Toadtorrent

Either way...I still like it and would give b16a2's arm to buy it. Heck...I would give his 2 legs for it as well...it has a classier feel to it than the St. Exupery (I'm not a big fan of the brown dial, but I like the contrasting fonts in the original Mark IX).

Good point Ken. It seems so often that people don't really understand the value in doing their own research, as newbs often think there really is one best "X"...whether that's watch, dealer, shipping method, lubricant or whatever. The point you raised is something that should be in bold on the new user signup, FAQ or wherever it is appropriate and that is: In the rep watch world where vendors are literally a slow boat to China away and manufacturing the reps is illegal, there is no "best anything". The different vendors and vendor products do bring different things to the table whether that's promptness with communication, speed of delivery, price, follow-up support, special request support, website, location, special services...WHATEVER. What is of greatest importance to one person for the same desired gen watch (like the ubiquitous black Submariner) may not be the same for the next person - AR strength, crown guard shape, lume, movement, gen part compatibility, etc. There are so many variables to consider and the weight of importance these variables have will change as the user does more research and reading. Newbs need to do the research so they can fine tune their expectations and not have them too unrealistic, otherwise the false assumption that a rep watch will in fact be 100% like the gen at 10% or less of the price will of course be impossible to meet...and they will be too bitter to enjoy what this forum is all about...a hobby and entertainment...not saving lives, not stopping war...but a hobby.

I tried to order a croc to Canada, but apparently, we're still bound by regulations for import and need a permit. I could do an illegal order I'm sure, but not with the tools. My Di Modell Imperator fake croc in light brown arrived though...and I have to admit, that strap is beautiful, and I'm actually saying no to the gen croc strap. These Di Modell straps are amazing. The grain is large which I like, and matches the gen strap, but the feel of the strap is actually much more substantial than the OEM IWC gen croc strap, which in my mind is a good thing for a sporty watch "going casual". I will follow Stephane and the other "watch master's" advice, and ordered the tools including the Rolex caseback set...but I will order the OEM Bergeon 29.5mm die.

Great post and big congrats. May your love last longer than an 8 day power reserve. Fantastic looking watch with the day suit.

You got it...the link to the catalogue is: Antiquorum Rolex Revolution Catalogue From here...there is a button in the control for downloading the PDF. I have to say, that paper copy is really tempting...I recently received the 2006 and 2007 Wristwatch Annual, and am not sure about getting the 2008 one...but this catalogue is something.

Good post...good to see the new one! The pearl looks nicely centred.

I agree...this one is beautiful!!

The sticky rubber ones are a little "sweaty" for me...but the IWC strap I found very comfortable (the gen one that is)...surprisingly so.

Yup...that's the deal. There is patience in waiting for responses from collectors/dealers...waiting for tracking numbers to show the shipment was made...waiting for tracking updates on the EMS website...waiting for customs clearing...waiting for the postal folks...waiting for response from the dealer on quality control problems with the watch...waiting for the watch to make it back to China for repairs/replacement...waiting for the new shipment...blah blah blah. In Canada, in Toronto in fact...the servicing king is Rob aka The Zigmeister aka The Zigmeisterzumba. As with all good contractors...there is a wait list for his services...usually 2 months, and then a month for the servicing before you get the watch back. But, as with all the good contractors, that's because their services are in demand. If you want something more immediately, it can be found, but will likely not be as good. At least we don't have the same problems of customs seizures and legal problems like in Europe!!

Only the gold ones are soft...the SS ones are hard drugs...that's why more people are hooked on 316L than on PVD and 5mil plating.

After reading it...feel free to move to Canada.

Hah hah...good fun. What were the "Troubles"? I think I was just getting into the board then so clueless to any issues.

Hey it's RWG...we expect people to rush things so we can have instant feedback and live vicariously through your efforts. Just kidding...take your time and do a good job.

Whoooooah there Tex...remember her boyfriend reads this board too...and he's only a 12hr drive from your doorstep.

That's a rather personal question... Just remember, the camera adds 10 lbs to your wrist.

Welcome aboard. You've come to the right place for info. Stick around...do the reading, and contribute back by posting what you've learned. All the watches by any of the vendors here will, for the most part, have a serial number. The serial number on the Rollie DJs will likely be the same for all the models based on what factory the case came from. The DJ date mag is not bad...pretty close. Waterproofing is generally been seen as a scam...not worth paying extra for. When you receive the watch...you can try tightening the case back, or re-greasing the caseback gasket yourself and tightening it as best as possible, and doing the same for the crown and you should be fine. Most watches don't leak at these points nor the crystal, but at the chrono pushers which the DJs have none. DJs are generally considered accurate. Andrew is a trusty watch guy. There are so many DJ dial variations out there, I don't think anyone could really call you out on the dial design. The TT option may have premature wear off of the gold depending on how you wear your watches. Everyday wear may show after as little as 3 months some have reported...while others have reported occasional usage has left watches with gold looking good after years. Fake diamonds will lake the brilliance of gen diamonds and will be easier to be called out on as fake. Good luck.

Ok...I'm totally loving this post. I need to see the next installment!! Thanks for the great play by play!!

A DSLR might be overkill if you are looking at special occasions and stills...or are just starting out. With the extra bulk compared with a small compact, you may find yourself missing opportunities that you wouldn't have if you had a small point and shoot. The Canon A650 is a good one as a step up from the 350. Small...fast...flippable view screen for self portraits or group shots...image stabilized and a good range for the lens. I've seen it on sale for as little as CDN$350 at Costco.

I actually am not a big fan of this particular watch as it is only 39mm and does not have the anti-reflective sapphire crystal. You can get the same strap on the 3717-2 in my post above. I like the proportion of the narrower outer ring on the 3717-02 compared with the 3706-23 pictured in your post, and the "vertical" orientation of the 12-3-6-9 stick markers...but that's just me. The 3717-02 as it is the latest edition of the 42mm pilot case, also has the possibility of being water resistant out of the box...and has a water resistant design so it should be fixable even if it fails a pressure test.

I actually think the Spitfire Chrono with the white face to be a very elegant watch and very suitable for a dress environment. On black strap it's very nice with darker suits and as a more formal piece (not like a Calatrava or anything like that), and on brown it looks great with lighter suits or as something a little more sporty. I see Omegas everywhere as a sporty watch, but dressy only because at $2-3,000 anything on your wrist can pass as dressy, and Bond wore his into Casinos in a tux, so hey...the standard has been set. I have never seen an IWC in a "casual" environment...only a dressy or dress casual environment, given things like the Spitfire Chrono in 42mm cost $5-$6,000 for the strap/bracelet plus applicable taxes.

Great post. I do like the Moonwatch with the inaccurate display back (not really that inaccurate as there apparently was a version that did have one)...but I've been debating about getting the 50th Anniversary one with the gold emblem...I don't know why, but for some reason that one calls to me...but the history of the Moonwatch also calls...aaaah...too many voices...I don't know who to respond to.

Yes and no...it's not all Rosie here. In the US, a Dr. is both restricted in what he can do as per profit margins by the insurance company, but at the same time has the flexibility to do things how they want and not how much they cost, if they are in a top-tier HMO type situation where the dollar counts less as the premiums are super high. In Canada...some procedures or approaches to problem solving are simply not allowed as the "carts" are not equipped to do things a particular way due to cost control measures or whatever because it all is paid for by the state. Mind you, in a situation like POTR, boy it would sure help him avoid being subjected to such a rough ride. Everything is about Give and Take...but you usually don't miss what you have to "Give" until you are in a situation where you wished you didn't have to. There are so many differences, pro/con arguments it gets silly getting too involved debating them...but, it does give good material to make posts from. On an even cheaper note...a friend works on an isolated drilling environment up north, and they get the cheapest gas...FREE. They have a pump station anyone can fill up from at their leisure...that shows you how remote they are though, as you need to fill up to make it back to civilization, and most trucks have supplementary tanks in the flatbeds.

Thanks guys...good to know. I was a bit leary of the Rolex caseback openers...but was wondering if they would be alright on the rep cases...now I know. I certainly would not use it on my gens...in fact I won't work on my gens at all for that matter. Do you know if the ones sold by Trusty are any better, or is this a situation of buy Bergeon, or don't bother buying at all??? Do you think the arm pullers and the hand setters would be alright though? They looked really similar to the ones I've seen used in other tutorials...in fact, I think in a couple, they were the anchor brand ones. I tried to order some croco straps from them, but outside of the US, you have to send a cheque (check)...and they ship by EMS, which means that even though they have an address in OH if I remember right, it looks like they are still drop shipping from China. I have seen their straps (EXACT presentation layout) at Freda Watches for 2x the price!! Thanks for any info!!

CANADIAN SUMMARY =============== Dental...CHECK Healthcare....CHECK 1 year Parental benefits...with up to 5 years of leave depending on who you work for...CHECK Quasi-legal rep watch collecting...CHECK The Zigmeister...CHECK Gas...$1.041/litre for 87 octane...CHECK