Victoria

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

Flawless description. Agree with it. Wow, that's attention to detail in a review. 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!

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.

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.

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!

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"...

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

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

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.

WEDNESDAY Getting spare time these days is like selling the Pope a double bed -- difficult. My late Wristchecks start with the TWP PAM 210 on V's gorgeous blue-violet strap, next to Narikaa's Mont Blanc Starwalker. I call it the Elizabeth Taylor strap. Wish the ring cost as much as hers. THURSDAY Marching towards 2008 with the penguin and Andrew's Franck Mueller Curvex Crazy Hours. And some other bird, looking a bit swallow. (Groan)

I wish I had Photoshop, :sss:, grazie!! Well, so as not to lightly threadcrap, I will just say the rest of the watch is ravishing. The straps, dead on perfect. And yes, I guess DSN's 005 for the logo alone is the guy for me... FOLLOWUP: Even better line of sight -- thanks again! If DSN's logo is not correct, I will have to say that it's the best one I've seen out there, though. Unless Kru, PamMan, Babola or yourself can point me to another...and you have email.

Hmm, a lot of Canadians on this board. Having lived in Canada as a kid, for a while, I really love and appreciate the country and its people. I knew there was a reason I liked you, Toady.

I think ZD's is BEAUTIFUL. As you know, I'm in the market for one, and since it's a closed caseback, I don't mind its guts too much. The one thing I would like to ask, Kru, is if the slant of the logo is right? I think not, and that is what prevents me from getting the cheapo from Andrew.

It sucks not having a Shoutbox because then I have to post this -- where's the MidWeek Wristcheck thread, please? I know I know, we're all hung over, or too bloated with turkey. FOLLOWUP: Trying to start only one per week, or less. I did the Weekend ones -- too soon for another; I was hoping someone else would start the ball rolling.

Little indeed! You have what amounts to a genuinely diverse collection, full of quality and style, Corgi. I think your jewel in the crown must be Rolex 16613BL, but then, I'm ever so partial to that watch. Really, you make no false step in any of your choices. From the elegant Vacheron Constantins, to that impeccable Patek Philippe (Calatrava?), to the macho Breitling Navi and Omega Railmaster, whilst the 090 and Cartier Santos 100 are dress-up watches which look fantastic informally as well. What a way to celebrate your 1000th post, and on Christmas Day too. Congrats CORGI!

A Jewish Italian Christmas Festivus, I love it, neighbour. (Most Italians actually have lasagna on Christmas day, but that's a lot of work, I fancy) Neither mum nor I are cooks, so like Thanksgiving, we had placed a catering order for turkey today. It arrived, we heated it, and I set up the table. Last night at midnight, we opened presents as is the more Catholic custom, of "celebrating" Christmas Eve instead of Christmas day proper. It was a good day today. Family together is always good. Glad to hear you did the family thing this year, Jfreeman, and I won't ask why not last year, fear not. P.S.: For those interested, the Greatest Story Ever Told is starting on TCM soon. *g*

He siad oicffe not wfei.

Merry Christmas, Brent! Strap looks amazing. BTW, I hope you got my email, although I quite understand that the holidays are trying for our leisure time.

Just for that, I changed the rating to Gold Star from Zing. If ever there was a lovely watch shown on this Wristcheck, it was the Elgin. Merry Christmas, POTR!!

Hey Joe, and Merry Christmas! Unfortunately, the rep watch business exists with great difficulty outside of the Far East. Unless you are talking of the Chinatown (two Chinatowns actually) of Toronto where you MIGHT be able to get Canal St (NYC) cheap watches, you have look abroad for all your rep watch needs. -- As an aside, my boyfriend is from T.O., so I know from his wanderings trying to find knock-offs, mostly DVDs, how difficult it is given police crackdowns -- There ARE two options in the USA: one is a collector called TWP, who specialises these days in Panerais, and he has a gallery here on RWG. The other is a lower-quality merchant (no slam at all) on two competing forums, named Wackobirdkeeper. I personally have bought from both, and recommend both to you. Farther in the UK, there are Narikaa, and Precious Time. Customs risks are lessened coming from there. Either way, you should hunt around the various collector galleries here for what you are looking for. You may have been burnt before, but perhaps you were dealing with scammers and not the reputable merchants recommended by the forum, who may have faults, but are no scammers. EDIT: Here is a recent post showing lists of scam sites. Should you find info that helped you out, you could also upgrade your membership in due course. Good luck!

Gak! That's silly then. What's the point of having Military Time if it doesn't show 1/13 2/14 ... 10/22 11/23 etc.? That would be like advertising a GMT watch, and not having a GMT hand. The response of B&R watches ARE military watches does nothing to quell my misgivings.

LOLOLOLOL... (The "call" of the century. We didn't have that emotion on CNN even on 9/11...)