits, as well.

I wish I were Virginia Woolf to do my stream-of-consciousness thoughts justice. I will now throw up in a Room of My Own.

Play nice, kids: it's just the Internet -

You mean, the modem is not your voice, the monitor is not your face, and the keyboard is not your willie???

Life was so simple until this moment.

EDIT: Der Golem you again, Ryyannon!

The shop owner "Ken" see the movement & look me back just less than 10sec.....He call-me-out with his eye....Dawn...I'm very embarrassing at that moment.

Oh Raymond.

I'm sorry. To those who care, like you and I do, this is the single-worst moment that can happen to a rep watch owner.

There will be people that will scoff at your embarrassment, some will even tell you that you deserve it, trying to pass off your DSN as a gen (though you were not in the least). Stuff them. It's like they take a pride in shoving your discomfiture in your face.

Me, I do understand you, though, because of this:

Once again, this's lesson teach me NEVER,NEVER hand-over your rep to someone under any circumstance. Maybe I'm too sensative; but after he found my watch is rep. He didn't provide a good service to me anymore. After he finish his ajustment & installed my new strap. He request me to pay by CASH NO CREDIT-CARD!!! This really [censored]-me off!! I wear a rep=I will use a fake credit-card?? Few minutes argue & he finally accept my credit-card... I NEVER going back to "Ken" anymore. They provide a lot of good OEM strap for Panerai, AP, IWC in very good price. But I won't purchase anything from there anymore!!!

It's the judgementalism, the instant depreciation of ALL your worth as a human being, that stings.

Shake it off, baby, and move on. I'll be right there alongside you...

For all your knowing observations about living in various countries, hitched up to the family wagon by all accounts, I am disappointed that such a privileged and likely expensive education seems largely lacking in application

My reply to you was not in the least personal, Docblackrock.

I am constantly, irretrievably, and hopelessly surprised when people make it so. It smacks of something you've been ruminating about for some time; of bothering the heck out of you; and of rank jealousy.

To do so TODAY, given my personal circumstances, is disgusting beyond belief.

I won't stand for this. I apologised to you when I said something very personal about your girlfriend. That was rude, uncalled for, no matter if it was meant tongue-in-cheek.

Now, it's your turn. Please apologise to me about mentioning my family.

NIIIIIICE.

You must've huffed, and puffed and knocked on every Hong Kong strap shop, Raymond! A Herculean effort, no doubt to get just the RIGHT one, and it pays off handsomely.

Hopefully, you will tell me your secrets one day, if I ever head back to HK.

Incidentally, I ALMOST PMed you about the tan strap here:

hxxp://www.network54.com/Forum/353393/thread/1190134291/last-1190193692/FS+-+OEM+and+MF+prototype (change xx to tt)

But yours looks real good.

(BTW, I bought the MF python!)

Thx so much for your help Vbarrett! You're always the best!

Aww, thanks Raymond. That is much too kind of you! I enjoy helping most people out, but especially you. You're as earnest and transparently in love with Panerai, as I am.

P.S.: You know, I thought of you the other day when I heard that Liv Ullmann never misses two US TV shows -- Sex and the City, and Everybody loves Raymond. I'll let that sink in for a moment.

OMG! J. Robert Lilly...the Jessica Mitford of the prison system. Jesus H. Christ, now I get it.

Read this one day, mon vieux. I did years ago...

http://www.amazon.com/Face-cach%C3%A9e-gis...5849&sr=1-7

I already hear the retorts (not on this forum, necessarily). That why shouldn't the US know about war "atrocities" committed by them, like raping of civilians etc.

Okay, so show me a professor who is a fanatic about pointing out every negative aspect of his country's penal system, AND has written a book about how Russians raped their way up the Unter den Linden?

Let's be clear, Ryyannon.

There's NOTHING wrong with finding out about this. This too was history. As a Historian, I personally want to know about all aspects of history, whether or not there were Dr. Baumgartners or sadists amongst the American GIs.

But I'm just tired of history absolving or ignoring the crimes of other nations, because their recent history was much more in line with the politics they practise personally.

When you get France3 doing a documentary on the rape atrocities of Russian soldiers on Berlin women (and guess what, I have family members amongst them), let us know.

Until then, I officially revile France3. Yuck. Thank God I only have access to France2.

got bored....

Nope, sorry. Only got milk.

(Dunno why, but this one makes me laugh every time I look at it.... )

Oh HAYUL no. This is not funny but AWESOME. Look at that anubis! That's tight, yo!

(Okay, what's with this rap patter suddenly? Time for bed, methinks)

NICE JOB, NOOB.

Hi, and welcome to the forum!

I'm letting off steam today by reading RWG, and answering questions from n00bs and other nice folk.

You do ask a rather newbie question, but here is my answer anyway:

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showtopic=49596

The Watch Prince offers variously priced packages on modded PAM 183s. I have one from him, unmodded, and I have to say, it's my favourite Radiomir bar none. Your wife has great taste (else she wouldn't have married ya!).

I'd say, if you don't go with Davidsen's latest effort recently updated on 15 Sep., go with TWP.

It's Stateside, it's well-done and even more customised than DSN in terms of service, and the lume is fantastic. I hope others comment regarding other details, who are more knowledgeable than I.

EDIT @AA1: OH! I skimmed over your personalised note to me and to my family. THANK YOU!! I cannot tell you what that means to me right now.

@Followup to AA1 below: To me the dial looks crisper on the DSN models, but I'd lie to you if I told you I knew the EXACT "tells" between one or the other. Remember that DSN basically builds his own models, which is different than modding. Modding can cost a lot, but sometimes guys here prefer that, as it feels more of a challenge to get it JUST right. You mentioned Rolli's point about the lugs. This tells me that perhaps you would be satisfied with TWP's version(s), then.

And yes, the reasons I mentioned above are my opinions of why someone would choose DSN or TWP. I wish I could offer more to you, but alas, that's all I have to give. Boo. I myself look forward to the replies when TWP and others wake up.

BTW, my two gen Panerai watch purchases in future are the PAM 111, and the PAM 183. Those I know FOR SURE I want. They're that special.

Good choice, darling!

Good show. With that info, some Omega expert will surely answer your specific question.

But whilst you wait, you can't go far wrong in checking out By-Tor's comprehensive guide to Omega replicas:

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showtopic=426

If it ain't there, it doesn't exist.

P.S.: I just saw that By-Tor's brother also has the Bond SMP. But his doesn't have your needed specs about the O in Omega, and Seamaster in red. I'm guessing that will be a toughie to find, but hey, let's see!

FOLLOWUP below to Winston_Wolf: You coulda said you had read By-Tor's review!! Now he's going to think I'm sweet on him, by looking up his member profile (to see where his Omega review was). BTW, I love seeing which persons look me up.

Seriously, though, I'm guessing that particular model isn't available if he doesn't list it. A shame, because it looks like a beauty. Buonna fortuna, anyway!

But I'm still thinking I'll eventually need the correct Bond Seamaster, but after looking closely at all the replica versions *I'm* aware of, I still haven't found any that actually replicate the correct Bond Seamaster. So my question is, are there any available, and if so, where should I look?

I'll preempt the usual "please hit search first before asking", because it seems you have looked around a bit.

But can you post a photo of the exact gen Bond Seamaster you are looking for. Then we could use that as a visual guide to direct you to some possible collectors' sites, for the most accurate rep.

I bought my dad a Bond SMP 007. We got one with light-coloured bezel, and one with a darker, closer to gen coloured bezel. Both Swiss ETA, and yet, so very different.

@ALL: Incidentally, is it me, or are BOTH Joshua and Andrew's sites down? I'm guessing they're regrouping, or revamping.

Sorry for my late response, well my sister is an architect so she's no so "Girlie" she likes to wear mens watches and she want a Rolex submariner ( she was going to buy a gen but i stopped her ) but perry's option looks very nice

She's not looking for a dressy watch most "casual" .. dont know what else to say ! thanks all for your suggestions keep going! !

Ahh, well, if that's the case, we're on another plane altogether.

Rima loves the Daytonas. Get her one of those!

Truly nice watches, a little mannish for my taste since I'm a girlie-girl usually, and unlike the PAM 111/112/113 which I wear, it can't be "toned down" with straps, but there are a lot of really good Daytona reps available.

Was saving this as a surprise wrist-check, but here I am wearing my dad's black-face Tona from Jay at watchsilix.com (recommended for those on a budget; it's not nearly as accurate as others).

Looks awful on me with the dragon lady red nails. Oddly enough, looks great on my mum.

I don't mind rationale debate, but when someone tells me "I couldn't be more wrong" whilst spouting inaccuracies, that's the point where I bow out from continuing that dialogue before I say something I regret.

Perhaps for the best.

Your reply didn't elucidate anything, but really just made the point that "why should you care about something that happened half way around the world, that until now, you were blissfully unaware of, and didn't PERSONALLY involve you anyway?".

That's what Americans are always blamed for, for being ostriches. But when they get informed, then they're blamed for reacting to knowledge.

Frankly, we're (I'm now a naturalised US citizen) tired of these double standards and from now on, at least, I'm part of those that will speak up when I perceive unfairness.

I plan to be speaking up a lot.

As is France 3. You can indeed ignore the very heart of the debate if you want. It won't make it go away.

One obviously political documentary, shown on an obviously politically charged date and it's not about politics somewhere down the line? It might have been revenge for Freedom Fries after a respectable five-year moritorium, it might have been a move for the Muslim vote in Paris or it might have been to unify the racial tensions to a common enemy. Whatever it was, it was most likely political.

The difference is palpable -- one is a State-owned entity, the other (Fox News) is a private concern.

You can excuse the latter for its partisan tone, because at the end of the day, they are not the powers that be spouting such vile animosity on such a day, but just a bunch of journalistic yahoos, same as the rest, including CNN, and MSNBC. They all have agendas, and wish to get eyeballs.

But France3 has the imprimatur of offialdom behind them.

If I were a French journalist, I'd ask Nicolas Sarkozy what he thought of it. Might get you a blank stare back, since his TV viewing time is limited, but at least someone would've gone on the record as having asked the question.

But how are you going to bite the hand that feeds you? CNN and Fox News obviously don't have that concern.

One thing is certain, they got the reaction they were looking for. Well done, it worked. Thanks for playing.

Nah, this rebuttal won't wash. It was awful, and there was no excuse for it. Ryyanon's reaction is not at fault here. It is they who are at fault.

I'm sure others would say the same if Fox News had decided to broadcast a documentary about French collaboration with Nazis on Bastille Day or God forbid, a 9/11 type massacre one day in the offing.

And they would be right. It would be a pointed insult and there's no two ways about it.

CONGRATS JIRO!

I know Jiro well from RWI, and I think he's an imaginative, kind, and always helpful member. His photographic skills are fantastic, and I think this surely must have been taken into consideration by our two photo specialists, By-Tor and Puggy.

I bought this watch for an upcoming GMT review/buying guide I'm planning to write. So I'm not going to details here... but it's indeed quite nice.

What the hell! This is an unusual GMT II Rollie, and suddenly I see it everywhere.

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?s=&amp...st&p=321655

Can't wait, By-Tor.

Doesn't sound like the ipod died, sounds like you can't get it to show up on your computer. It plays ok, just doesn't sync with your PC? Try reinstalling latest version of iTunes.

Thanks, WT. But as I said, I reinstalled iTunes (I had already updated to the latest version), and everything. It's not that it won't just mount -- it's dead, dead. Won't light up using the Hold, menu, centre button thingie. The Apple person said one of the Geniuses will open it up and see what's wrong with it.

Just read that Predsfan has the same problem. Also another 30 gigger video iPod. HMMMM. Well, I've used this iPod maybe 20 times (it's practically brand-new, I just took off the plastic on the front yesterday).

I keep it charged on top of my work area, on the Apple dock. I have a suspicion there is a problem with the charge module -- not sure the technical name, it's that strip that attaches from dock or USB cable to the iPod itself, visible on the bottom -- and they might have to replace that.

Fortunately, it's still under warranty. We'll see. Right now, this has to take a back seat to other issues, but I'll get it seen to soon.

Thanks for the help too Z! Good luck, Predsfan!

It is the SC Legend-MP / Model # SCLG-M862

Here is the direct link to the strap i have: http://www.strapculture.com/legendmp/sclg-m862.html

Also when you order, ask them about the "Paneristi Discount" It is 15% off.

Beautiful, beautiful. Congrats Reppin!

Just FYI, now there is a better discount. TWP gives you 25% if you buy SC straps off of him. I recently reviewed this strap for my Radiomir, and was less impressed -- but on your 111h it looks SWEET.

EDIT: Here is my Caper review of the Historic Brown #2 w/ Beige stitch. I notice yours is the LEGEND Historic. Must be a completely different hide, because yours looks much better than mine.

Another consideration -- this was for my Radiomirs, thus may be a little too ungainly and thick (5.25mm). The PAM 111 is the most versatile model of all Panerai watches, and I'm sure it plays a role in looks.

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?s=&amp...st&p=317203

Sounds perfect, thanks for the offer If you PM me the details, I'll paypal you the shipping funds

Lanikai, you're wonderful!!

TeeJay, you have done a lot for me. So here's the deal. I'm not going accept "no", so don't bother replying like that.

Go to Strapculture.com. Choose ANY strap you want. PM me with the details, and it's on me (don't worry, TWP has a 25% off discount). Shipping as well.

You deserve it, little buddy!

(Research well, now!)

FOLLOWUP: TeeJay chose a Timeconnection.biz strap instead. Light Chestnut Bone Croc. A beauty!

Stephane, I was looking for your GMT II in the Sales section! Since it's not there, I'm guessing you already sold it.

However, I want to ask you and others what you think of this:

Just bought it. Here are the specs:

"[...] Rolex GMT II with Asian movement. The band is an un-branded Jubilee I picked up. I removed two links from it. Unfortunately, I can not find them. The watch originally had a poor Pepsi bezel which I swapped for the one shown from jewelryoulet.com. Overall the watch is in excellent condition with only very minor wear."

I already bought a Rolex Jubilee bracelet for it, too. Just wanting an overall impression since it's for my dad.

Best wishes to you and your family

Thanks guys -- TeeJay, Lanikai, Sssurfer, and Dluddy. My mother sent me home. He's being kept overnight for observation for an irregular heartbeat. God willing, he will be fine. This is the story of our lives for a while...but God willing, everything will be okay.

Thank you so much again.

I was just downstairs shooting the new straps on 3 new articles of clothing, when I receive a distress call from my mother.

I am going to try to take my laptop with me, because when I get nervous I need to read, but please forgive me if Part 5 is delayed.

The question is, what watch do you wear to the ER when your father is being rushed with chest pains...actually, I don't care. Funny how life is. One moment, a passion. The other, nothing matters.

Sorry, guys. Will probably check in later.

Victoria

V.

Can you please do me a favor ?

I would like to see these 800$ straps!

hxxp://www.network54.com/Forum/353393/thread/1185391593/last-1185391593/FS-+%2A%2A%2A%2APAV91+with+GPF-MOD+Dep+bucke%2A%2A%2A%2A+REDUCED"]http://www.network54.com/Forum/353393/thre...A%2A%2A+REDUCED

EDIT: EEK! SORRY! Change xx to tt.

As my grandfather would've said, an obscenity.

I never imagined this might exist in our little rep world.

I know there are because TTK once showed me a very nice French site.

But hey, 800 is a hell of a budget isn't it ?

Would you mind posting a picture and share with us...

I have the same strap, which "only" costs $269 via Mario Paci. In fact, I have two (for the Fiddy...).

The difference is the provenance, as there is some kind of litigation going on about which is original PAV and what is Mario Paci PAV. I really don't care. I'm in it for the beauty,

I am saving to buy a real gen Panerai watch, although you'd never know it, having ordered 3 more Rolexes with Jay just now, but one day, ONE DAY, I will buy an original PAV 91 with original GPF Mod-Dep.

An obscenity!

Budget: (basic dirt cheap)

Regular Cost: (what folks would normally pay)

Money's No Object: (absolute dream straps)

Thanks in advance

Yipes, I'm pressed for time now (mumble having spent my time on lesser threads mumble), but quick hits for you! I'm sure others have replied already with some, like HKTan.

Budget: Risti Accessories forum, Don straps. Bob straps. FxrAndy straps (the best on a budget, bar none). RWG/RWI/Repgeek forums.

Regular cost: Timeconnection.biz "Daily Specials". Risti Accessories forum. Tootall, Savage, V, and other forum strapmakers, Strap Culture (with TWP 25% discount).

Money's No Object: Mario Paci. Simona. Zeugma. ABP croc. Manifatture Firenze. First generation Dirk straps. Vintage Ammo by VDBroucke. Original PAVs with GPF Dep-Mod buckles, Greg Stevens, Gregoire Texier, Micah Dirksen, Europelli, any OEM, especially OEM Riva.

Since people's money estimates are not all the same, here is my rationale for the pricing above, in US dollars:

Budget: $15-50

Regular: $51-110

Money's No Object: $111-$800 (average $200)

Fox news.

Do I have to explain this post?

I'll ignore the inference, because it's about political viewpoint.

But I'm fairly sure Fox News get a lot of emails, faxes, and letters of complaint too. Not all from outraged liberals, either.

One very small, but telling example:

When News Corps chairman, Rupert Murdoch, was going to publish, through the auspises of Judith Regan (no relation to President Reagan, for clarification), the book "If I did it, here is how it happened" by OJ Simpson, he got such a mass of negative viewer response, he conceded the point and backed down.

I'm willing to listen to anyone who can point out public pressure making French television execs buckle under pressure, and take out a programme they were going to air. Or book they were going to publicise.

Or maybe we can just concede the point that the France3 doc was in poor taste, and move on.