Victoria

:lol: 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 know Hans Stern's family, so that was funny!)

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. 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). 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!

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...

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. 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

First, thanks Repnewbie! Welcome to the forum, just in case. Second, you mean this one, Raymond? Sigh. Love it.

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 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 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.

"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?

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!

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.

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.

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.

If only you knew... Anyway, RWI has been supplanted in my affections by Repgeeks. RWI is good for the young vibe they have, and the joint is always jumping. But I just don't get much info there, as I do here. But all forums offer their own positives, of course. Like with RWG I can go from Joan Blondell showing off her gams to Crown Prince Willie wearing his busby and no one cares. Brilliant!

No, Sssurfer. I wish I could take any credit, but I forgot to PM the mods. Mars kicked me out!

No...I was thinking of someone else, whom we all know, perhaps a bit bitter...but least said, soonest mended. P.S.: I just saw your reply about Gollum. Just having seen LOTR Part 1, and not having read the series, I hadn't that image in mind. Drat. I really thought it was a Crown Prince Wilhelm hommage! You have gone down just the TINIEST bit in my estimation, Puggy. I suggest another review. EDIT: Meanwhile, no one has commented on Stephane's equally disturbing avatar change. PANERAI! ON CARBON STRAP. I don't know about you, but I got chills.

Insurance, mon ami, insurance. That's why people still live in California, thlough allegedly one day they'll be in the bottom of the sea...

Just love these two, to death! What an awesome collection, Subzero1. You put me to shame!

Jesus Christmas! I know it's cheeky, but it's all in good fun...geez. If it's the person I am thinking of, what can I say. He seemed loopy, but not creepy. (I editted my post above, omitting names. Safer, I suppose, but also more discrete)

LIFE IS GOOD! P.S.: Poor Crown Prince Wilhelm. Still the butt of jokes 100 years later. Although his avatar is August von Mackensen, of course.

Wow! What great timing, Maximilian. I'm so happy you can relate to the strap. Certain straps can be hard to describe, both in texture and look. But the Senape reminds me...of Iron Eyes Cody. What? Don't remember him? Sure, you do! He was that crying indian chief in the "Keep America Beautiful" adverts, recently reseen on TVLand. His exact complexion colour and craggy, mottled skin is reflected in this amazing strap. EXACTAMUNDO. Versatile, but Titanium = Senape = match made in heaven. Thank you for taking the time to read it! ADDED: Ooh, Youtube!