Victoria

I must admit it's not ALL bad from my perspective as these Aussie liberals seem to be surprisingly pro-USA.

Surprising for some used to entrenched left-wing anti-Americanism, but Australians are a very different kind of people. "Why I love Australia" is a magnificent read.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/..._australia.html

Excerpt:

"Why? Because Australia's geographic and historical isolation has bred a wisdom about the structure of peace -- a wisdom that eludes most other countries. Australia has no illusions about the "international community'' and its feckless institutions. An island of tranquility in a roiling region, Australia understands that peace and prosperity do not come with the air we breathe, but are maintained by power -- once the power of the British Empire, now the power of the United States."

The air we breathe...nice way to bring it back on topic.

On PAM Luminors, the thing that you can spot 5m away is the crown thickness.

But let's suppose it's a good rep and I you have it in your hands.

In this case (and in order):

1 - Floppy CG lever (again on Luminors, obviously).

2 - On 6497 movements: swan neck regulator, recessed pinion.

3 - On date models: date font and mag.

4 - Lume.

5 - Numbers on the caseback (series, millesimation, etc).

(I feel the "A" undetectable other than on a side-to-side comparison with a gen).

And I am quite sure I am missing something here...

Magnificent reply, thank you so much :sss:

So, basically with Panerai watches, one would have to be fairly close to tell if it's gen or not, unlike perhaps Rolexes?

Some other tells I can think of, to add to your wonderful list, is the tint of the AR. It's too purple on 127s, if a rep. Also, it may be too blue on the 44mms.

Another tell, in terms of authenticity, are fantasy PAMs. Obviously, if you see a non-working tourbillon, etc., it's not a gen.

The person who doesn't look right with their watch.

Are you saying, if the person drives up in a beat up hoopdee wearing a $20,000 dollar watch (if real), that's what you consider a tell or...did you mean something more esoteric?

Discomfort, lack of confidence. Noticing themselves too much.

I can see where that comes into play. But I myself am hyper conscious of my watches now, and whether gen or rep, I am always fussing with them, gazing at them, twirling them.

Not that these weren't some kind of starting off point, Jon, but the Guide aimed for something a little more nuts and bolts -- the kind which guys here love to talk about.

IOW, more technical stuff.

Classic wristchecks

How lovely! It's a toss up of which I like best -- the 183 or the chocolate poodle.

From what I can see, there are wristshots of various RWG members there, and it's not all Miss Perez' right?

I bet. I wouldn't want to live under Rudd rule, either. I feel for you, mate.

I am not Australian, so I feel I cannot opine one way or another.

I just want to say that democracies absolutely need changes, and this means by force, swings from one political party to another. First, it keeps the other parties honest. Second, it allows people to see what one party has to offer in power, other than just opposition and criping.

Very rarely do you get a country like, e.g. Norway..., whose Labour Party dominated for 30 years STRAIGHT in power. Yipes. I wouldn't like that at all, but if it worked for them, bully.

Howard was refreshing for me, and I've scant opinion of Rudd, but again, I'm not Australian. I just wish Australians well in the coming years. There should be no surprises what will happen, though, as Offshore said.

@Dani: Spiderpig! Love it.

Now, we all have rep watches here, or that's the idea anyway.

But for those of us who are newbies or inexperienced still:

How about a quick-how-to guide on what veteran members use as criteria, for spotting a rep?

For example:

What is the first thing you target, when trying to spot a fake Rolex? The rehaut? The crown? The printing? The lume? How close do you have to be to the watch, to be able to ascertain its authenticity, FOR CERTAIN? With normal eyesight and being well-versed in the differences, would it be: across the room? 5 feet? A few inches?

Same goes for those of you who specialise in Panerais, or Omegas, etc. The crown guards and crown, the "A" in Panerai, the pushers, the chronos, the positioning of the HE valve, etc.

The level of expertise here is astounding. Many people say that gen owners don't have the ability to single out reps from gens, and I've found that to be true on some gen sites.

But that doesn't mean every rep watch owner, especially those beginning, have the same knowledge.

Perhaps some people would rather not know the "tells" their rep watches have, but some do. Please share if you can.

How do we know that's not just a photo of a six foot alien?

You're not getting me that easily....great camera my ass.

When I finally came to in the spaceship, I saw the Head Alien staring down at me.

They're also big on Breitlings.

If you have a digital camera which has the magnifying glass icon, hit that button as it will allow you to get better close up shots. Also, Sony makes a great digital with a stabilizing feature for those with a not so steady grip. Short of that, use a tripod. :smile:

Demon, what the roguish Hambone said is what I was going to reply. I used ambient light, and no tripod to get the super-closeups of the Milgauss you saw.

My now 2 year old Sony Cybershot has two levels of "macro" if you will. First, the macro function itself, and a small button which looks like a flower, which takes super-close ups in real time. Obviously, it also has (6x) zoom function.

My Cybershot is now obsolete, but here is a magnificent review of it:

http://www.416-1100.com/gallery/1074988

Here is the kind of photo you can take with this ULTRA slim, stabilising camera.

Incredible. Loved it so much, I bought another a few months later.

ZainoDetail, times like these I wish we had more lady posters here other than Rima and myself.

I recently bought Narikaa's (fast depleting stock of) Tag Heuer with black dial.

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showtopic=59885

This was based on By-Tor's magnus opus review of it here, which he got for his girlfriend (he's updated it yesterday saying the watch is still running beautifully).

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showtopic=14263

AWOL member, Lazarini, once asked for suggestions for getting a watch for his better half:

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showtopic=36006&st=0

In this thread, JDavis suggests the one I like of the ones you showed, and apparently so does yours! The Omega Aquaterra.

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?s=&amp...st&p=294091

Ajoesmith asked over a year ago, what was the most accurate Ladies rep watch out there:

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?s=&amp...st&p=129584

Here's another thread, about watches for ladies:

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?s=&amp...st&p=145330

Finally, over at Repgeeks, there is a whole section brimming full of photographs called "Women's Watches".

http://www.repgeek.com/forumdisplay.php?f=78

NOTE: I frequently post photos of ladies rep watches in the Wristchecks. Here is a sampling, but I'm afraid I cannot post them all here, as I forget where they are.

Left, me wearing the Cartier La Do

I have seen quite a few movies with replica watches. Leaving Las Vegas where Nicolas Cage pawns his Daytona for $500. That was a fake. I have seen a few with close ups to show the time where they were really bad fakes and even once where the second hand was ticking on a Rolex President.

This weekend I saw a show about a murder in vegas. They reenacted the part where one of the killers pawned the victims watch. Close up on the watch revealed a two tone day date on a leather strap. Obvious fake.

Nowadays there are a lot of actors who are collectors and many of them wear their own watches on TV.

Good take on it, Jfreeman.

I think like many people, that actors today use their own watches for films.

When "glamour" films like Ocean's 13 come out, I have no doubt they use their own watches (save for Pacino's Tiffany special), but when it's an action movie, I suspect they get props to get them reps of their watches.

Who in their right minds would throw down a pricey watch through a well, even with an unlimited budget? Even in Waterworld.

OTOH, they do torch pricey cars all the time, don't they. I still pine for that 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California in Ferris Bueller.

By the way, I'm starting a "We Pledge Not To Be Mean To Adorable Helpless Little Puppies On Christmas Day" Treaty that I hope all the RWG members will sign.

I'll sign!

Sukkas.

Quite. That's China giving you all the bird.

The 187 is indeed delicious

http://www.paneristi.com/reference/vendome...am_187_ache.jpg

I was going to mention this before, but if you haven't already, the rubber diver strap for the 47mms, in the so-called "new style" OEM Caoutchouc. That can run you about U$150-200, new in the Risti accessories corner.

They have a rep available for $35.00, though I've never dealt with this person.

http://www.ioffer.com/i/For-PANERAI-47mm-c...-strap-12695606

However, I haven't seen that style available for the 44mms. It seems a no-brainer that they would have it, since that bunched up look is excellent on such a beefy watch as the...wait for it...087.

So the champagne came out of the frig and we had a good time. Today i had my 3rd appointment together with my wife and we were more or less prepared for the message that i needed a new hip.

NO WAY

see told me that on the phone the message was that they didn't see anything life threatening but it still was diagnosed as bone cancer

Cats, I'm so very sorry...

( Fybreuze Dysplasie , sorry that's in Dutch i don't know the English title for it ).

Fibrous dysplasia.

I just want to get this of my chest.

Of course.

My 5 year old boy and my wife are in bed and i don't want to bother them with my fears.

That goes without saying.

PM me if so , because i got lot's of questions.

I fear I cannot be of greater help to you, than I wish, but my father is an Oncologist-Haematologist, so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I will relay them...

Best wishes for you and your family, Cats.

Does that mean to be historically accurate and show true appreciation for the brand I have to wear my Pam so tight I cut off circulation to my hand?

I think in some people's cases, that would be a nice start.

No, guys, my awkward paragraphs made you misunderstand. One thought is that I personally hate people who wear their watches loosely. The next thought is that she's wearing her Panerai like I would wear a beautiful but insignificant bracelet, out for the night.

It is the latter to which I object, and no amount of "to each their own" will wrestle this from my personal dictum on the matter. Panerai watches are not fashion accessories for me.

@SSSurfer: Not sure I understand "to your appointment"? There are no mods, if that's what you're asking.

That's what Sssurfer was asking, I'm sure.

Good to know.

BTW, I know the 036 is to die for, but that La Bomba, 187, looks marvellous. Especially given you have a masculine outline, shall we say!

Logo buckles are either transplanted from the OEM MX straps or from another source.

Exactly so ZD. And thanks to V for the info.

I had emailed Jeff (well, I believe I dealt with a lady) and he informed me he doesn't have the Submarine buckles in screw-in. I told him he'd make a fortune if he ever had them done -- so to please consider that.

The logo buckles are difficult to find singly, and they're very expensive. So what I did was to buy the strap and will get some handy leatherworker here to transplant it to my oldest Dirk strap. Voil

Hi!

Hey Barbosas! Again. *g*

i also have 15cm wrists and went for a 44mm panerai, hopefuly it will arrive tomorrow (and it will not look like a wall clock on my wrist ), i'll post some photos withit , and compare it with my submariner and a breitling montbrillant i have.

One of those must be genuine?

If you get it, please post in the Wristchecks whenever. Be warned, one Panerai is never enough...and the STRAPS. It's like being a heroin junkie with a crack addiction on the side...

Oi! Where's the snow and the pretty mountains??

Great watch, FxrAndy. It made a huge impression on me than it would've otherwise in the wristshots, when your eyes sometimes glaze over with all the watches. Gives me an idea, actually...

And please tell me you don't call your wife, Mami?

@RCHK: Big Pilot, 111, 113! ...beautiful lume shots. There should be more of 'em!

@FxrAndy below: Awww. She's sounds wonderful. And she likes watches!

In the words of Dr. nick riviera, Hi everybody. Great to be here and look forward to some good watches.

I remember those Special VATs. They were murder.

Ex-Southern tart here, now living in America. Glad you were able to find your way over to RWG, and hope you'll get loads of good info. Should it prove to have been worth your while (and it will!), please consider upgrading to RWG Supporter after nicking a few hubcaps.

Seriously, though, welcome!

hehehe Thanks for the fast answer.. i guessed that there were no links in todays world. I was just wondering back in the good old days, which would have been worn by the Italian pilots flying around in their FIAT's with wings?

That's a good question. I look forward to hearing what :sss: and others may say.

If you're interested in military watches in history, as I very much am, please take a peak at my recent "Watches of War" thread.

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?s=&amp...st&p=323774

What straps are the best? plain color straps or sharkskin pattern?

Hey David.

Plain coloured straps, definitely for this historic model -- though I daresay people would love to see a sharkskin patterned one, as an alternative.

Hi i think i will get a Panerai rep (after the tag aquaracer), however after looking at the offical website I see that they have some military links with the Italian navy, my question is did Panerai watches have any link with the Italian Air Force? if so which watch would have been used?

First, LOL at your ID. If you're Fulanito_UK, I'm definitely Fulanita_UK.

Saying that Panerai had "some military links with the Italian navy" is like saying the British Empire was a bit large -- a major understatement. No less to be expected from a Limey Fulanito, however!

However, you have hit the jackpot, since not only do we have Paneristi here who are well-versed in Panerai history (not I), but we have a member who did his service in the Italian Air Force. If there's anyone who knows, it'll be he.

For the record, I don't think there was any connection between Panerai and the Air Force. In fact, there is no connection between any of the military branches in Italy today, and the hallowed marque.

Recently, there was someone who posted that this was the new watch which had superceded Panerai in the Italian military.

No. Those days are over.

hxxp://xamas.com/

Did that lady look like this?

Ooh, she's lovely! I have a very similar handbag!

But womanlike, I have to point out a HUGE turnoff. I hate people who wear their watches loosely like that.

In her case, it looks like she's mistaken her Panerai for a Bvlgari bracelet. I don't care for people who don't honour what the PAM stands for. It's just a fashion accessory.

Oh Yeah! Oh Yeah! I'll "Zing" u of course Victoria!

Thanks, Raimondo!

~For the 2007 Rolex milgauss; the orange indice are the selling point of this version. On gen they should be "light prange colour" in normal; but they'll lume in "light green colour".....very speical & unique feature....So I don't think we could get a good rep on this.....

Yes, you'll note that there are many "tells" in this otherwise lovely Milgauss. The ones I can catch are the lack of arabic numerals on top of the indices. The difference in indices colour from orange to lightning white. The hash marks should be orange, not black. And the seconds "stinger" hand is much too long.

I did see Tanfo post a Rolex Milgauss in black, but as a background he had this white-dialed 2007 version in a Rolex pamphlet, so perhaps it might exist.

Otherwise, the quality of this rep Milgauss is out-of-this-world. It looks much more expensive than what I paid for it, even as a rep.

~Ar....Two Tone Strap!!! I had never seen that before; Is it expensive? Awesome + Eye-catching= "Come'on guys,See my watch......."

Hehe. I confess, it's not something I would wear with a dainty dress.

IW Suisse straps are sold exclusively, I do believe, at International Watchman.

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

But I actually didn't realise this was an IW Suisse strap when I bought it off of a Risti strapmaker. It was U$50, not including shipping. It would've been $65 with the buckle, and I'm very glad I didn't buy that, since I think I got taken.

It's a cute strap though. Thanks for the ZING!

@Rolli: 195, ahh, because it ends in an uneven number? A German superstition, like packets of fags are always 19.

Nice watch, but it looks gen! Any wristshots, PD?