Victoria

TWO THUMBS WAY UP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hana Hou....... usually said with a standing ovation .. means please do it again..

I will, thanks Randy!

I've received a great reaction so far from the guys at Repgeeks, with only RWI having been down, preventing my posting it there. Maybe I'll leave it as is -- exclusive to two forums, only.

thank you victoria .. for the 110 % you put into everything you do ..

Thanks for noticing that, Randy. I've often thought that if I cleaned toilets for a living, that I'd give my all for the Tidy Bowl Man.

you are such the perfectionist...

Maybe. It's problematic sometimes, because it causes procrastination in life. But this is a happy thread, not a weighty one!

TooTall got back to me what do you think of the Ammo .... Morocan sunset ... Blondie and ...B2 ... does his straps look as good as the pics ???

HONEY, you have no idea. Did you see the pics of my Fiddy? That was a Tootall strap.

Just ordered his Moroccan sunset (a soft camel with royal blue thread) that I think will stop traffic on I-95 with my newly-ordered PAM 112.

Mahalo again !!

I tried going to this Hawaiian dictionary site last night, but got stumped.

http://wehewehe.org/gsdl2.5/cgi-bin/hdict?...id=0&hdds=0

But I know Mahalo, and I say mahalo to you from my heart.

Veyr nice wardrobe Mrs V.

I'll let dad know. NOT.

MERCI BIEN, Stephane!

For the record:

- Black Giorgio Armani suit (modern styling, and not bespoke)

- Grey two-button Burberry suit (fitted but not bespoke either - chav alert!)

- Aquascutum bespoke cashmere overcoat

When my father puts on his Saville Row suits, with that tall military ramrod straight bearing that he has, and tops it off with the overcoat, wow. He's the handsomest man I've ever seen.

Unfortunately, he rarely wears this beauty down in SoFla...maybe has a chance to wear it 1/2 days per year, TOPS.

I await part 2 with antici ... pation.

'Cipaayaatiooooon, is making me wait. I miss RWG Radio, boo.

(Thanks Puggy!)

As we've been PM-ing back-and-forth last week I knew what to expect, and have to say "It's just what any (business) men needs"!!!

EXACTLY! Another of my PMers in mind when I posted this.

After all of your suggestions and spending too much time behind the laptop (according the lovely lady at home)

Well, you can't ignore your lovely wife, but an understanding wife is also great.

I'm dying for a review of the black strapculture legend...http://www.strapculture.com/legendmp/sclg-m870.html

ERWINNER! Guess what -- I ordered this strap from SC, so it may be possible to review it sooner than later. Post from HK takes about a month, but we'll see.

As you guys may have noticed, I favour lighter strap colours than many men do here. I find that black is gorgeous, and most of my clothing tends to go with black/white ensembles, but also, it's rather severe for a woman.

So my tastes run from camel to burgundies, coincidentally shown in the debut post.

I guess this is the more 'neutral' choice to mix with both grey and darkblue suits and still wear a powerfull strap.

Wonderful! Having said this, the SC leather is very tough, and may not fit easily under your sleeve/suit. You can always ask them to ship another to you, and you send theirs back, asking for "thinner" leather.

But that's jumping the gun!

Who can help Victoria out to do a review on this beauty?

*curtseys*

both of these should be 'do able' with cases already being made and could be a lot cheaper than an unreliable chrono!

I hear what you're saying, but I find it an interesting phenomenon that people are apt to become bored when you have less taste for a "cult" watch -- e.g., the Panerai or the Rolex.

When you are more specialised, it seems to me that short of buying every known version/model, you can NEVER become bored, and there is always a watch you don't own, which you long to have.

If I were more catholic in my rep watch tastes, I think I would've quit collecting rep watches about a month into my hobby. But having a specific interest, in a specific marque is what drives my fascination in it, and I fear I am in it for the long haul.

I drool just thinking of when this real PAM will come out, the Egiziano, rumoured to be reissued soon by Panerai, I read recently.

It will sell like hotcakes.

So you see, there's always something down the pike to look forward to, when you're a niche collector.

Found these pics on Flickr and some of them shocked me utterly...

hxxp://www.flickr.com/photos/uwatches/sets/72157601021487598/

That's the URINATOR!

The PAM 163 is a legit Panerai watch shown below, but these two pics below from one of our collectors just always makes me giggle.

Right now I've only got reservations at La Fermette Marbeuf, and Senderens.

If you're into clubbing, in London I highly recommend Boujis any night, but especially Tuesdays, Amika on Thursdays & Saturdays (Sat. VIP room only), Movida, Studio Valbonne (Fridays too).

Paris, unfortunately, didn't impress me with the club life, which is almost incredible to say and counterintutive.

But whenever I go to a club, even the well-heeled ones , there is always a mirror where a bunch of aristos are busy dancing with themselves, and looking bored next to their Krugs. Bizarre. The young vibe in London is so much better.

One way of doing it - and perhaps the best, depending on one's personality - is to simply choose a place that appeals to you at a given moment...usually when walking around a particular neighborhood.

A tremendous suggestion. I would especially like to add that's true of the Pigalle district, and Les Halles, which are unfortunately both rather dangerous for single women. I believe that is not your case, Gio, so go for it!

By the way, if you really want an unbelievable eating experience, there used to be a petit restaurant in the Pigalle area which offered you a starter, main course, dessert, and small demi-bottle of wine for FIVE EURO. I believe it was called St. Georges something...I would know how to get there, if I started walking, but I don't know how to explain it to you. I only mention this because despite having expensive tastes, I love working mens' eateries, and areas, where you meet the most authentic (read, charming/hostile) people in Paris. If you really want something off the beaten path, go to these "bistros".

And yes, Ninotchka really made an impression on me as a child.

Otherwise, just reserve at a string of 'the best' places (La Tour d'Argent)

Not overrated, but IMHO, not worth it except for their pressed duck. By the way, you get to choose your silver press, and when you return, they present you the same silver press having stored the information on the logs for years.

It's those little things that make Paris so wonderful, so full of

Like I said before, their DNS server is down.

I'm sure RWIers are aware, but "we're" (I'm a part of them too, so why not!) back up again. Yay!

TeeJay! Welcome back!

You say you were busy, but the forum has been missing a lot of people due to holidays. Except for oh, maybe one thread at the top of my head, you haven't missed too much.

What it must be like to have you as a friend...you're so generous.

@chrgod: Unusual jumper, but actually goes well with the Tag!

Well played Victoria.

Googlies were always my strong suit.

I enjoyed it and can see this helping me

Thanks, dluddy! If you have any particular strap suggestions, they are always important and welcome. Plus, if I don't have it, it gives me a chance to splurge some more.

Staying near the Eiffel, then in Montmartre, for the end of August in about a week. Then in Hyde Park, London for a few days, then off to Bath & the west country for another week.

Forum member, Ryyannon (whom I mention seemingly every other post), lives in the Montmartre area. He may show up here with touring tips, but if I know him, he's out having fun with his putes instead.

Any suggestions as to some "unique" places to visit or eat? Not the usual touristy crap; definitely something interesting.

In Paris, Les Egouts (the sewers -- as unique a visit to the underground network of sewers as you can get anywhere in the world).

It's closed in winter, IIRC, so you're just in time. I think it was free with my 3-day Tourist pass, one time, but it was very reasonably priced anyway.

In London, you COULD do a walking tour of the Jack the Ripper murders in East London. You may find that touristy, but I assure you, I'd rather do that than stand in the queue in the Tower of London any day.

I'm from London, so I could be somewhat prejudiced though. OH! Don't forget to catch sight of the charred ruins of the Cutty Sark in Greenwich. Baskets!

(I didn't see the 'places to eat' bit, sorry about that. I see Puggy is taking care of you, and anyway, I have expensive tastes. *g* One example, Les Portes des Indes...an incredible dining experience of the most luxurious kind. But basically most people would scoff at what amounts to a bit of curry)

@Pugwash below: DRAT THESE MONTS! Why can't you all live in nice places, like Le Marais.

@Pugwash yet again: YOU MENTION LE MARAIS! My favourite area because it's atmospheric with all the rabbis in their black togs, busily scurrying everywhere. It's got a great vibe that area, and when I was last there a few years ago, still retained a bit of that old Parisian shabby-chic air fast disappearing...

@FxrAndy: Concur about the old, traditional pub suggestion. There are some great ones in London, like the Princess Louise, Mason's Arms in Edgware, and the like. @Gioarmani: If you're unused to rural villages, where the most authentic pubs are found, perhaps a good compromise is around the Oxford area, like Abingdon. We British tend to be unforgiving towards strangers, and foreigners in general, so please don't take the stares, and cold shoulders to heart if you do get that reception. Just buy everyone a round, and you're in like Flynn.

Let us raise our glasses and drink a toast to our resident strap maven, Victoria.

Congratulations and thank you for your generous and informative contribution.

My enthusiasm, energy, and yes, mouth is always at your disposal, vlydog! Thanks for the trophy! ...I'll put it next to my Don Carter Alleys "100 strike Club" one.

maybe a noob question (I've been making a lot of these lately, but you all have been very helpful), but how does one go about getting their PAM re-lumed? I have 2 now and 2 on the way and I can tell they dont hold their lume like I was hoping. At the same time, I would like it done fairly cleanly. I have seen some where it looks "sloppy" to say the least.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

We currently have a thread about such a project entrusted to a person called a 'modder', as these practioners are called in the rep world, so you may want to check it out as a cautionary tale.

But basically you have two options:

- When you buy it from certain collectors, but by no means all, you may have lume added to your order for a fee. This is true of Davidsen, The Watch Prince (TWP) and others who deal with such modifications (thus "modders", though note that Davidsen creates his own watches from scratch).

- But for the most part those of us who have already bought a watch want to have certain things done to improve its appearance, or to make it more authentic/correct. That's when you contact these modders, who range from expert to just starting-out in skill. They include The Zigmeister in Canada, Vaccum in the US, Repaustria and Navigater in the EU, amongst a wealth of other notable names to be found in our forums.

I know all n00bs get told this (including myself!), but to hit "search" above, is to find a treasure trove of info. Good luck!

Very nice vbarrett! A great twist on a strap review......you left me wanting more...

Thank you, Frogman! Nothing yet, but it will be here soon and who knows, you might get yours shown too.

P.S.: Wasn't it Will Rogers who once said that, "Leave them wanting more"? Never a truer word was spoken!

Amazing. Your color combinations with clothes really puts considerations of each strap in a different light! Well done, V!

Thank you, Seraphe! Very kind as well, and glad you liked it. Usually I use the edit function to thank a bunch of people in a post, but this time, each of you deserves a more personalised word from me.

(Also, I am sorry that RWI is down, but very nice to see you on "The Light Side" for a change!)

Appreciate the time you spent on this the comments and the insight.

Merci, Usil! With you, Ryyannon, Stephane and others in France, the land of fashion and style, I have to be on my toes and give only the best info.

hi victoria,

a very interesting thread, certainly for some members helpful.

you've made your homework very good.

Thank you very much, Rolli. I'm glad that though you are a Panerai strap freak like myself, though with many more years experience under your belt (strap?), you took the opportunity to give a kind, encouraging word.

I will never forget it.

A great report Vic.

You made me so happy, FxrAndy. Thank you for the kind words!

A lady has a right to be late, but I still apologise for not getting my series off on its designated debut day. But here we are! Ready to review, compare/contrast, and evaluate straps based on many criteria just for you.

First, a word about this series' purpose.

I am not putting myself out as a fashion expert, or a personal shopper, or even someone intimately knowledgeable about the world of leather and strapmaking. Clearly, that expertise belongs to others, many of whose livelihoods are represented in this forum. The inestimable member from Greece, V, is one such person and to him and others belong the technical questions which I am unable to furnish.

Let us not forget that as a newbie, I have very little to offer the more learned members of these forums as yet, so this is my small contribution to our chosen hobby.

But perhaps because I am a woman, and I like fashion, I am often asked for advice from the male members of these forums for this or that strap colour combination.

This isn't a frivolous, or metrosexual concern, as many men would have it.

Oftentimes, their professions demand a certain "look" to go with their jobs' atmospheres; the more sober the environment, the more people feel unwilling to buy a pricey strap -- and most of these straps are in the hundred dollar level and above.

Even if your job or general appearance is informal, this expense is still considerable.

This is the purpose of this series, which I've named in my tongue-in-cheek, happy way, The Great Panerai Strap Caper:

To give you a preview of what these straps may look like, both in ambient and in natural light, whenever possible. Because the dog days of summer are upon us, and soon winter will arrive in the Northern hemisphere, I've chosen transitional colours to start us off.

And here I'd like to thank my father for completely unknowingly, providing me with the suits and in one case, a cashmere overcoat by that most conservative of London department stores, Aquascutum, to highlight these premiere straps.

Let's start before he cottons on to my wardrobe raid!

STRAP NUMBER 1

- "Toscana Fiero Vintage with sewn in Toscana "Natural" Pre-V Buckle"

LEATHER MAKERS: Cuoierie Meccaniche Brelli di Ciampi

MERCHANTS: Timeconnection.biz

COST: U$169.00

BANG FOR BUCK VALUE: Excellent

RESALE VALUE: $80-$120 at 85-95% condition

SALE AVAILABILITY: Haven't found it yet on Panerai accessory or rep watch forums. Rarely part of "Daily Specials" on websites

DESCRIPTION: Never was a strap better named than the "Fiero". It's a fiery blend of tans, nutmegs, browns, and coppers which catch the light, and change colours before your very eyes. This is a versatile strap, which can be worn both for informal and sport-chic occasions, and yet carries over well for nighttime events.

SIZE RANGE: 115/75 in 24/24 to 125/80 in 26/24

BUCKLE: Included. Sewn-in Brushed buckle with "Toscana" on watch side

DRESS COLOURS: Would go perfectly with any yellows, whites, beiges, denims. Not recommended for deeper colours such as reds, blues, or greens. Blacks and greys may go either way, making sure to add whites into the mix.

BEST PANERAI WATCH MATCH: PAM 127, PAM 111, PAM 113

PHOTO COMPARISON #1 (CAMEL/TAN OVERCOAT)

PHOTO COMPARISON #2 (BLACK SUIT)

PHOTO COMPARISON #3 (GREY SUIT)

STRAP NUMBER 2

- "Vintage Bordeau"

LEATHER MAKERS: Simona Straps

MERCHANTS: Simonastraps.com

COST: 120 €

BANG FOR BUCK VALUE: Very Good

RESALE VALUE: $120-$150 at 85-95% condition

SALE AVAILABILITY: Often found on Panerai accessory sites, but rarely with dark stitching (custom-made order).

DESCRIPTION: A deep, description-defying shade of cherry wine, this Bordeaux is for those men who think deep reds are too feminine, and yet would like something more imaginative than a black OEM strap. This is a late-afternoon, early evening strap par excellence, which will take you from a barbecue to a dinner al fresco without problems.

SIZE RANGE: Sizes 26-26, 27-24, 24-24. Lengths 125-75, 130-85, 150-90

BUCKLE: Included. Sewn-in bent or plain Brushed buckle with "Simona" on the reverse side

DRESS COLOURS: Would go perfectly with twill, and heavy suit fabrics, including corduroy. Linens are a perfect match. Not recommended for other red colours, but may work well with navy blues, greens, tans, and blacks.

BEST PANERAI WATCH MATCH: PAM 089, PAM 112, PAM 177 (shown)

PHOTO COMPARISON #1 (CAMEL/TAN OVERCOAT)

PHOTO COMPARISON #2 (BLACK SUIT)

PHOTO COMPARISON #3 (GREY SUIT)

NEXT WEEK, PART TWO:

- Bob Blue Shark

- Toscana Vacchetta Nero

Comments and suggestions for series improvement, as ever, welcomed!

That is why you have to pic the right lume for a relume job.

Navigater, you're the best! A more helpful, generous member of the rep forums I've never seen. Not too sure I know these "swatch" differences shown, but it gives me a rough guide to learn more.

That's all anyone here can ask. THANKS!

so I will leave with this.... "O KA MALUHIA O KA I" ... i LEAVE YOU MY PEACE (i cannot give you anybody else's peace) just mine... the peace of I....

If only we could close the thread on such a wonderful note...but I am through with asking for this, having learnt my lesson not to rush things.

Just to note that it's now been about the same elapsed time it took for FF to post his original distressing post, to the time you replied to it. No reaction so far from our ex-modder, though surely no one is blaming him -- those photos were gut-wrenching as a spectator, let alone as the perpetrator. It can't be easy to reply.

But it does go to show that your stepping up when you did, was all the more laudable for that, Lanikai.

Finally, unless matters change tomorrow, this is my farewell to the thread.

Lots of good lessons learnt here, by all, I shouldn't wonder.

Ask Jeff212 in about a week

No, really. There but for the grace of God go I.

The one one two is pretty great. The other? Not so much, but really only because the color is off. Reluming can fix this.

It's funny, but I used to think PAMs without second hands were so plain Jane. But they are SO chic the more you look at the base models (210, as well).

The 112 with a plain OEM black strap...to die for. Saw it on the wrist of a Chinese girl the other day. Loved it.

my only concern that i see is that some of davidsens lume colour is "cartoonish" meaning kind of too apple green... but other members can answer it more deninitively.

My exact concern, posed in another thread, but never properly answered. I want long-lasting lume, of vibrant incandescence, not to look like the British Statue of Liberty guiding ships in the harbour.

Any first-hand experience would be of enormous help.