Highflyingclive

Hmmm... I do not share your experience.

Laughing My Arms Off? Poor taste, that man.

There are many Patrek and Breguet reps available. Few bear any relation to the original. For Patek, this would one would be my choice, even though the subdial spacing is slightly incorrect: This Breguet, although a fantasy, is very close to the spirit of Breguet: Both are on my list... but I'll be buying the Breguet first.

You can buy thread-lock liquid in any motorcycle shop. Loc-Tite is just one brand name. It comes in various grades.

I don't think that proves that he drop-ships. It just shows that he has a safe address in HK. Personally, I do not believe that Joshua drop-ships. He comes back with the tracking number, like lightning. When you have to wait several days for the tracking number, it is an indication that you are dealing with a drop-shipper.

Not imposible... the screws are very tight, that's all. I suspect that threadlock was used. I shifted mine by screwing a small clamp onto the body of my screwdriver - this gave something for my rheumaticy old hands to grasp. Sensible tip - make sure that your screwdriver is a good fit in the slot. If it isn't, grind it on a whetstone until it is.

I need one PVD and several SS - as many as my bank account can bear...

Left-hand thread?

I wear these fantasies from time to time... Chronoswiss "regulateur" bought from a member of the "Old, old board", many years ago. OK, it isn't a regulateur but the power reserve and second time-zone are both functional. Keeps good time, too. The magic Colamariner. Rolex really ought to make a watch this colour.

@The Zigmeister... I don't think that anyone here could deny the logic of your argument regarding the cleaning and greasing of the mainspring barrel... and your assertion that the only way to clean a movement properly is to do a complete strip and rebuild, just makes perfect sense. You have demonstrated the difference between craftsmanship and commerce. Thank you for enlightening us. Again...

Are you sure, V? I have not seen the genuine, but here is the spec on the Panerai website: "Dial: black with square-grid decoration, Ferrari logo and Prancing Horse at 12 o

Hahaha - your link led me to "The webdirectory for gardening". Nuff said.

Matt black alligator +DavidSen PVD = perfection. No question about it.

I know a great Vietnamese resturant in Hong Kong. Never seen anything but low-end street market watches in the HK Ladies Market, or in LoWu, either. But the VN food was wonderful...

You don't fool me. This is RWG1 - and I claim my

The 212 is one of my favourites. There are several versions available... all with the same flaw. The longer minute ticks point inward... they should point out. This does not bother me in the least. And I believe that the "10" marker on the elapsed minute chrono should be a sans serif font. The serif can be seen in my photo... but remember that my pic shows the watch about twice life size. In reality, you need a loupe to see this. If you can live with these flaws - then don't hesitate. It is a wonderful watch. Mine is the version with AR sapphire crystal, from Joshua. Timekeeping is COSC and the chrono works perfectly, snapping back to zero every time. Overall, the build quality is superb. But last time I looked, it was no longer listed on Joshua's site. Can he still source it? Ask Jos.

Generally, I, too, prefer a dark strap. But I will make exception for an exceptional strap. Like this OEM: This next strap took me by surprise. It is light tan. I don't like tan straps. But I love this one. The leather was reclaimed from seats in a derelict railway carriage... So you know it was made by HK Tan. I think it is the perfect companion for the vintage California:

I used Cape Cod - cut into a 10mm strip, then concertina-folded, pierced and mounted on an arbour, to remove the (incorrect) brushed finish on a JLC Kompressor. It took longer to remove all those damn crowns than it did to achieve a mirror-finish on the case.

I just mentioned "Mr Pugwash" in a post over there. It was auto edited to "Mr Banned". I object to this. And will do something about it. Probably something equally childish...

The face is OK but the case... well, the nicest thing I can say is that it lacks charm. In large amounts

Opticians, camera repair shops, model railway shops... and independent watch repair men, all stock small screws.

One man that I met by accident in a supermarket, a guy that used to work at the same place as me, recognised my 147 as a Panerai. But he is Italian. Other than that, I have never had a comment from anyone. And I have fourteen Panerai reps. Watches are a personal pleasure. Oh - my boss comments from time to time. He likes waches (gens) and it pisses him off that I can buy such beautiful watches at such bargain prices. But he cannot resist looking to see what I am wearing today.

If you are in the UK and don't want the hassle of building your own soft-light box... you can get one from Maplin... here's the link: http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?criter...rce=15&SD=Y Their photo show the device incorrectly assembled :-) The unit folds flat, has a carry-handle and a couple of bondage straps for a lightweight tripod. It builds in seconds - two velcro tabs is all it takes - into a 40cm cube, complete with a reversible blue/grey background: Maplin are selling this unit at

Oh dear. It is true, after all. Americans do think that irony is something with a lot of iron in it.

My 7750s - 28800 bph - all three of them, run just fine. I would not hesitate to buy more.