Victoria

DSN PAM 112 on Mario Paci SE Senape. Best shot I've ever taken.

Thanks for the advice! What makes for a good member around here?

1. Observe

2. Read

3. Be jovial

4. Help others

5. If the forum helps you, upgrade to Supporter status

6. Don't reach 4000 posts in 6 months.

Good luck! Love your ID.

OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer ..basically means it's made by the guys who makes the genuine article, not necessarily the same guys who sell them under a brand name.

Ape, I just editted the Wiki definitions article. I used your definitions in part below. See if you wish to edit, to refine it.

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?autoco...ticle&id=83

OEM -- "Original Equipment Manufacturer": genuine article, not aftermarket or secondary brands

Prince, the definition for AR was there BUT I realise now it's all jumbled together. A more visually pleasing edit is called for.

AR -- anti-reflective coating on watch crystals, casts a blueish tint

Do you think though, that that is simply the same basic 'brand recognition', which a watch enthusiast can use to tell if someone is wearing a rep or a gen watch, and the same basic principles applying?

Hey TeeJay!

In theory, yes, I think the same "tells" apply. Here is where they differ, IMHO.

For example, someone wearing jeans, t-shirt and driving a crappy car, not so likely to be wearing a gen watch. By comparison, a woman wearing shabby clothes and driving a crappy car, not so likely to be carrying a gen handbag.

A woman's judgementalism of another is more physical, than a man's. A man seems to target earning-power objects like cars and indeed, the watch itself. Ours seems to rely on accessories (shoes, jewelry) which CAN be just as expensive sometimes.

Have you ever seen the price of a pair of Jimmy Choos?

But also, it's about overall presentation -- nice manicure, pedicure, good style of hair, quality of clothes. That's not something men are socialised to notice or care about, I think.

I admit, that 'wearing it, or it wears you' method isn't 100% accurate, and is just an example, but, who's to say that just because someone is carrying last season's handbag, it has to be considered a rep?

It throws some doubt, but not necessarily. In fact, sometimes it's the opposite -- a model which hasn't hit the shops yet elicits surprise, and doubt. Do you remember when the LV Cerises series came out? (Perhaps not. *g*). Certain women were doubtful of the authenticity of said bags at first.

Emily's dad has given her several bags over the years, which, in theory could be (and he passed them off as) genuine, but, knowing the person behind the gift, we highly suspect to be fake.

Nice guy...but then we know him, alas.

When he saw the Dior bag I got her for Christmas from Ken, it was never questioned, nor were the Mont Blanc pen and cufflinks I gave him. Under any other circumstances, I would say passing a rep item off as a gen item as a gift is an incredibly tacky thing to do, but, I would preface that by pointing out that a) I never actually told him they were gen, he made that assumption (helped by the lovely box the cufflinks came in (thanks to Narikaa for those items ) and b ) bear in mind that this is the man who owes so much in back-payments of childsupport, he will be repaying it untill Emily is in her 30s. (so not really deserving courteous treatment)

You are too kind to give anything. Maybe I would too, but it wouldn't be nice items like Ken's.

TeeJay, I am still in your debt, I haven't forgotten! I apologise publicly though, and hope to address this for the New Year!

I can finally post my Explorer pics, By-Tor! Won't you and Nanuq be surprised.

Silix Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer (Ref. 1016)

A difficult watch to photograph to get just the right non-reflective shots. But beautiful!

(However, this is my first domed plexiglass rep watch and am I glad I got it. I don't think I would like the PAM 249 that much)

@Pix: Happy Birthday, M. Pix! :punk:

FRIDAY

I knew I waited to post these late for a reason. ...my new "vintage" Silix Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer (Ref. 1016)! Just behind, the recently discussed Bialetti Mukka.

Coffee and watches -- all the goodness heaven allows.

SATURDAY

Al fresco party in the late afternoon, so busting out a very feminine and pretty TechnoMarine. :cloud9:

SUNDAY

Slai shot!

The DSN PAM 112 on an OF Paci "Medici" (Vecchia Sella Tan). Lovely strap.

...be safe, peeps!

The cool thing about the aeropress is that it only makes the "heart" of the coffee. In other words, you make a very small, concentrated amount in the press, put it in a cup, and add more hot water to dilute it to american strength. Plus it cleans up 'very' easily. You can play around with the variables a bit and really home-in on the perfect cup.

As mentioned above, your "heart" reference sold this. That's a writer's description right-there.

I bought it at Scamazon instead of Fleabay:

Delivery estimate: January 4, 2008 - January 9, 2008

* 1 of: Aeropress Espresso Maker

Sold by: Liquid Planet Online (seller profile)

* 1 of: Aeropress Filters 350 Pack

Sold by: Liquid Planet Online (seller profile)

Grand Total: $35.93

Sheesh. I buy straps daily for 5x that price.

Thanks, SZ!

@TMG: Cool! I'm still in the market for an electric one, because it's easier for my father (that's always a consideration in my home, since he's not as spry as he used to be...). The Aeropress will be for me.

@Doc Savage: I must thank you first and foremost for the tip! ...got the filters too, and they say they're washable/reusable, so this is a highly practical implement. Love it.

@DS Followup: Oh yes. Like all Brits, we have an electric kettle. No worries there! What with the 3-5 cups of tea, and 2-3 cups of coffee, now you understand why I am wired up at 4 AM.

i saw that bialetti a couple weeks ago and am thinking about giving it a go.....what are your thoughts vic? in addition to how the coffee turns out, i'm curious about build quality & ease of cleaning....

I got it last Christmas from my boyfriend so I've had some experience with it. I mention this because his entire family only use Bialetti, and have used this before.

It's big, bulky, DURABLE and has a capuccino mechanism, which when pressed, theoretically gives you a nice capu/latte. Theoretically, Deltatahoe, because the result is horrible, I'm afraid.

For just plain espresso, not too bad. However, the smaller the brikka, the better the espresso, I've noticed. The crema is richer with those. This one has virtually none. EDIT: What I have been taught to do by a Cuban-American friend, to get a better crema with this Mukka, is to take a tiny bit of espresso in a cup, pour it on some granulated white sugar, and spoon it into a froth. Pour that on top of your espresso in the cup. Works well, but as you can see, a lot of extra work.

Lastly, I find that you have to RELIGIOUSLY clean this Mukka more than other types, because calcium and mould forms if not.

All in all, I would say buy this version only for the visual (it looks chic on one's countertop, I'll give it that; it's a party conversation piece). I would really stick to the basic one: http://www.bialettishop.com/BrikkaMain.htm instead of the Moocow.

HTH, D!

@Subzero1: Thanks! It's so affordable, that I believe I could buy that and an electric one. Darn the Scandinavian styling of the Bodum Santos though...

@UB7: LOL. Happy cooking! BTW, another member raved about the Nespresso in PM. Very nice. But as mentioned, I got a Gaggia Evolution so I'm just looking for an American-style coffeemaker.

Not Mr. Coffee though.

EDIT: Wow, UB7 that's beautiful. I saw your component setup in another thread, so I can see you are into high-quality goods. What brand is that coffeemaker? I can't quite make it out.

@Subzero1 followup: SOLD! That "heart" reference did it -- so evocative. I'm off to Fleecebay to find it.

Hi Vic! Happy Holidaze to you and family.

LOL! That's fantastic, Rima. I will re-use that on my Christmas cards next year.

(And the same to you, and yours!)

We love our Krups coffeemaker, have the same one for 14 years (!), whereas our friends Cuisinart gave out after 3.

It makes a really good, strong teutonic cup, and has a clean, Bauhaus look.

Thanks for that tip. I once had a Krups which didn't last too long, but IIRC, it was a "dorm-type" 4-cupper, which cost about

Hi Andy. Of course I realize Admin are entitled to holidays, its only an email address I need. I am trying to raise funds for a watch for my father and don't want to land in an (even bigger) debt.

Hey Dutchy. Thanks for trying to help the forum out.

What Andy said is correct, of course, staff are entitled to holidays and indeed, many of them are away, overloading the time of those who remain. But then, you know that. Instead, usually I would tell you to check this part of your "My Controls" area:

Options

. Purchase Paid Subscriptions

. Manage Your Attachments

. Manage Friend List

. Manage Ignored Users

. Email Settings

. Board Settings

. Change Email Address

. Change Password

Unfortunately, when _I_ click on it, it refers me to the Admin team -- not the usual "renew subscription" pull-down menu which could also be the case for new subscriptions like yours.

It's possible this is part of the "reducing RWG" measures employed by Admin, as he improves the site.

To be practical, let me suggest you check out the main index page, and send a PM to one of the Mods once you see they are on same time as you are. Then they would tell you what's going on, better than just guessing as I am.

Still, I thought you might be interested in some feedback, as I too waited to be upgraded for a while, and it was nerve-wracking. Funny, huh? Good luck!

FOLLOWUP: Yay, I see Admin reading this. May I also inform the Tank Engine about a certain member who has been waiting patiently for an upgrade for a few months -- brsmith11, if memory serves. Thanks for the hard work during this off-period!

@Dutchy below: That is unusual. Intuition/logic tells me the Payment methods are being revised, and therefore, your upgrade will be stalled.

Hoping your upgrade, and that of others, goes through! Logging off for the day, but please PM if you need anything.

Victoria-

My two favorite coffeemakers are the french press, and this:

bodum santos from amazon

give this one a try- I think you will really like it.

Hey Drhydro! I saw you composing and decided to stick around to see what you would say.

Like many "Europeans" I have a Bodum, in fact two, such as this one.

Americans call it the French press, as you did. It's a cafetiere for me.

I see the advantages of having an electric one (in fact, I like that, thanks for pointing that out!), since I love scalding black coffee, but I find the Bodum gives a different taste to American-style coffee -- a little more full bodied than I prefer. Not that I'm a Folgers type of girl. My favourite are Sumatra blends.

That said, I will investigate it. Thanks for the tip!

P.S.: Forgot to mention that my "American-type coffee" is actually a misnomer, since my morning coffee of choice is pre-ground Tim Hortons. ...I grind other coffee beans later in the day.

I love coffee. I got a wonderful Gaggia Evolution 16100 as one of my Christmas gifts. My espresso needs are met, yay.

But now, I need advice on a good American-style coffeemaker, so since RWG is slow, please help me out with this non-watch related question.

BTW, saw this on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...PZ&v=glance

Cuisinart DCC-1200 12-Cup Brew Central Coffeemaker, Black and Stainless Steel

It's programmable, with all the bells and whistles. EDIT: That's a must for me. Only problem is, we have limited counter space in a smallish kitchen.

TIA!

Bags are way easier to replicate than watches, as you pointed out, watches carry mechanical elements which may not be as easy to replicate.

As I said too.

However, you know how CERTAIN guys here can tell a rep Panerai or Rolex from across the room, or from the merest glance?

Certain women are like that about handbags.

No matter how good the copy, I can tell a rep from a gen LIKE THAT. My mother, even more. It's about the stitching, the detailing, the interior leather or backing, the size of the lock, the engraving on the logo, etc. etc. etc. Good rep handbags can indeed run you into the high 100s, even 1000s, but they all will have a tell-tale sign.

Unfortunately, my talents are limited to seeing a handbag in person. Perhaps other guys here have that same ability with watches, but only in person because you get a better sense of a watch that way.

Remember Tin Cup with Kevin Costner? He said you get a special feeling when you hit a ball cleanly -- a tuning fork vibration goes off inside you. Same feeling with me and gen/rep handbags (and paste jewelry, especially diamonds).

I can't speak for any other marque than Panerai, but as most members know, one collector -- River -- stocks 24mm/26mm springbars for PAMs.

I recently have taken to using them on my DSN 112, and though it just feels "different" (not gen), they are far more convenient. I have a few screwdriver scratches on my 112, that I could well have avoided with their earlier use. Cape Cod hasn't removed them.

All in all, a good question. I look forward to reading the replies.

Feta...I don't like either.

At first, I preferred the 197 because I think the 183 is a stunning watch, and this one in RG is perfect. I prefer base PAMs, but the 197 "called" to me more. But then I saw the engraving -- or utter lack of! Meh. The C

A size which exemplifies bold & beautiful instead of big and loud.

Flawless description. Agree with it.

Bracelet at it's skinniest point (bottom near clasp): 16mm

Wow, that's attention to detail in a review.

It should also be noted that a genuine Caliber 315 S C movement as found in the original and new Jumbo

has 29 Jewels and beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour.

I had no idea TWP sold these...my dad adores Patek, so thanks for the heads up.

BTW, I am sure the president of your company knows he's receiving a rep watch, and is comfortable with that. A rare man and situation, indeed.

Thanks for the review, D4me!

i'm pretty sure he means the watch case, as in what the movement goes into

Understood. Hence the Jimmyzfu mention. To me that is the "casing" rather than a watch case, which has the meaning I took from it. Sorry.

EDIT: Ahem, may I then suggest a gentleman known as Taiji, on RWI. He's got loads of good-quality PAM cases, parts, crystals, etc. Bought from him, and he's reputable, IMO.

i think he's looking for watch cases ... could be wrong though

but to address the OP, I think all you can do is to watch the trade area on this and the other forums

Fortunately for my goof Wojtecki, TC, and Panatime all make watch case holders, as well as watch strap holders.

So, same link info, practically the same "look" and the offer of Woj's email stands to anyone who needs it.

BTW, good luck in finding a watch case in the trade forums. I see them come up very infrequently. Still, it's good advice.

Now that Jimmyfu cases are no longer available......what are some of the best cases being produced presently? I'm looking to buy a few for future projects.

Hey Blackwind. Remember to hit that "Search", which is invaluable not only for newbies, but for all members.

Here is a recent thread, on page 1 of the Panerai forum.

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showtopic=64514

There are also some cheaper leatherette ones on Fleabay, from Pstraps (Panatime/Joe), who unfortunately, doesn't often advertise them. Good luck!

Thanks Gio...Great write-up!!!

Absolutely. I know it's almost a year-old but I found this very informative.

BTW, what's up with this Alcha person marking the post as "spam"? I checked his member profile, and he's given only one rating since joining this past June -- to Gioarmani's post above. WTF.

Hopefully, his hand just slipped, moving his mouse from "thanks"...

I am still in the camp of reps having no impact on gen pricing. The best analogy would be handbags. Even with all the Louis Vuitton and Gucci knock-offs (which have varying quality levels and in general are more readily available) the prices and volumes of those two brands continue to increase.

It's interesting that you make this analogy, Kruzer.

I buy handbags as often as I buy rep watches. They are my second passion.

At least once a week, I go in person to boutiques, consignment shops, or department stores and buy only gens. The price of LV bags, which are my favourite, has remained stable these past 5 years, neither much increasing nor decreasing (though LV finally jumped a bit this year).

But there is a curveball thrown into this.

LV have launched DOZENS of new designs, far more than they were known to do, in the past 5 years. I have a permanent call-me order from a boutique when they receive their latest LV model, so I can get first crack from all their clients. I used to get called once a fortnight. Now literally, it's 2 times per week.

Further, the sheer amount of makes of handbags has shot through the ROOF since 2000. Before it was LV, Herm

This is a very basc questions is there anything available or in print that I can read and digest to better uderstand the many abbreviations, acronyms and terminology used in the replica watch forums and discussons For example what is MBW mean? Or the term "franken" .... what does it wll mean????

The recent Wiki abbreviations article compiled by some members (hope as a non-Supporter, you can read it):

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?autoco...ticle&id=83

E.g.: I gave this definition for Franken:

Frankenwatch -- a watch assembled and personalised by bits and pieces, usually made to a person's specifications; humourously derived from "Frankenstein". Variations include FrankenPAM, FrankenJust, FrankenTona

And MBW/MBK was explained by another member as:

MBW. Marias Best Watch- Legendary dealer, who whilst hard to contact and deal with- supplied 1:1 Rolex copies.

MBK. The next generation of MBWs, actually the name of the shopping mall in Bangkok where the dealer is located

Hi guys & gals I saw some threads mentioning about Bob straps, may I know what's the website to locate Bob straps if any? Thanks. Haha I'm still hunting for a nice gator strap... not easy to find...

No worries, Alant. I'm delighted to be able to help out someone, considering RWG is near-abouts dead.

First, the forum section. Bob straps from Christian.

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showforum=71

Second, Fleabay's Bob strap merchant, Markus (an exceptionally nice guy), Christian's partner.

http://stores.ebay.com/WACCEX-SHOP

Third, the actual Waccex website for Bob straps:

http://www.waccex.de/catalog/

Markus' gator straps will run you about $50.00 not including shipping.

Did I give you this site already?

http://www.internationalwatchman.com/home.html

It's got crocodile (without ridges) straps dead cheap for $35.00.

My favourite cheapish gator/croc strap are Don's:

http://rlx.homestead.com/don6.html

...information overload, but worth it. Good luck.

Great thread idea, By-Tor!

Been thinking about this since I saw your post yesterday. I can only come up with one. Wish there were a $98 Andrew-type special version of the ladies Bedat & Co Concept B3 watch with bling.

Not an expensive watch. They run $3000 new, and around half that used on Fleabay. But it's lovely.

Why, Ken. This is the first time I remember you participating in these Wristcheck series! Commemorative watches are fun, aren't they?

Here's a thread I started on them, which included (appropriately) General Franco's knickers.