Victoria

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!

Googlies were always my strong suit. 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.

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. 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.

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.

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!

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!

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!)

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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

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 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.

Jeff, we've all been there as newbies, but you really have to hit the "search" button before asking this most asked question on all rep watch forums. It's the equivalent of going to a NASCAR race and asking, "Do they turn left all the time?". Reactions will range from incredulous disbelief, to wanting to sever your testicles. Just look up top to "search" and once you bone up, then come back and ask questions, okay? Just make sure you get a flak jacket in the meantime...

The Cali 249 is on hold for the moment, so I am inquiring about the 112. My dream for a while has been to own the Fiddy, then the 115 (a lovely Destro with polished CG), having already bought my third love, the 005 from TWP, which is being modded -- but David says the 112 has C3 lume. I presume this is "Superluminova", and that the gens would have this kind of lume, yes? Does the DSN Fiddy technically have this lume? PAM 112 PAM 115 Which would you go for? (It's about 100 dollars difference, but I am looking for best accuracy out the box)

Managgia! A man with Photoshop and mountain climbing skills. Perfection.

You gotta have dreams in life, Andreww. It's what separates us from the animals. Totally unrelatedly, I'm going to request Admin play the Bloodhound Gang: "You and me baby ain't nuthin' but mammals/So let's do it like they do on the Discovery Channel."

:lol:

Hey...Clive? Thanks for the photos. I mean it. And sorry if I was snippy with you that time. I tried to be funny, but it came out all hostile. And I'm all about lovins my RWG peeps!

MONDAY @ Mickey D with my Fidd-y! Mmmm, hash browns with Burrito Hot sauce. Try it, you'll like it. Someone posted that TMG was a gentleman today. I disagree! He's a pig. At least the Fiddy strap he sold me was. (J/K! You know I love you, darling. Call me!) TUESDAY In honour of Narikaa's brush with Tourbillon death, I give you the Breguet Tourby watch I bought from him. Should I go for a swim wearing it? The dashing croc Breguet strap doesn't look waterproof, so p'rhaps not... But even for a rep, it's beautiful. Breguet is Breguet, b