lefty47

I have seen many pictures of the Corum Golden Bridge, and this past weekend I got to see one close up at an AD in Scottsdale, Arizona. This is a very beautiful, elegant and absolutely uninique piece. How about a rep from one of our dealers? Andrew, Joshua, Neil, Eddie Lee-what do you say? I'm sure one of you is up to the challenge.

If I had taken my wife's advise on buying reps, I wouldn't own a pretty nice collection of over thirty pieces. I would still be wearing my boring old Rolex TT Datejust. If she had taken my advise, she wouldn't have bought Starbucks Stock in 1990 at about five bucks a share. After 18 years together, we have both developed "selective listening skills." Seems to be working out OK.

Thanks to everyone for all the input-especially Neil and Narikka. I love their positive reinforcement. For those of you who tried to point out the possible negatives, thanks to you as well. My wife agrees with you 100%. I think I will one day pull th etrigger on the VC Malte Tourbillon, because it is just so cool and beautiful. Damn th erisk, full speed ahead! I wiull keep you posted.

How much does it cost to send it WU? Is it 10% of the total cost or something like that? Or more? I have never had any luck with WU on-line. I went to a Kroger grocery store once to pay via WU for an e-bay purchase from a seller in the Phillipenes where they don't get PayPal. I think they wanted $20 for a $40 purchase.

You have put my feelings into words better than I could do. I already have several $100-200-300 reps and will undoubtedly obtain more. I just love looking at them. But I think this VC will be a watch that I will wear and stare at for many years to come. Now, all I have to do is get the money. I will keep you all posted. Thanks for all of your input. Keep it comiong.

The Breguet is nice, but there is something about the VC Malte Tourbillon and Power Reserve, plus the Tonneau shape. I am smitten, but I don't know if I can afford to take the plunge.

What's the general opinion of the VC Malte Tourbillon Tonneau that is sold by Andrew, Joshua, Neil, Paul and River for about $950? Does anyone out there own one of these? I think it is a real beauty and very unique. I have over 30 reps and nothing like this. Is it worth the price? Is any rep worth a Grand? I would appreciate your input.

I received two items from Andrew yesterday-a Tag Carrera and a Daytona @ $600. No problems with US Customs at all. Shipped on Jan 24. Delivered on Jan 29. Great watches BTW. Great service. Fast delivery. I will review soon.

I sent Eddie an e-mail telling him about the show and suggesting that he send Imus one. But I think that might be publicity that Eddie does not want. Plus, Imus doesn't need the discount.

I posted this in General Discussion this morning, but thought I'd share it with the real IWC fans. It was cool to see IWC getting good free pub on TV, and very cool that mine was delivered later today. Eddie Lee comes through again. Following is my earlier post: This morning I was watching the Don Imus radio show on MSNBC and he had James Carville and Paul Begalla on selling their latest political book. I noticed that on the cover of the book Carville wears a large white faced steele watch. It looked like an IWC or Chronoswiss, but I couldn't tell. I was hoping to get a good look during the interview. While Begalla was ranting on about some candidate or another, Imus interupts him and asks Carville, "What kind of watch it that you're wearing James?" Carville then goes on a total sales pitch on his "IWC Portuguese, model 3712 in staneless steel" -complete with a close-up wrist shot. It was great TV for a watch nut. He then tells Imus to "call his buddy Rudy over at Whempe, and he'll get you one." The best part is that the one I have on order from Eddie Lee has cleared customs and should be here today. I can't wait!

My IWC Portuguese from Eddie Lee did arrive today. It's a great rep and Eddie came through with a great price and his usual fast delivery and excellent service. This is a good day.

This morning I was watching the Don Imus radio show on MSNBC and he had James Carville and Paul Begalla on selling their latest political book. I noticed that on the cover of the book Carville wears a large white faced steele watch. It looked like an IWC or Chronoswiss, but I couldn't tell. I was hoping to get a good look during the interview. While Begalla was ranting on about some candidate or another, Imus interupts him and asks Carville, "What kind of watch it that you're wearing James?" Carville then goes on a total sales pitch on his "IWC Portuguese, model 3712 in staneless steel" -complete with a close-up wrist shot. It was great TV for a watch nut. He then tells Imus to "call his buddy Rudy over at Whempe, and he'll get you one." The best part is that the one I have on order from Eddie Lee has cleared customs and should be here today. I can't wait!

I received my PAM 187 from River Today, Friday, Sept. 1! It is everything I expected it to be and I am extremely happy with it. Again River came through with flying colors. Shipped on Monday and on my wrist in Kentucky on Friday at noon. I know we have many excellent dealers on this forum-I have purchased from most of them-this is my 10th Panerai. No disrespect to any of the others, but for my money, River is simply the best. If River has the watch you are looking for, my experience has been that he will get it to you faster and at a better price than anybody.

OK, I have ordered a PAM 187 from RIVER. It seems that there are no differences between the Model 187's that are being sold by our various dealers, so I ordered mine from the dealer who has historically given me the best price and fastest and most accurate service. Other dealers are very good, but so far RIVER is the best. IMHO. My 187 was ordered last Saturday and shipped on Monday. I will let you know when I receive it.

Thanks. Is the Honpo version still selling for $850? Is it better than the rest?

I am getting ready to purchase a PAM 187. I have purchased watches from just about every dealer on the forum over the past 12 months. It seems that they all now offer the 187, but at differing prices. My questions are: 1. Are there any differences between these 187's? 2. If there are differences, which dealer has the best one? 3. Should I just get the least expensive one form a reliable dealer? Thanks for your input.

I had a simiolar problem with a Rose Gold PAM 231 that I bought brand new from a very good RWG dealer. It was actually gaining about 3 hours on a single wind. I was really mad, but at myself for not spending the extra $50 for the Swiss movement. I took it to a watch repair guy here in my city, who has very little experience with Asian movements and limited tools to remove a 45mm PAM's back. But once he opened the back of the case, he just did some tweeking on the movement for about 60 seconds. He told me to wear it and see if that worked. Well, it did and the watch has been keeping perfect time ever since. I'm in the US Midwest, so if you want this guy's contact info, PM me and I'll give it to you. Good luck.

I was in Italy last year-Rome, Florence and Venice. All three cities were great for looking at all kinds of beautiful watches. However, I found no "deals" in any of these cities. Maybe you will have better luck in Milano. If not, do what I did-enjoy looking and get your deals on Hong Kong...actually from rep dealers here. Bon Voyage!

Graham has a "Pearl Harbor" Model which I have seen advertised in the watch magazines. It's only sold in the US. I wonder why.... My dad was a WWII Navy man in the Pacific. I'd love to get a rep of that in his memory. Haven't seen it yet though. Does anyone know if it exists? Trusty? Neil? Anybody?

I tried to take pics, but they sucked. I will try again and post them if I can get even one that does the crystal justice.

I replaced the synthetic crystal on my year old Destro 1950 with a Sapphire with AR Coating from Davidsen. Actually Big Nasty performed the swap for me. The Sapphire from Davidsen is great and Big Nasty did a fast and excellent job at a very fair price. Swapping the crystals has made a believer out of me. I bought this watch from River about 15 months ago and have liked it very much-except for the scratch I put in the synthetic crystal the first week. After the upgrade to the sapphire, I now understand the fuss all you purists out there make about, "domes, AR coating, etc." It's like having a new watch! I highly recommend the Sapphire Crystal from Davidsen and using Big Nasty to perform the swap. Thanks again guys.

I just received one from Joshua and it's a very nice piece. I bought it to wear as a dress watch and it looks great. I was also very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the strap-the same one in picture on your post. Good luck.

Try Otto Frei at www.ottofrei.com. I got a nice one for my LV Sub and my local watch guy installed it for me for $10. He said it just "snapped in." He has a wide selection at reasonable. Mine fits and looks great!

I sent my 1950 bezel and the sapphire crystal form Davidsen to Bignasty who is on this board. He will swap out the crystals and my local guy here in Lexington, KY will press the new cryatal and bezel on to my watch. A little complicated but it sould work out fine. Check out Bignasty. Good guy who will do thinks quickly and inexpensively. Good luck.