Victoria

Davidsen? Strap details? Great combo, Bazz.

@chris: Even better shot of the skeleton than last time!

@TWP: That Ingy I'm sure looks great on you.

@TMG: Great Europelli! You have FLAWLESS taste in straps, my love! I think only V and Rolli can compete with your range (since I haven't seen Lanikai's yet)

They are taking the pics for me. I would be going except that I leave for a two day fishing trip in Mexico at 4am (4.5 hours from now). I was told that there are some pretty good pre-parties going on this evening in LaJolla, CA. (where I actually live).

LA JOLLA! What a beautiful, select city that is. You're a lucky dog, and fishing in Mexico to boot. Enjoy your weekend, CBR. I also never go to sleep before a trip -- too excited.

P.S.: Hi Rolli. Missing you around here.

EDIT: Look at the haul of "goodies" at a previous Risti GTG. Not bad! Greg Stevens, Micah, and others donated tonnes.

I am not going, but two of my coworkers are. It is being held across the street from my office. I am loaning my camera to one of them, and have been promised plenty of pics.

That's great, Carlsbadrolex! I admit, I thought of PMing you about this.

You think your coworkers would be agreeable to reprinting some of the pics here?

May just require small balls and a big gen

LOL! Quite right too.

Did you hear that in another Risti GTG, this time in NYC, one of the most well-known members got his gen Fiddy lifted by another member??

Well, they don't know who did it, but man, speaking of Big Balls...the upshot is that the other Canadian Risti members clubbed together to get Aurelio a new gen Fiddy!

hxxp://www.network54.com/Forum/385842/ (again, alter the url)

That's awesome, man. Love the name too: Operation Save the Fiddy!

Yet, I wonder if we would do that here for one of us? *g*

(Listen, I don't know if this thread should've been in the OT area, so please Mods, forgive me and move it should you deem it so!)

Guys, as you may know one of the Panerai-centric forums (Paneristi) is having a HUGE get-to-gether this Saturday, August 18, 2007, in Carlsbad, California. This is being called the Hammer GTG, in honour of a wonderful member who was left handicapped after a sporting accident.

Well, if you read Risti, you know the excitement over there is at near-fever pitch! This is all they've been talking of for months.

You can read more about it here:

hxxp://hammergtg.blogspot.com/ (alter the url)

Soooo. Anyone here going? Talk about Big Balls!

Look you fricken moron, YOU are the one acting like an ass...

No, he's not. At no time did he ever call you names like you just did him (don't worry, Carlsbadrolex, it happens to all of us).

But he is simply trying to make people understand that he's taking responsibility for what happened. Once that happens, it's game, set, match.

This thread is over. The matter is between the participants to solve.

Since the modder has hung up his tools, I daresay he wants this matter to go away too. We can revisit the situation privately with each person, should the need arise.

Mods, with my hand on my heart, I ask you to please close this thread. Thank you so much!

Ahhhh Victoria,

DUCK indeed.

(snipping well-written defence of Australian beer)

Don't worry, Offshore. Just yanking some Aussie chain. I appreciate VB, fear not.

Anyway, can't be as bad as that crappy Canadian beer, Molson. *DUCK! INCOMING!*

"the only difference between men and boyz are the price of their toys" ... do you know who said that ......Me just now..LOL

Man (in the full sense of the word) is an acquisitive being. Before we had castles, we had caves.

I bet you my right teat we compared which had the biggest rock, and who sported the best sabretooth pelts.

And some wiseguy started copying the designs so that cheapskates wouldn't pay full price! Oh the agony when the smoke signals were not answered about our orders. Torture!

notice after the word "customs" seems like no one is posting .... no worries Wj .... i was called a flake.. in a thread.. well i just don't like to be so rigid that it hurts.... you know the old saying sticks and stones may break my bones but whips and chains excite me...

Take it from me, the 3 fold target of personal jibes in 3 days, don't mention it casually on another thread because your insultor (is this a word? It is now, beeatches!) will never hear it.

Go back to that thread, and ram them up the keister, going full-on 150mph.

OR, you can take Moli

Mine:

VB .. you are fast becoming the Head Mistress here .. ... did I use the right euphamism ???

Victoria, or Vic, or Vicky, lanikai pleasssse. "VB" sounds like a bad rash ointment or a substandard Aussie beer. *DUCK!!*

Head Mistress, NEVER. Mine had a moustache and took cough drops hoping staff and pupils wouldn't smell her gin & tonic breath. Well, I'm here to tell you that we did.

Just yesterday George..... let's just say G.B. so he will stay anonymous tried to get in touch with several members asking for leads on what strap he should wear to luncheon with the British PM ... that's when we asked VB to headline a strap review so the world leaders stop bothering us all when we're trying to sleep..

most watch nuts don't play with a full deck... even if you combined all the decks of all the members you still could not come up with a full deck..

Heh. Guess what? I've found out most people who are members of most speciality forums are nuts. Me leading the conga line of craziness, obviously.

Stirring the pot is good. It keeps us all on our toes. Yet, there is a difference between that and being punchy back when people don't take to your thoughts like you believe they should in one of your first posts.

Let's never lose sight of the fact, though, that we are dealing with an illegal enterprise, which steals ideas, creativity, and sweat from others.

In the big adult world we've assigned names like "trademark", "copyright", etc. to describe this, but between you, me, and the deep blue sea we still know it's just called, "cheating".

And I've yet to meet a single person who likes being cheated when they're the victim.

Hey, did anyone ever see that TV programme called "Cheaters"? I loved that show! I wanted to be on that show!

And I'm so busted when they do a series on rep collectors.

love it vb ... i just posted on the legal or illegal thread... add to that,...... things are getting too serious again...

Oh dear, what is wrong with these forums of late. Everything is about getting too PERSONAL. Crikey guys, it's just a watch forum.

check your PM... some ideas for u

Cool, thanks, Lanikai!

you can give out a VB award for best wrist (strap) and a VB say's ... "keep it in the dark" award too...LOL...

This has possibilities!

The "Vbarrett Award for Colour Dynamism in Straps" (for the Bob Vertigo lover in all of us)

The "Vbarrett Award for In Your Face Machismo Strap" (Vintage/Ammo straps only)

The "Vbarrett Award for My Wife Likes This Strap But I'm not too Sure" (ostrich, chicken, anything in feathers)

The "Vbarrett Award for Quality Strap" AKA "OMG HOW MUCH DID YOU SAY YOU SPENT ON THAT CRAP?" (self-explanatory)

Or...maybe not.

a curse on your buckles!!

:cc_confused:

You can't find a better curse than that, even in Arabic!!

P.S.: Speaking of BUCKLES...I miss V, the King of the Straps and Prince of the Buckles. He's due back on the 18th, yay!

My stars, that's gorgeous!

I would love to own a rose gold/black dial one.

This particular IWC is GORGEOUS. That AR sings!

But Sophie Marceau and all, I think IWCs are one of the most masculine watches around. That, any Breitling, and B&R, I would never wear...they're like having a penis on my wrist. :saddam:

FRIDAY

Are you sitting down? A Panerai-Free Weekend Wrist-Check!! And gasps were heard throughout repland!

That's right. I'm taking By-Tor at his word. And that word is TRADITIONAL, baby! Here's the Gold Gucci Twirl Rep (Joshua) above, and Gen (via the Gucci Website), below. Not too shabby.

SATURDAY

Going back to Blighty, cap in hand. Wonder if they'll let me back in...

Snobs that we are, Rollies don't hurt you know. On more than one occasion I've been upgraded to First Class on BA just because I've looked the part. Although I think I'll leave the flat cap behind...

SUNDAY

Ahh, but it's back to Miami Beach on Sunday, wearing my HBB! That's I-95 where it was shut down every night from 1-5 AM so Mr. Jamie Foxx and Mr. Colin Farrell could shoot their "Miami Vice" (ssssucked).

But when you can see this vista every day of your life, who's complaining?

very nice V ! enjoy it.. its one great fiddy..

That's two very positive reactions, from you and Kollektor. ME HAPPY! Thanks!

THREAD SERIES LAUNCH

Thanks to the suggestion of one of our members, and a fellow strapaholic, I am starting a new thread series in the Panerai area this Monday, 20 August 2007.

Every week, I will feature one or two straps (at most), and review them as to quality, availability, and price comparison -- i.e., "bang for your buck", trade value, and importantly for many businessmen/professionals, colour co-ordination.

MOTIVATION

From the amount of PMs I receive, I have realised that a lot of men on RWG want opinions on straps, wanting to avoid the common problem of not liking a strap they once thought was beautiful or cool, on some website. This can cost hundreds, if you're not careful!

VISUAL PRESENTATION

Of course, I will be using copious photos in my reviews, and am ransacking my father's closet to that end.

At the end of each review, I will photograph the featured strap against suit backgrounds in black, blue, grey and/or brown, to give you a rough guide how the strap would look like on you.

Wristchecks are fantastic, but sometimes they do not tell the whole tale of what a strap will look like against certain fabrics.

WARDROBE GUIDE

I am not Trini Woodall or Susanah Constantine, of "What Not To Wear" fame, but I thought it was overall a great idea.

And I'd finally be putting my Strapitis addiction to good use.

Note: Suggestions on improving the series idea are greatly appreciated! Continued PMs seeking opinions just fine!

Agreed, I get the same message when my reps are being taken through customs.

Speaking of Canadian customs, I found a Canadian-risti site where a Canadian customs officer gave a rundown of what to expect when importing watches into Canada.

Now, Jawo, this isn't necessarily intended for you, so don't get frightened or anything.

Just thought yawls up in the Great North might be interested in reading the "flip side" of our collective coin.

"A definitive guide to Customs : Feb 08, 2004 - 11:15 PM

Hi everyone,

All the following applies to Canadian importers. Follow these guidelines, and you will be enlightened as to why things happen the way they do, and also to avoid certain pitfalls.

Firstly, all watches made overseas fall under the most favoured nation tariff treatment - they attract a duty rate of 5%. On top of that, regardless of where the watch is made, this item will also be taxed at a 10% excise tax rate, 7% GST rate, and in some modes of shipment, such as the postal stream, a 7% PST rate.

Here's how they are assessed: Upon its arrival at the Customs clearance area (or Customs Postal Unit) a watch's value needs to be arrived at for tax purposes. This can be gleaned from either the declaration, or, upon inspection, an invoice. Then, if that value is accepted (they're not idiots, they have lives, and expensive hobbies, too, and they know the difference between a Vostok and a Vacheron), the calculations are as follows:

The transactional value is converted into Canadian dollars (CAD), using the exchange rate of the day - that value is called the value for duty (VFD). If the VFD is over 50 CAD, a 50 CAD excise exemption is taken from that root value. (It simply means that all those taxes will be calculated on whatever value your watch is in CAD, less 50 dollars).

Next, a 5% duty rate is applied to the residual VFD, and then added to the original VFD. That combined value is called the value for tax (VFT) It is upon this value that a 10% excise rate and a 7% GST rate are applied. Here is an example:

You buy a watch for 1,000 USD - first convert the value to CAD using the exchange rate of the day, say, 1.32, so:

1,000 X 1.32 = 1,320 (VFD)

1,320 - 50 = 1,270 (Excise exemption)

1,270 X 5% = 63.50 (Duty)

63.50 + 1,270 = 1,333.50 (VFT)

1,33.50 X 10% = 133.50 (Excise tax)

1,33.50 X 7% = 93.35 (GST)

1,33.50 X 7% = 93.35 (PST)

1,000 USD - applicable duties and taxes = 383.70 CAD

Clear as mud?

This does not include, as has been mentioned, a flat fee from UPS (called a brokerage fee), or a 5 dollar Postal admin fee (when shipped in the Postal stream)

Now, how come some get through untouched, and others not? Here's why - Firstly, you have to consider the volume of shipments that arrive into Canada on a daily basis - it's voluminous! Not every single package in every single mode can be physically examined to verify that it has a correct declaration; citizens would be in an uproar, and it would take months for you to get your watch, literally. So, to facilitate the flow of goods, Customs relies on importers (or vendors abroad) to accurately declare the value of the goods being carried. Since they can't look at every one, some do 'get through' without any assessed taxes. In addition, sometimes the odd package gets dropped down the chute (in the Post office) by accident, or it

So, long story short, my beloved Davidsen Fiddy/PAM 127 is going back to his Gepetto in Hong Kong.

Gepetto turns out to be a very nice chap, after all, and he's trying his best to satisfy his customer. Much appreciated, David!

Here is the watch he's sending me, having apologised for the quality of the pics. Guys, anything you can point out as needing more attention will be GREATLY appreciated by me. Thank you so much!

Newbie Thoughts:

The sandwich dial seems less egg-shell white, which I believe someone had once mentioned. Also, engraving seems crisper, and the screws seem less embedded. I think the best part of the DSN Fiddy is his immaculately flush CG and fat crown. Cannon pin seems more "finished" and higher. What do you think of it all?

:wub:

Guys, I can't believe no one commented on these series of photos! Or are they a repost, and I am unaware 'til now?

Awesomeness, P4GTR! Especially loved the Buddha and matches. That's so wrong somehow though.

@chris: In case anyone cares, your Invicta skeleton thingie was my fave!

@b16a2: Hope you saw I got the Bob Vanilla strap and credited you. Also, Ibiza? Great pics!

@Stephane: 3 times PER DAY. Wow, and I thought I was OCD about my wardrobe changes. Oh wait, do you change your clothes and then, obviously, your watch? Because that's what I do. I never repeat clothes/watch combo twice per day.

@tmg: I love love love your orange mili-strap. Did you get it from that vendor in HK on *bay? (FOLLOWUP: Thanks! Will check the site out...okay, checked it out, but Mr. Marx has no 24mm so I am SOL!)

@Kollektor: Thanks for the strap compliment. This allows me to announce that due to a fellow member encouraging me, I am debuting a new thread series on Panerai straps, where I review one per week. Let me know if you think this idea is dumb or worthwhile!

And as I said on Repgeeks, I am taking a SABBATICAL from launching these Wristie threads, at least for a whole week. So if someone doesn't take the initiative, SUFFER!

Did you see those crazies with their hand-powered revolutionary war-era sub in New York the other week? Great thinking guys!

Remember the Housatonic!!

...not quite as catchy as the Maine, I grant you, but then I'm no William Randolph Hearst.

Billionaires have it rough these days. Manor homes, Castles, Yachts, even air balloons -- it's all been done, and in fact, OUTDONE!

So guess what has been the latest trend in kajillionaire testosterone-driven acquisitiveness?

SUBMARINES!

French

English

"CNN is carrying a story on the gemini three-person submersible. 'Forget the yacht, mansion and private jet. This is Gemini, the family submarine described by inventor Robert Leeds as the world's first underwater sports car.' However, the submarine only goes about five knots, so speed is not its primary focus. It can handle three people for three days at depths of up to 50 meters. Not quite a James Bond sub-car, but cool nonetheless. The official site has lots of pictures." -- Slashdot

This is one of the examples shown on that site, via Slashdot.

Dunno. Just don't see Roman Abramovich in this.

I had Federal Agents knock on my door ... Home Land Secuity...

I always suspected Osama was in Hawaii!

I need to tell you that because i know how you must feel ... been there myself

In my dad's profession, the "Feds" are always sniffing, and up in his biness. Okay, not Homeland Security, but definitely IRS, and the like. One time, he arrived and his desk had tape all around it, with a Court order not to touch the contents or else he'd go to gaol.

He picked up the phone, called his lawyer, and within one day, the "audit" was over.

It's not what you know, but who you know -- though bluffing in life helps a lot.

Perfectly normal, it has to be processed before it comes into the country.

Right but Jawo isn't a newbie. He said he had received 40+ rep watches without this message ever showing up.

I don't think his concern is completely laughable -- just jarring for him.