Victoria

Plastic sound, all the way, now that you mention it. However, to be fair, could it be because the crystal is broken and thus the "resonance" of the sound is altered? The reverse open caseback sounds similar, but not as plasticky. I did the one drop test on my father's 007 SMP which I posted in the Omega thread. That for sure was sold as sapphire crystal. The one-drop beaded up and didn't roll or expand whatsoever. I can't speak to the tint, as it's dark, and my eyes are tired. I'll check in the morning, out of curiosity. I'm just going to ask for a full refund from the member, and possibly, stick to the RWG Trade area in future... Thanks for your info, Armin. It has helped me a lot tonight.

This is incredible people. If I didn't have bad luck, I'd have no luck at all. Excitedly picked up my Fiddy package which I had bought from a member at RWI, and opened it to see this: #1 #2 #3 #4 Movement (edit) This was the listing: "For sale is a PAM 127 Luminor 1950 Worn once, still in mint condition. No scratches or marks anywhere. Keeping good time. Crown guard is solid and secure. Originally from Andrew. Specs are: MOVEMENT: Asian Unitas 6497 Hand Wind CASE DIAMETER: 47mm THICKNESS: 16mm DIAL COLOR: Black SandWich Dial CASE MATERIAL: Stainless Steel 316L BRACELET: Brown Leather Band with Big Pre-V Buckle FRONT GLASS: Sapphire BACK GLASS: Sapphire Display Case Back BEZEL: Smooth Polished Bezel HACK MOVEMENT: Yes CLASP TYPE: Big Pre-V Buckle" [EDIT: Just read about how to tell if it's mineral glass, or sapphire glass. The "one drop" of water test. Well, it didn't bead up as with sapphire, but "expanded", so I'm guessing this is mineral glass. Which means, if this is true, that the listing was fraudulent...] I also took a shot of the movement, to prove it's the right watch... Just behind you can see the beautiful Kostas/V strap and the Greg Straps Crazy Horse on the equally fault-ridden PAM 199 from Paul. So far, V's strap was the best thing to happen to me, in a while. Thanks, darling. It's beautiful... Contacted Andrew, and he said it's 100 USD to replace the crystal, if indeed Sapphire. So, question, is this sapphire to begin with? Surely it wouldn't have cracked!?? And it's no where near mint condition. When taking the strap off, I noticed the lower lug screw is worn almost completely. Sigh. P.S. (edit): For the sake of fairness, his shot of the Fiddy, which I had posted in the Fiddy Strap thread: http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/6898/pam1271ba7.jpg ...looks good there, doesn't it?

Saw Piratedzeus big-upping Trevor on RWI, so had a look-see. Last night, Andrew said the PAM 005s were discontinued. Shame I thought, so when I saw it on Trevor Store, I was elated. Affordable too. But I'm tired of fantasy watches, so after hitting the search function and finding out Trevor's rep is a little spotty (good comms, not so good if something goes wrong, a kind of Paul-lite), I'd like to ask, what is your experience buying Panerai from him, and is this 005 decent? http://www.trevorstore.info/index.php?main...9a46fdc66882de2 Pam 005 Logo Marina Solid Case Back - Asia Unitas 6497 $120.00 Model: SS Black Logo Marina Dial with Strap + Buckle Movement: Asian Unitas 6497 17 J Manual Handwind movement Functions: Hours, Minutes, Running Secs at 9.00 subdials Dimensions: Dia 44mm x 12.5mm Thk Material: 1 piece forged case construction, solid 316 stainless steel Back: Close case back with detail Logo engraving Crown: One-piece solid pullout crown with o ring Crystal: Sapphire crystal with light AR Water-resistant There's also one for $100, and another Swiss ETA one, but not willing to spend that kind of money for spotty customer service. (EDIT-- Already been told the logo is all wrong, and the caseback should be checked to see if it matches the gen. Ah well. Next up in price is the Swiss ETA, so never mind...)

That's the best close-up I've ever seen on RWG. And the watch is MAGNIFICENT. I know there are some super reps of this, which many members here wear. But the gen is just on a different level, don't you think? Love it. Wish I could wear it... @Lazarini: Thanks, Laz! A few people already PMed me with the sad news that it's discontinued. But I have my contacts, and I am getting one just for me. So there!

Nice one! Is it me, or did you guys look at this Hublot and were very briefly reminded of the AP T3? Minus the crown guards, obviously, but the design is remarkably similar in this photo. I know there are some watch models that are meant to compete with each other directly (Omega Seamaster/Rolex Submariner, e.g.). Is this the case here? Did AP challenge Hublot?

THANKS TO ALL WHO REPLIED, WOO! Makes me happy and encourages me to do better in reviews, in future. Now, let me just reply to this member, since it's funny: Miss Miss Miss! Plllllease. I LOL'ed on the phone with my boyfriend, when I read him this. You know why? Because I LOVE SWORDS! I said in another thread that I collect militaria, and of course, I've mentioned a few times that I come from a military family on both sides -- so I have a lot of military items in my personal collection. My pride and joy is my great-grandfather's Pour Le M

I've seen many PAM/strap combos in wrist-check threads so far, but this was THE BEST. An 005, and a strap the colour of light buttercup yellow mixed with chantilly creme. Just perfect. May I ask you, b16a2, where you got either item? PM if you'd like. Other faves pictured today: @m4rcus: If that's Trusty's Repgeek special one, it's a bargain. Looks awesome. @robertk: All 3 watches pictured. You're fast becoming one of those members I mentioned in that thread, whose taste I admire. @evildee: That Fiddy looks great on you, not ridiculous! Lose your nerdy chums though. @TeeJay: Ahh well, there's always an exception. P.S.: Been trying to PM you, but your Inbox is full. Psst, check out my Pens in Pics post all the way down. You may be amused.

Is it me, or is it really HOT in here? GORGEOUS pic, P4gtr. What a combo! Love the Cohiba one, but I dislike anyone who gets real Cubans as a point of philosophical honour so I can't compliment you on that. ... How can I get me one of these here straps, pardner? P.S.: Loved the other guy's similar thread about his own PAM 177H. PamMex, I believe. Very nice strap, as well.

I'm dextral (dextrous), and wear my watch on the left-hand. Actually, this is an interesting phenomena: right-handed people wearing their watches on the right side. You see, I write right-handed but I am left-side dominant in almost everything. I believe I might've been born left-handed, but was trained to use my right, as is sometimes the superstitious custom in some cultures. Being left-handed was frowned upon, and even thought to be the sign of being possessed by the devil. (Most people know the Islamic traditional distaste against using the left hand, too, though obviously not the cultural distaste I mentioned in my case) This side-dominance includes golf, tennis, and any sport which requires two hands on equipment (there's a naughty joke in there somewhere) -- like Phil Mickelson in golf, for example, who also writes righty, but swings lefty. Interestingly he said that his brother is the mirror opposite of him. To return on-topic, no I wouldn't wear my watch on the right, but I will tell you one thing: the PAM 217 and other Destro models like the PAM 115 are my dream to own. Coincidentally tonight, I was told by a collector that the guy who did Destro casings phased them out a while ago.

I have to say that I really liked ordering from Narikaa because of that lessened risk. But it seems as you say, that US-based members are more fortunate in that regard. Can it be that it's a question of winking at a practise they know they are powerless to stop? (This is very sensitive talk on this forum; i.e., anything about Customs. Please let me know if I ever overstep the boundaries of what we should or shouldn't talk about. I remember one time someone posted a photo of the package he received, and the mods removed it!) Yes...we don't have a lot of Central and South American members, do we? Having lived in Brazil for a while, I know their Customs officials are mordantly corrupt. They open everything, and let you keep it, so long as you pay them...but what a hassle, and honestly, it makes you feel scuzzy. At least, it did me. I never use Fedex, but have heard of the problems with them from China. Like most people know here, USPS is prefered by most American residents. OH! Well, slap a silly sticker on my forehead! Didn't know that. Thanks for letting me know about the Valjoux quality.

No, it is a good question. I was thinking of posting a similar poll too, but felt it might've been asked before, or was too newbie for a 500 post member (1 month people!).

Wow, cableguy...me too. I was really down in the mouth today, and told a collector that I was thinking of quitting rep watches altogether, and consequently spending less time on rep forums, because of my crappy recent luck of late with them. I told him that I'm not expecting a perfect science, but now my "success rate" is...1 watch delivered that didn't have some kind of issue, whether minor or major. Out of 16/17. I lost count. (edit-- 2 out of 17. I forgot the HBB I just got. Fingers crossed...) Of course I'm over-dramatising this, and I'm sure my mood will pass the moment I fall in love with a watch all over again, but damn. It's not just me that feels this way today! Not sure if that was a good thing, or a bad thing, though. Sorry for your bothers.

Ooh, interesting. I'm guessing since you're in the EU, By-Tor, it behooves you to buy it from PT. Stupid Customs. YAY! I was hoping someone might comment on the quality, since my boyfriend is worth it, but USD 288 is still pricey if it would have serious flaws. I'm sure this is one of those "where can I get a Sub?" questions, but does no one have hesitations about the Asian movement? Okay, it's the New Asian Valjoux 7750, and I still don't know about movements, but ETA would've been nice...

You people are something else. Even you got me excited about this watch, and I had never even considered buying a TAG before!! Well, as soon as I received this from Andrew, I raced to post it here just so that you guys know it's already out there, in alleged 1:1 conditions. He's selling it for 288 as a special.......... "AquaRacer Chronograph Day-Date - Asia 7750- New Valjoux Asia 7750 (28,800bph)- Sapphire Glass- This is the same high quality 1:1 from the Tag Carrera & Link Chronograph Maker- Detailed 1:1 engraving on caseback- Uni-directional Bezel- OUR PRICE: USD288" Main Link (didn't work last time I clicked): http://www.ttwristwatch.com/index.php?main...d=TAG0019SWThis Secondary Link: http://www.ttwristwatch.com/index.php?main...roducts_id=1801 (blue dial, it also comes in black & white) Already emailed asking if he has the SS bracelet. We'll see. Sweet watch though!

Thanks for the replies! Please keep them coming, but the consensus seems to be in tune with my gut instinct -- keep the one on the right (darker blue bezel). This is what happened: We bought this Swiss ETA 2735.80 from Andrew. It arrived DOA, the pearl was completely misaligned (you can't see it in photos, but it's instantly visible in person), and the bracelet didn't have the tell-tale "007" on it. No problems. It's Andrew. One email, and we had a new, working one the very next week, on Tuesday. Please note that in his website the more expensive Swiss ETA -- by over an U$100 -- one is listed as larger than the Asian movement, 42.5mm to 41mm if memory serves, which my father liked. The bezel colour was lighter in the Swiss ETA, but he had no opinion about that, and in fact, not even now. To him, blue is blue. We received the new one, and later that day, I happened to put the two side-by-side. I immediately noticed the darker bezel and smaller size matched up with the Asian version on his site, not the one we thought we had paid for. Did his staff goof, and send me the wrong Omega? So, I emailed him and told him I'd have my watchsmith open it up. I'm sure it would be fine, but just wanted to check to see if it was SWISS ETA, or Asian. I also noticed that in By-Tor's and other's reviews, the bezel blue is a deep blue, so I instantly calmed down about that. If it's Swiss, I think we'll keep the new one to the right, because it looks great. The bracelet is a LOT better. And also, I wouldn't want to inconvenience Andrew for a further shipment, just because it's smaller. What do you think? Thanks for reading this far.

The Panerai marque watch grows on you. I've never seen a watch which people SO dislike in the beginning, and tell themselves, never never for me -- and then slowly, like a lover, they cave in and buy one. The Hublot is different. It's the kind of hootchie mama watch you know going in, is attractive and will call attention to you because it's so BIG, so dramatic. The effect is similar: suddenly, you MUST have an Hublot Big Bang!! But once you do, then what? No straps, nothing. One day, I'm going to buy a real Panerai. Maybe two. I don't think I'll be buying a Big Bang. That's the difference. CAVEAT EMPTOR! Besides, most people can't tell anyway, as most people know. One thing though. I would wear even my worst Panerai watch with head held high in Worth Avenue. I would NEVER wear this even to the loo, there. Even using my mother's "trick". From Paul?? Good luck... Seriously, though, it's the best version I could find (did you see the correctly-placed date, and Hublot-type screws?), and was a steal at $119, no shipping. But at this moment, mes amis, I cannot recommend Paul anymore. He's a more than usually bad drop-shipper, than the rest. (EDIT 6 AM EDT 28 July: 4 days later after emailing him with the problem, asking for some kind of action/response, he emails back a vague statement of "let me check, will reply later too". Sigh. Okay, at least it's progress and better than the silent treatment. I never want to be unfair to anyone, but really, I was at my wit's end with him. Sorry about that)

FRIDAY My new fantasy HBB in yellow gold/black, with non-working chronos, and faux subdials, minus the 6-o'clock 24-hour dial. I got it from Paul in the same order as the crapola PAM 199 (he's ignoring my emails asking for redress, so if you want this, do it at your own risk -- I mean, more than usual). HBB in YG/black Close-up: Let me tell you, it looks great. It doesn't have real ceramic, and the gold may look a bit dodgy very up-close, but within hours of putting it on, I've had two compliments at Starbucks and from one of my neighbours. I'm still a Pannie girl, though! SATURDAY Going to watch The Simpsons wearing my beloved PAM 111h (Andrew) with brand-new custom-made croc strap, bought from Rolli. DOH! SUNDAY Have a formal do on Sunday, so might as well go with the authentic-looking Cartier Tankissime from Josh. P.S.: One more week of red nails, then I'll switch to French, Pix.

Thanks cableguy! I seriously doubt it, but then, I only have these two to go on. The "MOP" Boh

It's a very long story, and I have a habit of making stories even longer. So, quick question: Which of these two would you as an Omega aficionado keep? Which is closest to the gen, and why? And don't look now, but I think this was totally a *bay scam auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/OMEGA-Seamaster-James-...5QQcmdZViewItem

AY! I feel like the White Lady in the Wayans Bros. "In Living Colour"! Thanks, Cornerstone! Gotta love Babelfished anything. Here's their Mont Blanc intro: "Presently, the most prominent writing tool. 149 is not restricted to mere writing tool. Making agreeing or the hand where the elegant material is splendid it is proud it is and so on, in order to transcribe thought, or just the person who is used in order to record signature to be able take in, recognize the real value, the tasting which 149 is hard to forget." Very hard to forget.

It vaguely looks like a poor man's 3717, which you adore.

Tsk! And you a lover of the classic IWC, too! By the way, did I answer my own question about Caran D'Ache reps, in this site?? My Mandarin is a bit rusty. http://www.pensite.net/fountain/caran/carantop.htm (No offence to any Far East Asian member, but sometimes your websites are god-awful. WAAY too busy and colourful) And this is the Caran D'Ache rep pen I'd give up my left boob for (very Scheherazade). http://www.joonpens.com/Caran%20d'Ache...ition_pens.html

I think so too! Well, if they're my maid. :velho:

Yay! A quick reply, and a nice one too. Thanks, Cornerstone! The Waterman is my personal favourite, in gens. The nibs are pure magic, and can improve even a doctor's chicken scratch writing. Yes, the Mont Blancs do tend to write "large" but I personally like that. I'm not into fine nibs, at all. Your point about the black resin is very true, as well. I recently saw a woman at an upscale bookshop here in Miami called Books-and-Books. She handed an author her obviously rep Mont Blanc Greta Garbo pen, with which to autograph the copy of his book. 10 people back from her, and even I could see that was no real Mont Blanc. If you let me know where I could find a Caran D'Ache rep, I'd hug you!

The love of timepieces and writing instruments, or watches and pens as they are known to "just folks", seem often to go hand-in-hand, don't you find? Well, I am no different. Since childhood, I have loved the look and feel, and especially the collecting of both items. Maybe it's the mix of the modern and the old-fashioned in them that I love. Both represent a taste for labour intensive artisan handiwork (that painstaking crafting of often tiny pieces one unto the other), but with modernity knocking on the door, with its screws, and wheels a-turning, and stark metallic lines. So, without further ado, my very small pen collection. MONT BLANC MEISTERST