Victoria

well, i did breathe a sigh of relief ..... it will be OK as TT say's with time .. so to clarify ... the hole section of the strap is what you treated ??

No, the whole long strap in its entirety.

and if so, it does not look bad... of course only the owner"s eye's .. are sensitive enough to asertain it's difference.. must be the "personal" relationship with the article..

Well V, may as well even the keeper -buckle side with the same bee's wax .. to my eye it's the only way to have any uniformity with the total look.. but let TT guide you for sure..

I am just going to hope as TT said, that in time, however much time it takes, the reddish tone will reappear. If not, I'll do the buckle strap side too.

quick history on the Meta Catherina please..

thankyou ...L

Sure! It's from the link above, in my very first post:

The Catharina von Flensburg

On December 10, 1786, a strong gale blowing from the southwest forced the Danish Brigantine Metta Catharina to seek shelter in Plymouth Sound. She had been bound for the Mediterranean with a cargo of hemp and leather from the Russian port of St. Petersburg.

During the day the winds strengthened, turning the previously safe anchorage into a maelstrom of waves and spray. By nightfall, it was a full gale.

The 53-ton Metta Catharina broke free from her anchor, struck Drakes Island and eventually sank on the Cornish side of Plymouth Sound. The entire crew managed to get ashore, but the ship and its cargo were lost for almost two hundred years.

In 1973, scuba divers from the Plymouth Sound branch of the British Sub-Aqua club found the ship's bells and were able to identify the wreck. Later that year, after extensive research, details of the Metta Catharina's last voyage appeared in an article in the "Sherbourne Mercury".

Further underwater investigation revealed bundles of hides littering the sea bed, remarkably preserved after two centuries of being immersed in black mud. In fact, the deeper they were buried, the better they were preserved. It has since been confirmed that the leather is almost certainly reindeer, and has been tanned the traditional Russian way with willow bark and birch oil, giving it a distinctive aroma.

Most of the hides have a crosshatched grain embossed by hand. A similar grain can be seen on upholstery and book bindings of the period, as leather curried in birch oil was better able to resist water and repel insects.

The fact that this leather survived underwater for so long is testament to the skill of tanners and curriers of the day. Celtic Empire continues this tradition of excellence, using the 200-year-old leather to create a unique line of durable leather goods. Each piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, as well as the Catharina von Flensburg story. We hope that you will enjoy their fine quality as much as their history.

You know I'm a sucker for history. That and Panerai, and fuggehdaboudit!

Vici .. it looks to me as if V's strap is a totally different colour .. it has more of the rediish tones...

Yes, it must've been culled by that Robert Ross person from a better batch of hide. As I said earlier, there was a black Metta being sold on Risti, so the leathers are possibly from different areas of the salvaged brigantine.

My certificate of authenticity is here, though.

Tootall, thanks so much for your reply. Made me feel better about time bringing my Metta back!

You too, Lanikai. You're always invaluable to making me feel better about PAM goofs.

Here are some before and afters:

Metta Catherina buckle side, BEFORE Lord Sheraton:

AFTER:

Metta Catherina long side, BEFORE Lord Sheraton:

AFTER:

Looked great! Lord Sheraton certainly made the leather pop out, and at least superficially, giving it the gloss I wanted. But then the Strap Queen's pride went to her head, and I decided, hey, beeswax might make it shine more!

Cover your eyes. This is disgusting.

Sigh.

At least, as Tootall said, it looks a little better TODAY.

Moral of the story: Don't let .sigs go to your head. You're still learning, Vic...in fact, you'll never stop learning.

Hee hee, I wouldn't dream of touching your straps (see, I said this was a perversion rather than a habit )

It is a perversion. I'm a total strap pute!

Out of curiosity, where did you get your PAM strap which is mid-brown leather (possibly calf-skin) with blue stitching? I think something like that would look fantastic on the PAM I gave Emily's step-dad for father's day. The strap it came on is a mid brown leather, but I think the stitching would really go nicely with the hands (which stand out more due to it having a brown dial)

I know just the one you're referring to.

PM Tootall on RWI, since he's not on here regularly. Tell him you're interested in the Moroccan Sunset you saw on Vic's Wrist-check once. I'm sure he'll oblige very quickly in making you this BEAUTIFUL strap.

I'm tempted to get a Strap Culture strap for myself, I'll see how good the fitted strap is when it arrives

I don't know, my preference for overall 'styles' of watches remains Diver's Watches. I think that the way a PAM strap fixes to the case so low down, makes it appear to 'sit bigger' on the wrist than say the Omega 2900.50.91, which has more sculptured sides, and a strap which goes right to the edge of the bezel. I like the aesthetic of Panerais, but I can't see them ever becoming my favorite brand. I used to really like Rolexes, but Omega did a similar, but superior product, so took Number One preference. Panerai's product isn't similar enough to Omega's product to do a similar thing

Teej, don't get the SC. Really. It's bad quality leather. Get their buckle for $30, and mount it on other straps. I would hate you to buy a $100 strap which is tough, and creosote-smelling knowing how much each of our

Ok, well I guess we all should post a pic of ourself then...at least if not living in FroggyLand:

Stephane, you are the town crier of Meg

I feel provoked by Christians, though. And I know how to insult the religion without insulting the individual people. I can't say the same about Islam.

I see.

If Christians started killing people because they felt slighted, then ... oh, wait. Isn't that what this war in Iraq is about? God told Shrub to invade, no?

No, Puggy. He ordered the invasion of Iraq because that area has been the Holy Grail of strategic military power since the year 4000 BC.

At least, that was the excuse we British used when we invaded Iraq earlier last century too.

Mohammed? I know sweet [censored] adams about the Muslim culture and wouldn't know where to start.

Most people around the world who are not Muslims, don't either. And many people don't want to, not to diss Islam, but simply because they are not religious or interested in religion.

That makes no sense. I fail to see how you got there from my post.

Yes, my syntax was awkward, I'm sorry. Put it this way:

You seem very careful not to insult Islam (indeed, so am I. Not because I fear, but because I respect), but you common sensically note that attacking certain people, especially without provocation, sometimes causes deep offence, and don't be alarmed if you get violence out of your insults.

So let's say a person takes someone posting insultingly about Christianity in a bad way (bad way=violently).

Somehow I doubt people will react with quite the same passive, common sensical tone if they do.

It's not that. Taking the [censored] out of Mohammed is simply not my fight. Taking the [censored] out of Christians, however, that's my culture. I was raised in a Christian country so that's the one I'll rebel against.

Right, that's what people who like to take the mickey out of Christianity usually say.

And I think they're right, to an extent. You deal best with what you know. Helps that you know there's nil chance of violent retaliation, though.

Oh and much like you have every right to walk through Harlem wearing a Klansman outfit, it still doesn't make it worth doing to prove a point. Same reason not to post Mohammed jokes on the internet. Someone, somewhere is going to be stupid about it and that's simply neither my fault nor my problem.

Good show. Let's hope you show the same equanimity when some crazyman takes insulting Christianity on the internet in a bad way, and kills the person.

EDIT: In honour of Fxr Andy's original light-hearted Looney Bin idea, I give you JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF!

Well, a Puerto Rican ex-convict who said he was first the Apostle Paul, then Jesus Christ the Lord God Our Man (or whatever title that lady said), then the Anti-Christ. He's covering all the bases!

I just can't believe he has a Church in Hialeah. Oh wait, yes I can.

I've tried to deny it, I've tried to hide it, and I've tried to repress my urges, but I've 'fallen off the wagon'

I was given an offer I couldn't refuse, and now have a 111h, black dial on brown leather, on order. Not as a 'regular beater', but to add some diversity to my collection

Pics to follow next friday

You are amongst your own. Welcome, dear friend.

Touch my straps, and I'll cut you!

I don't have one of Mohammed.

Besides, we've seen where that kind of [censored] gets you.

I know. Christians don't react quite the same way, so we're easy targets, Puggy. When Madonna makes fun of Mohammed instead of nailing herself to a cross and flinging herself around the arena (as in her last show in Miami's AAA centre), I'll call her a rebel.

Until then, she's a menopausal wannabe poseur-rebel, without guts or originality. A bit like Dave Allen, actually!

EDIT: Oh drat, poor Dave Allen died recently in Oz, didn't he? Never mind. RIP Dave!! How I remember those monologues repeats in that chair with fondness.

Hello Stephane.

Yes, that's me. As you can see, God has graced me with a lengthy and full bodied hair, complemented by my poor eyesight

I was going to welcome you, having already given you a Gold Star, but then I saw that your ID and all those posts in the Looney Bin were one and the same poster.

Unlike many women, I don't have problems with men who like the female form, dressed or otherwise (the women are obviously enjoying themselves and getting paid, and men SHOULD love women, WTF feminists?!).

But 3 posts, as a newbie? Whew. Courageous, Toadpower.

This is the Looney Bin, so let's be really crazy. Post one of the Prophet Mohammed! (Requisite PBUH, though I'm not Muslim)

Don't worry, I have a gun, and I'll cover you, baby!

That would be a Route 66

I know my burgers!

Give that man a Cigar! Some fatigues! Maybe a Rolex too!

P.S.: When I drove to St. Louis (from Chitown), I was in my convertible, top down, when it suddenly dawned on me: "HEY! I'm on ROUTE 66, AWESOME!". Of all the places I've ever travelled to, or on, I don't think I've ever had such a goosepimply moment as that (save perhaps in front of the Vatican).

Great idea.

I could not get it to work until I typed in my home town, seems obvious but if you are struggling try that.

I just used my zip code.

Awesome. Love the combo. And thanks for serving for us all, so people like me can sit around posting in safety all day.

I don't think so....it's more complex than that....although most Americans are....!

I stopped reading after that. Goodbye, TTK.

make it the PO.

Speaking of which, I've just gone down half a link in bracelet size. Yay for healthy eating caused by unemployment.

The who, the wha, the where...?? You were only just in Ireland and Paris, gainfully employed, having fun, chatting with Ryyannon in bistros wearing berets and sheah! I'm so sorry.

aah.. Victoria... is that Johnny Rockets?? Yummiyummi

Not only is your choice of watch and strap impeccable, but so are your diner tastes, Chubbchubb! Yes, indeed, Johnny Rockets in Lincoln Road.

P.S.: Drat, I knew that TR-6 answer too. Ah well, anyone care to guess which hamburger speciality I had?

Here's a hint: it's a song title too!

OK.... lets play a game!!! What do you see in the second pic? Name them!

OMG OMG!

Is that a Caran D'Ache Mille et Une Nuits limited edition fountain pen???

http://www.pianki.com/Mille-et-Une-Nuits-L...e_p_38-230.html

Or just a very good rep sold by Ken?

Luciano Pavarotti, 1935 - 2007, who now sings with the angels.

About time someone posted this. Thanks Blindman.

RIP Luciano...

(Some trivia for you -- his US operatic debut was in Dade County Auditorium performing for the Florida Grand Opera. I believe that was 1969, and the opera was his famous interpretation in A

Nice little "thingy" right there

Yeah, I especially like how one member is apparently floating in the Ocean.

FRIDAY

I feel the need to beef up this forum with a little heart-clogging, American flag-waving today. So off we go. First up, burgers and a Coke. And a Fiddy. HAYUL yeah!

How ya like my new Mario Paci keyring? And I added an Aston Martin DB5 keyring to it, just to remind myself of my British roots. You can take the girl out of Hammersmith...

But it's back to a real bonafide American diner, for some apple pie

No. It's simply impossible to post "Look at my gun!" without eliciting a flame-war. It's one of Pugwash's Rules of the Internet.

Flamewar?? Flamewar?!?!

More guns and watches, I served with flamewar in many forums: I knew flamewars; Flamewar was a friend of mine. More guns and watches, you're no Flamewar.

I bet you could at least spell potatoe.

Eww. Scaly bugger. The giant lizard too.

WTF?!?!

Are you seriously telling me that NO European country have been independent prior some 200 years ago?

Independent from the feudal caste of rulers, lords and dictators? Even the Venetian republic had Doges, Fitmic.

George Washington turned down flat a royal title, and a Presidency "in vitalicio" like many South American presidents did not (to this day...). This was an incredible precedent, whose import cannot be overstated for true republics.

But Puggy is right about historian overreach, and Admin is even more right, about getting back to watches.

So there we are, back to tigers and Daytonas, or perhaps Tiger Daytonas.