Victoria

As you know, I have the very lovely Narikaa Ladies Tag Link in black. http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?s=&amp...st&p=372776 I've been wearing it without having the bracelet sized. Just now, when I went to take Wristcheck photos, I noticed to my horror, one of the clasp screws was missing. It's unwearable. I'll probably end up having to canabalise sunglasses or similar to get the screw. Or pay my watchsmith or an oculist for it. But just so that you know, if you have one, TIGHTEN IT NOW! Or else. Those of you who always suspected I had a screw loose, now have confirmation.

Maybe I was too hasty. Upon closer inspection, the DeVille is the dread 7750 with seconds at six -- these have notorious problems. Add to that the chronos, and that's asking for Tee-rubble. Please do an ample search before deciding on it, Ferrariz. The Swiss ETA Railmaster looks a surer bet. However, the straps are no problem at all. Toady gave you great tips. Here's another: http://www.internationalwatchman.com/bands.html This vendor specialises in HIGH quality leather and exotics in all sizes. You cannot believe the prices if you tried. Good luck!

My dear Demon, this is too delicious! You made a slow day on RWG perk up. Hope to see this one alongside the APRO, in the Wristchecks!

I think anyone who is in this hobby, whether seller or buyer, struggles with this moral question. Haven't quite made peace with it, or made sense of it, even to myself -- I am just hopeful that since watchmaking is so intricate, that at least child labour isn't involved. And sadly, I cannot police what happens in other countries, and what other cultures consider to be appropriate working conditions. I once saw a reportage on 20/20 (a TV news magazine) where a female Vietnamese factory boss slapped around her workers. When the American Nike execs told her in no uncertain terms to stop, she said her culture didn't think such behaviour was cruel, or unusual. It's a very intricate situation... @Kenberg below: God.

Hi Fitmic. I think Ferrariz said he was going for the gen in the Connie series. I can relate. That's why I didn't snap that 005 that was being offered in the Sales forum, this weekend. *waves to DET11, reading the thread: Hey buddy!*

Heck yeah! You think I'd give you my sloppy seconds? NOR, may I add, will you be getting just any old Florida souvenir, flogged to unsuspecting tourists at Turnpike rest stops. There are thousands, nay, millions of people around this world whose bathrooms are graced by this charming reminder of their Florida visit.

UPDATE: Still haven't gotten out to buy your Prize, Doc. I am targetting a Saturday shopping date, with a Tuesday posting date! Will keep you informed -- I want it to be just perfect.

I know we've been ragging on him, but this is where a work like Ph.DGuy's might prove informative. If he is concentrating simply on the user-end of informal economies, then that's no use to us. But if his dissertation uncovers, no not the actual factories' names, but how they operate to breathe life into the pirated goods trade, I'm sure a few of us would be lining up to read it. Jdavis got it right, I believe, in part -- about the assembly bit. It's like potcheen making in Ireland, or South Africa, or moonshine in the Appalachias. Basically, a mom and pop production in-house, which everyone knows exists, but neighbours don't squeal because they must get "benefits".

Wow, my first double post. Let me erase this first one, and put a photo here instead: Vietnamese factory workers. Look how happy! The boss lady is happy! The sewing machine specialist is happy! Everyone looks well-fed and HAPPY! I'm so happy now!

Quality what?

I think the point is that since Vienna's dad works and lives in the UAE, he wouldn't have had it, in Austria. The Old Continent isn't half easy on its sons and daughters -- glad I left before experiencing the rollercoaster myself. But sorry for your troubles, Pug. @Vienna: Cool! No watch though.

I knew about the 10:09 (or rather, I thought it was 10:10 -- Sexy Time! ). But what is the subliminal message behind all the twelves?

100% agreed. Just to say, welcome, ferrariz! And also, you got what might be considered a dress watch by some (my father wears it to semi-formal occasions). I am going to suggest the Railmaster in SS, because the rep straps in leather are AWFUL. I always ask Andrew to try and change them to SS, or rubber. They scream fake otherwise. http://www.trustytime88.com/index.php?main...4d54681e0431855 How about the DeVille Chrono? It's $268 for the Asia. Rather dashing, I think.

Seen this way, well, you know. No reason to beat a dead reindeer hide to death. BUT THIS VIEW! Awesome.

Aww man, that's beautiful! If only she'd post her pics regularly in the Wristies. Maybe you can convince her, UB7? I see Mrs. UB7 wears her watches "high". Very elegant!

It's Christmas all over again. They refunded my U$500+ and are going to fix the computer without charge. THAT MEANS MORE REP WATCHES! YAY!

Don't feel bad, TT. That's just because you have a sense of shame and appropriateness regarding your own. Whenever I travel and observe my fellow Brits (they're the ones with red as tomato faces from all the drinking and unaccustomed sun), I feel much the same way. Twain dubbed his countrymen, "Innocents Abroad" -- one of the best travellogues ever written. If only everyone, American or otherwise, had his bonhomie! http://classiclit.about.com/library/bl-ete...nts-preface.htm

Darling, we're the best show in town!

I don't think anyone can convince you you're wrong of anything, Puggy. "Assuming I'm American will never get you anywhere." It comes from observing you. I know that you'd never be outraged that a Brazilian or Bahamian were presuming you were an American; an American doing so especially elicits this reaction from you. BTW, I found 15 Euros on the floor the other day. I think I'll go buy a yachtie! Ciao, Pugwash.

If the other Canadian doesn't work out, I'm going after Corgi. Man after my own Captainess America-loving heart! Mind you, they'd probably stone him in Ottawa. Fear not, dear Ken. It'll be Yuan soon.

Ironically, no Canadian would EVER want to be described as American. If people think they're doing them favours by so noting, I think it will come as a surprise they don't appreciate it. You still made as much an assumption as you say the person did, Pugwash. Your point is hanging very limpid in the wind at the mo'.

By this description, you're assuming he's American. Unless he tipped his hand by saying "dollars", he or indeed, she, could be Canadian, Australian, etc. etc. It's curious what ticks us off. Clearly we're getting into the realm of nitpickiness (you should hear what makes me bonkers).

I just saw a finished Metta on Risti for sale. Now, sometimes rough stitching works great on a strap. But that one defies description. My mum has a friend who promised to have a look at my incoming Metta hide, and to do the strap for free. Otherwise, V would be a port-of-call, for sure.

Catalogue-worthy shot! Pix, thanks for this quick but very informative review. Sometimes, one just wants to know the "tells" in a rep watch, without having to read paragraphs (does that sound ungrateful? Yes, but I hope people know what I mean!). Your 1-2-3 tells were very important. And one should take care to watch out for the hands size. Thanks for the round-up of other links too!