Victoria

This one is the second best rep I even have (The first was my DSN PAM 113 white dial).

That was the post which convinced me to get (1) a PAM 113 (2) later, a Davidsen watch. So goes to show, you never know who you will influence when you post, no matter how insignificant you may think it is.

Raymond, also, coincidentally I was reading an OLD thread when you mentioned that your wife asked you not to buy more reps, giving you some kind of time limit not to do so. I think you mentioned you bought three Rolexes, so she declared a moratorium.

I noticed you bought in quick succession the HBB and DSN PAM 113. NOT CHEAP WATCHES, these! I'm glad to see she changed her mind.

Resize to your own liking...

Love it! Using it all of this week. Thanks, Corpsman.

Thanks for starting the Wrist-Check, Pubus!

WEDNESDAY

Still a drizzly, depressing day as squalls swirl all over South Florida. So I'm staying conservative with the PAM 210 base from our own TWP (great avatar change). I LOVE the base Panerai watches!

The Giovanni e Figlio Valdarno in Nero, soft as butter. The best black strap I have, next to the Maniffature Firenze one.

THURSDAY

Got another doc's appointment, so I will go with this Bvlgari Bvlgari watch, with the lovely black face.

A close-up of the deployant. A cinch compared to the Cartier ones!

Bvlgari is a nice marque. I wore the Assioma and Diagono (gens) before I got into this rep watch kick. Heard the Assioma rep is VERY close to the original, so I might check that out.

There really isn't much too say. The blinged ones are ugly. The new models are ugly. Obviously Rolex has taken a substantial turn for the worse.

For the past decade...

In the 60s, they sold to film stars.

In the 70s, they sold to pop stars.

In the 80s, they sold to junk bond traders.

In the 90s, they sold to start up founders.

In the 00s, they seem to be selling exclusively to the Brunei Royal Family...

And V, that watch you took the picture of is a woman's watch so that one is for you.

You have a woman's memory, Kruzer00! Scary!

I think we knew where he was from and he didn't ask about going through third world countries which will hold you up just for fun (read south America, etc.). My comment was only about having a watch on the wrist and not something else in a "duo-case" which doesn't sound that it was on a wrist.

Oh absolutely, Carl, yes. Not the question asked, but you know me -- I always give a little extra in terms of anecdotes, the better to round off a thread.

If you are going into any dodgy countries of your own free will just be aware that it doesn't matter whether it is a gen or rep, you can be held up for a tip to the locals if you appear affluent. Any time you attempt to carry any watch into a country which is not on your wrist and doesn't appear to be even slightly used, you can and will be a target, as perhaps our previous poster has testified.

If it is on your wrist, and looks even slightly used, and you have nothing else hidden away in a case, luggage, etc., you have little to worry about.

That has been my fortunate experience too. But just to note that these "dodgy" countries did include some rather well-known countries of the first tier -- like Spain, and Portugal.

So far I have taken my reps to two family owned jewelers and also to SEARS. I have yet to meet with any rejection.

You're lucky. I took three sets of watches to 3 ADs (not for those marques!), and 2 watchmakers said no (one was very snooty indeed). The third fixed the DSN Fiddy problem I had (YAY!), but was powerless before the Swinese movements of the others.

I see my boyfriend is on, so I am going to freak him out. *g*

HIS WRISTCHECK, culled from a photograph he sent me.

And no, he's not interested in watches.

But I will change that, telling him that I'm going to change his strap at least twice a day. I think he took that to mean something else though...

EDIT: Oops, he signed off and didn't see my tribute. Ah well. Night!

Actually Iron Eyes Cody in fact donated his hyde to make watch straps. Good call VB

I'm still laughing, Hambone. That was so wrong on so many levels.

@Rolexsandwich: Thanks for your wonderful, comprehensive reply! I'm utterly shocked that you let that 50% off sale pass you by. That was criminal! I'm slapping the handcuffs on you as I type. I will PM you in case I see any of your cited straps on sale on other forums.

@Sssurfer: Grazie, caro! Tell me, for Paneristi IN ITALY, is Mario Paci the big name he seems to be here in the US? I understand what you said in my thread about watch appreciation in different countries -- that Italians could care less about watches; but surely in the land of quality leather, Mario Paci is known and respected?

@Dluddy: Mmm, blues eyes, very nice. Unfortunately, I prefer big soulful Romanian brown eyes, but beggar's can't be choosers!

@Tmg: You can't fool me, TMG. I've seen some of your straps and they never fail to dazzle me. Okay, not the Pigskin, though.

@Prof: I don't work, and I'm not married, thus have no kids. My boyfriend lives 3000 miles away. Capiche? Soon, when I marry, this will come to an end, but until then, you're stuck with my Capers!

Agreed, but North America is not as far up the list of luxury watch buying regions as one might think.

:lol:

Plus we have relatively safe mail.

Well, that's true. Anyone who has ever lived in France, e.g., can tell you their postal system is a crying shame...and that's a soi-disant First World country!

I'd want to hand my $100,000 watch directly to the Patek general manager in Brazil...and return his daughter when I got my watch back.

(I know Hans Stern's family, so that was funny!)

Why is their leather bad...is it poor quality or does it fade.

It is tough hide, as are all Hong Kong strapmakers none of whom use Italian leather, and wears like a bullet on your arm -- just no give whatsoever in the two SC straps I have.

Some positives include their tremendous customer service skills, and that Skull-n-bones buckle, which I confess was the whole reason I bought a $108 strap to begin with!

For the record, there are plenty of people here who love SC straps, so hit search for opinions.

Please explain, i was seriously considering the strap, but if its bad stuff, I will look elsewhere, I just REALLY want that color. No darker, no lighter.

I would look for other leathers, but that's me.

Obviously, go up to the main Panerai section page and look up all the links for straps in the stickies, but some well-known names include Timeconnection.biz (home of Mario Paci and Giovanni e Figlio), Don, Bob, Simona, Zeugma, Dirk Gandry, etc.

Always check out Elliot's Daily Specials:

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

I have all three brown straps on sale at the moment, and the Fiero is simply to die for (the GeF Marrone not far behind).

And how do I get the 15% Risti Discount.

Just tell them you heard about their Paneristi discount in the accessories corner (and obviously you should check that out that section immediately. NEVER mention you have reps there, or to strapmakers that are not in-house, like V, FxrAndy, Tootall & Savage).

@By-Tor: Clown-Master II. PERFECT!

Leopard Gaytona and the horrible YMII can't take away their history and legacy though. Just like this pink old model 500S doesn't make Mercedes any lesser brand. It tells more about they buyer than the seller.

When you guys/girls talk about getting watches thru customs what do you mean? If customs catches it what what happens?

Not knowing where Murderland is all I can say is, it depends entirely where you live. Some countries have almost no problems having watches pass through Customs (USA/Canada/or UK sometimes). Some are deadly, like Sweden and France.

Here is a recent reply of mine, where I quoted a Canadian Customs Officer's rundown of what happens when they nab a watch (gen, not rep -- but it's good insight).

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?s=&amp...st&p=300685

As for wearing watches on your person in Customs, well, actually sometimes you have to be careful. In South America, they will confiscate it in case you have a very expensive one inside a duo-case. In Bolivia, a Customs officer took me into a backroom with my mother, and shook us down for U$100 a piece for our extra gen Rolexes. Something similar happened in Peru, and Argentina, but by then we got savvy and pulled out a tax bill making it exempt from duties by virtue of its age (we obviously doctored one). Then my mother threatened to call the German/US/and British embassies, to apprise them of this treatment. The watches and we were released instantly.

Thank God this procedure is no longer necessary in Europe, since any EU passport holder holding up his passport is just swept inside by a hand gesture...

You're not the only one who has found that voice a bit disturbing, Vicky...

If you heard my voice, you'd find it a bit disturbing too. Let's just say, I was once in a club (and you know how noisy they can be), when I was accosted by an old creep bearing a business card. "With your voice, you can make thousands of pounds", he warbled in a way I presume was supposed to be enticing.

It was for a phone sex scheme.

As for the software, it was developed by a team of young Israelis - and apparently relegates PhotoShop back to the Stone Age.

Not knowing anything about these techniques, I couldn't say...but it does seem pretty sophisticated.

I see. Oh God. I know how this thread will now devolve into. Some kind of CIA-Wag the Dog-Hate-Government thread thingie.

For the record, I hate it when news networks superimpose their network logo (NBC are the worst) on neighbouring buildings, during their morning shows. Same thing happens with sponsors during Premiership matches. Blech.

@Ryyannon below: Wow, small dance world! What was up with your toup

Thx for your sharing V! Did U see the Double Chrono Top-Gun version? Red hot! Wow!

First, thanks Repnewbie! Welcome to the forum, just in case.

Second, you mean this one, Raymond?

Sigh. Love it.

Miss Vicky is right now exploring what watch to select from among the IWCs. I have the Portofino on m list because she encouraged me to consider that, in an earlier thread. I had hoped to return the favor, with the 34mm. No such luck.

In compensation, BobM, your reply to the thread has coughed up my next purchase from Silix -- that blue-dialed Air-King! Wow, I think I'll take two in fact. 28 Euro, can't beat that with a rubber mallet.

@Centurion: Great memory! When I joined in June, I scrolled back to all the Wristies since February. Of all the ones I recall, this one and a Photoshopped IWC (b&w background/IWC in colour relief) were the ones I most remember. Beautiful Chrgod!

Well...in for a penny, in for a pound. More shameless lifting of photos inside that Montreal AD.

And no bling, but IMHO, the worst of the 3.

YMII = FUGLEEEE.

@L-Dizzle: I actually think that's supposed to be an...Elephant Bling Pilot Strap?? God knows.

@AllergyDoc: Hey, nice to see you here! ...um, my mother has a flamboyant personality who lives under the coda of "If you got it, flaunt it baby!". I think Zero Mostel would be proud.

Not being musically savvy, may I ask, are this Whitesnake, AC/DC, or KISS, and if so, why is Arnold Schwarzenegger in the middle in drag?

Why is it that all the predictable mewers and fawners over Rolex get so upsett by the 'flagship' pieces of their idolised marque???

Why is it that your full stop is always about four hits of the return key below your last sentence?

We all have questions, my friend. I said this as your number one mewer, too.

It's Huge & "Cool" on my 15.3mm thinny wrist:

It looks AWESOME, Raymond, congrats!! Glad more eagle eyes pointed out the screw.

I have a 5.7" wrist, which is about 14.5mm. Still looks good on us both.

To be released in october.

"USA & CANADA

J. A. Meyer

156 West Main St, Kutztown, Pa 19530, USA."

You know, I have never gotten this -- exclusive AD rights business.

Tangentially, Patek have one measely AD/official repair centre in all of the US too, whereas in Brazil they have two (H. Stern). WTF?

It looks Soviet to me.

Well, I'm never wearing a commie watch!!

...although I do own a Poljot watch, a replica of one worn by Yuri Gagarin...but that's because I'm into all things space and stuff...I'm sorry, did I just water down the force of my convictions with this inane chatter? Moving on!

When what was seen is not always what you get:

So that's what happened to my biology class voice-over Sex Ed film guy.

"This is called spermatozoa, seen here multiplying as they enter the female cavity." (girlish titters)

EDIT: Okay, explanation. First, it was shamelessly lifted from a well-known site (hope he won't mind...). Second, it's a REAL Rolex, not a rep or fantasy DJ. Third, it's located inside a glass case in an AD in Montreal. So there's a French Connexion, Stephane.

Maybe i'm jaded, but I am hoping my reps last a lifetime. I stay away from plate, and I opt for ETA when possible.

You mean, you're NOT jaded! You're still hopeful like a child.

I also share your perhaps misguided wishes, hoping against hope my babied reps will last a lifetime. I am just about to write the collector, but though we have taken it to 3 watchmakers, there is nothing that can be done with the brandnew Omega SMP 007 my dad just got. The first arrived DOA, and the second died in the second week.

But that's 1 out of 50, so not bad.

However, i have this strap coming from SC so i think ill be ok: http://www.strapculture.com/legendmp/sclg-m872.html

A) Congrats on your 111! I adore mine, also from Andrew. In fact, loved it so much, I got two...

B ) http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showto...37&hl=caper

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showto...46&hl=caper

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showto...78&hl=caper

C) I wind mine 30 times per night. I'm scared of overwinding. It lasts about 18 hours.

D) I am reviewing a Strap Culture strap next week. If you get the Risti discount (15% off), it's okay. But paying $100+, forget it. The leather is horrific. And the smell on some of their models. You can't get that out with bleach.

@FxrAndy below: I'm still scared. ...maybe when I screw up the courage to, with my duplicate 111.