Watchmeister

Actually I think it is a testament to the fact that the forums may not be the driver of sales but they can influence what manufacturers do or don't do. And this is one where by making a fix (which must cost virtually nothing) it will help drive sales.

Couldn't resist - gen with the same date listed on the bay today:

Well, you have a 51 page thread in your own playpen to answer your question. http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showtopic=100320&hl= By the time you finish it, Geeks should be back up.

I gotta find your yard sale. Great dial. If it isn't you someone has to make a superfranken out of this one.

I find the grey/silver is a nice alternative to white or black. I do also have to say that it is probably one of the best out of the box reps I have come upon. I wasn't thinking and walked into an AD and so I had the opportunity to compare in the flesh and I was truly amazed.

And a welcome from the States as well.

No, not teasing. I just know that there are several interesting frankens coming in the near future from a couple of the PAM guys who want to reload either in gens or new frankens.

Actually, I believe there is going to be one of those offered with all the trimmings after the weekend as well.

If I were a betting man you will see a 63 with all the trimmings being offered shortly after the weekend (not by me).

I am a GMT fan as well This one is being redone as we speak for gen bezel and crystal but here are some old pics.

Are we being watched? Don't people remember when it was found out that one of the participants on all the forums was in fact the CEO of Hublot. But the funny thing is that it is most likely not just the gen guys worrying about protecting their product but the larger manufacturers on the rep side checking on the response to their product. After all, they need feedback as well.

Hey, I recognize that dial.

Here is how you conclude that the Company who coated your watch did work for Panerai. You call the company and start with "have you done work on an oem basis for watch companies?". Then if they say yes, you follow up with the question "what Companies have you done work for in the past?" When they answer Panerai as the second in a list of three companies I concluded they are the real deal. I am not the friend who recommended the company to Ziggy but am a different friend who called the Company and asked. But as a number of people have said - it doesn't matter who did it as long as it looks good. And your stuff looks fabulous as well. And finally, on the question of comparing a coating with gen that is still very difficult because any gen has had skin oil and the elements degrading the finish for years.

Unbelievable news. I have had a gen dial, crown and strap sitting around just waiting for a gen movement. Now I can continue waiting with a watch on my wrist. I went to Josh's website. Am I reading correctly that his latest version incorporates the new movement or do folks think you have to buy the movement separately? http://www.jpc8118.com/000000iwbp10001-pil...uto-p-6643.html

Posts like this make me wish I had photoshop skills. If only I can find a pic of a Fry cook wearing a Bentley. On a serious note I am getting back my resurrected CA shortly - very excited. Now I can run around pretending I am Leonardo.

RSM- Congrats. My first PAM was an older sub. It has been all down hill ever since. Wear that one well.

5513 or 5508:)

Hey I think I see Kevin in the background...... Because I certainly see a lot of his straps in the foreground.

LOS- Great review. Thanks for posting the pics.

A- When you have a moment could you separate two pieces - one in DLC and one in TiAln and snap a quick pic. I am curious to see the difference in aesthetics.

If I remember correctly the only real quantum leap in recent times (read as ever) for the ROO's are the development of a new calibre (3820) movement and the introduction of the funky aesthetics (carbon, ceramic, etc.) for their limiteds. I am sure their fit and finish has improved as their manufacturing has improved. I remember reading that they (like Rolex) had recently sunk additional cap ex into their operation.

Nice story. And as someone who spends a fair amount of time here it is gratifying. Soldier on.

Getting back to the question. Life is a bunch of trade-offs. The gen is actually silk-screened on - ergo you can blast a good amount of lume within a confined area. I went with the "bumpy" as I found the lack of luminosity relative to the gen (which isn't that great anyhow) was an instant tell for anyone who walks outside and then goes inside. Further the reps I have seen (mine included) revealed spotty lume application which is worse than none. So I went with the relume and am very happy with it. As Ziggy says, if you go the relume route you can always elect to apply a thinner coat to make it look flatter but you won't achieve gen luminosity. Here is mine: And yes it does glow better than the gen but that was my choice and no it doesn't bother me. Of course I would be remiss if I did not torture you all with a true teak caseback insert:

Exactly what he said. TT's are usually very flawed and this whole concept of double wrapped or gold plated links always seems to be problematic. I haven't bought a Rolex in a while but I believe BKLM recently put out an improved WM9 LV. I myself am waiting for his SD coming out later in the year. Best of luck in any case.

Wouldn't we all kill for those elbow rests.