Victoria

Isn't that freaky. Because of the person's ID "Safesurfer" I wondered earlier if it was Sssurfer! I can't fully agree, but I adore Seikos. Very underrated watches. I hope you saw the Flickr Seiko Pool group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/53794676@N00/ Ahh, thought you lived there. Good luck on getting that Diashock!

I have the 183, but was only able to wear it once due to the stripped lug (TWP very kindly is modding one for me). It also has the stripped crown, but he's taking care of that too. I would suggest not getting a 183, with regret, due to this common problem. It's beautiful. Looks like an elephant though, and I'm sure it couldn't be. @Scoobs below: Coincidentally, after posting this what do I find but a Demonslayer thread where HighflyingClive tut-tuts any idea of not owning a 183. However, I knew what he had said previously about being gentle with the crown, etc. and it still happened. Damn shame. If I ever get a gen Radiomir, it would be the 183 in a heart-beat.

Do you know there's a Timepiece Pool section? I didn't. http://www.flickr.com/groups/timepiece/pool/ Also, "watches". http://www.flickr.com/groups/timepiece/pool/tags/watches/ Fave shots: Mods, I will understand if this is moved into the Looney Bin due to "WIS Porn".

Are you the best lumer around? Incredible shots, TWP. You can see that from the Spacestation!

What a day for eyecandy on RWG! Great shots guys. I'd like to single out Ewing's unusual stitchless strap. Black is my least favourite strap colour. But here are a few of mine! OEM Rubber Diver: Camille Fournet Beaver Tail: OEM Black calf: Timeconnection.biz custom-made glossy bony croc (from member, Rolli): Toscana Sienna Carbon Fibre: I know you only do 44mm PAMs, Scoobs, but here's a very nice shot of a rare ostrich leg from APB, on the Fidster: This weekend, I am presenting a new black strap in the Wristchecks.

LOL!

Beautiful card, Narikaa. God bless you and your loved ones this Christmas/New Year. @ALL: As Christmas draws nearer, I am progressively busier, so forgive any late PM replies, and the like. I also have to excuse myself to my dear chum, TeeJay, who I have failed yet again. TeeJay, I know you're not Christian, and thus Christmas prezzies proper mean less to you, but it's still wrong to have tarried sending your straps. This also includes two other RWG members, who are waiting courtesies from me, but still -- promises are promises. Sorry guys. (Will do so, but no more promises as to when. I can't be trusted...) Well, either way, Happy Christmas all!

Nevertheless great photo! (Great post too, with loads of illustrations; a lot of other good posts too). To be absolutely specific, my first Panerai like TeeJay's was a bust: Paul's wonky Mini-Fiddy. It says a LOT for the marque that the watch still attracted the heck out of me, despite its flaws. The one I wanted after that was the 005...but I got Andrew's 111h instead. Guys, my heart skipped a beat when I unravelled his package containing the lowly, unmodded 111. It was that beautiful. I have opened dozens of packages containing watches, but that original heart flutter remains unbeaten. BTW, I may like big watches like the HBB and PAMs, but there are some watches I feel I cannot wear, as they are too masculine. If other ladies do, brilliant, more power to them. But I look at the Ingy, and the AP ROO with something approaching wistfulness. Those watches REALLY are growing on me, but I just can't pull them off. Takes a more sporty woman than I am perhaps. Or a more butch one.

1- Panerai: For all the reasons every member stated. I thought they were hideous, then I was attracted to them, I got one, and promptly got 10 more. I'm on 17 now. There should be a study about people's sudden volte face on Panerai watches, one day. It's weird. 2- Omega Planet Ocean: My next sudden dislike-turned-to-like. I thought the pumpkin PO a gaudy, tacky watch. When a 42.5mm version became available at a reasonable price, I got it, and really, it's my go-to-watch when I just need to pop down to the market, or pick up my post. The PO will not let you down. 3- Hublot Big Bang: It looked like a Big Bust. Then I got one. Magnifico. Honourable mention, Rolex: Yes! I never wanted a rep, but suddenly I have a craving for them. I think the GMT II Coke turned the tide, though it wasn't even for me. Still don't like the Grahams, lads, sorry.

Luna Arancia more like...it's okay. Nothing that would make me fly to her site and make me buy it though. Has anyone else been disappointed at the lack of wider watch "releases"? There's the Slevin, and the SSD which has been around for a month. Eh.

Last I heard, Josh and he were having legal issues, so they took them down. @Jon: Oh, that's what you meant? No, that's not out yet, if ever. But I did get kind permission from RWI member, Dave123, to post a shot of his HBB Bling. That's what I thought you meant. He didn't say where he got it from, so PM him over there if interested.

Hi Scoobs. Just now I am typing this post on my laptop, as my desktop is having probs. So, not being sensible, no backups of my Wristcheck photos. I'll be back when I look some up, with ideas.

Thanks for the shoutout, SM. Just to let you know, it was Emmzy who told me/us about it. I really have to do what you did and get that catalogue. I love free tschokes like DVDs, etc.

Looking good, HikeUSA. Perhaps a little overexposed, or too much light in the "box", if that's what you're using. But I only wish mine could look like that. New Year's Resolution: More professional shots in the Wristchecks. @Dluddy: Love the Christmas tree shot!

Give that man a Romeo Y Julieta. Yes, near Houston's. (BTW, it looked like a very tall, slicked back-haired older chap behind the wheel. I'm guessing that was Pat Riley)

No worries, Alant. I offer what I can on this forum with all my heart. I am xxing out the urls, because we don't want trackbacks here with one exception. General "Official" Straps Links: hxxp://www.paneristi.com/straps/index.html Micah Dirksen: hxxp://www.vintagerstraps.com/ Europelli: hxxp://www.europelli.com/ TC Daily Specials: http://timeconnection.biz/page/timeco/CTGY/Special Paneristi (Risti) Accessories Corner: hxxp://www.network54.com/Forum/353393/ The last one is where you will find the OEM Bordeaux Croc, both more matte finish and glossy. You have to search around though. Another option for the OEMs are actually contacting a Panerai boutique, to see where you can buy one. It's very pricey that way though ($300-400 +). Good luck, and PM if you need any other tips!

WEDNESDAY My Rolex Day-Date with tux dial from RWG member, Azmindreader. My new favourite! And lookie what pulled up ahead of me, in traffic. Aston Martin DB9 baby. In British racing green. (Shame I didn't have on my PO...) THURSDAY Another "Nantucket watch" on D-ring, grosgrain strap. This one is more Newport, though. I love my other scrolling Wristies, and will return to them on Friday. But everyone needs to mix it up sometimes. Enjoy your Midweek!

:sss: I tried your tip about the Letraset markers the other day, but my local art shop (Pearl's) didn't carry them. So I'm going to search for the gold on eBay. I had the bright idea of "sprucing up" a Dirk 5218 strap, with a silver marker, and I think I ruined it.

Your vat or mine? P.S.: You look just fine, CC. Feel better soon.

Pressure, what pressure? Actually, I think Sssurfer and the guys took good care of you, Alant (I didn't see the thread but right now!). If you can stand a few more strap tips: The new Mario Paci XIV, Biscotto (Biscuit, or Cookie) Europelli Oxblood Shell Cordovan w/ Khaki stitching OR Shell Cordovan Dark Cognac w/ Copper stitching: Micah's Grand Caiman: And one I think will look TREMENDOUS with your watch, the OEM Bordeaux Gator (glossy): These are all pricey ($120-200), BUT they are available sometimes on Daily Special (TC) or on the Risti Accessories corner.

May your watches be grand, may your ladies be lovely, may your courage never desert you. All a man needs in life, really. Bye, Estaban!!

Playa don't be hatin' ice. (Apologies, I just saw Shaft recently) Actually, Mainspring, Corgi, guys, I already saw my first Wristcheck of the HBB all pimped out on Repgeeks. It was...interesting. Wouldn't go so far as to coin a new Gaytona-like nickname, because it's not that bad. But it's not for the wallflowers amongst you. @Corgi below: I just told the member on Repgeeks who posted his, a chap called Dave123, to post his Bling Bang here. I will ask for permission, in case he doesn't want to log on.

As usual, Miss Beazley gets schtupped.

Sister, here, Tanya. Very few collectors actually name the anticipated date of arrival, since anything can happen, especially during Christmas. If your collector did, that was most unwise. The wait is usually 7-10 days, with 14 being absolutely normal. Only after a month should you start to worry. Just in case you are tracking the package via the EMS English site, you should be checking USPS' tracking service now. EMS are hopelessly inaccurate. USPS can be, but once your watch is Stateside, they're better. Good luck to you.

"This is where the happiness happens" I had never clicked on your thread before, Ape. Congratulations on this protean effort! Love this room, and views...wow as others have said, you're a lucky dog.