Watchmeister

I think I prefer the 212. The blue hand doesn't do the watch justice and I prefer the simplicity of a 199 or the Silver Arrow Power Reserve when looking at a textured dial. But I like the 187 best of all.

Unfortunately, this watch has nothing to do with, nor does it have any of the best parts of, the 187. When Watchonpo is selling it for $280 it has to be absolute crap. The beauty of the 187, irrespective of its ridiculous price and crappy movement, is the case, solid 60 click bezel system and 5mm crystal. This 202 has none of this. This version does not bode well at all.

Thomas- Pick up a $15.00 universal caseback opener from Ebay. It will open all of your Panerai.

Well, maybe if we wait a little bit they will get it right and change the sub-dials to grey. At least the Panda's theoretically exist. I also suspect it is in the new case bezel combo. As it is I am transplanting one of my Pandas (which comes in the new case) into the original case from my 7750b1 196.

Yeah, baby! -

TJ and Schulz have said it all. Now, Panerailord - get back on that horse. By the way, if it makes you feel better if I took what I spent on reps in the last 14 months and bought gens I would now own a 187 and 111 or a 196, 183 and 118 or a ... But where is the fun in that.

Panerailord- You are right that the avid rep buyer could easily buy a gen. It depends where you are coming from. Prior to coming to RWG I had only bought gens. And irrespective of cost, they all had their share of problems. AP, Breguet, Cartier, RGM, VC, etc. - they all ultimately needed service or repairs. And when they did need service or repair the authorized dealers and repair folks were pricks, overcharged and took advantage of the customer. And I am not arguing that Reps are as good as gens. Gens are a prestige item. Reps are not. Wear you're gens proudly. But I come out where Quarks and Ubi do. If you find a watch you think you will want for the rest of you're life and can afford it, buy the gen. Otherwise enjoy buying and modding all of those reps. I know that I am prouder of, and take better care of, my modded 7753 196 and 187 then my wife with her $$$ Breguet.

Andrew- Sorry to hear of you're illness. I know how debillitating Bronchitis can be. Take those antibiotics and rest up. All the best, Kruzer

A few questions... What watches were you wearing? Did you get the typical female stare at you're watch from the woman followed by "Oooh, it's so big." Or did you get the line "is that a PAM in you're pocket or are you glad to see me." Or did you come back with the classic PAM pick-up line - "My watch strap doubles as a whip."

Every "perfect" Rolex rep has it's tradeoffs. Polex on MBW means no leather strap. To get good sized case and asymetric pushers on vintage Daytonas, you lose the hour dial of the chrono. The trials and tribulations of reps.

Don't worry about the lume either. 25 year old Lume should not have much, if any, glow. And if you are going to have glow it should be on the hands not the dial.

Panerailord- Very sorry to hear about this. My deepest sympathies. I know it is killing you.

Estaban- I hear you. Once I see what they are and the condition I will figure out what to do with them. It was a very quick way to bulk up the "vintage" (read well worn) collection. I have plenty of gen pristeen straps but wanted a few I didn't care about. Given that the gen PAM straps cost anywhere from $200-250 with buckles I figured I would pick up a bunch of non PAM gens. I may be long a few too many straps. I just couldn't resist the "grab bag" element of it.

I got the seller to send me a couple of extra pics: Any opinions change?

V- Do you think you could come up with something very old and very cool for that buckle? Perhaps something in the Metta family or something of that ilk. I have plenty of gen Pre-V's with new straps. One of the reasons why I bought the lot was that it looked like nice buckles with beat straps. That one I might have to replace though. Overall, it sounds like I made out alright.

PM me the address and I will stop by with my Fiddy or 187. Seriously, congrats on you're upcoming birth.

I bought a group of 10 straps from a seller on Ebay. They are largely used but it seems like there are good names in the group. When the auction didn't hit his starting bid, I emailed him and settled on $500 versus his $600 starting bid. They are on the way. My perception was that he just wanted to dump the lot and I might be picking up a few good straps. What PAMaholic could resist the opportunity to pick up 9-10 straps with buckles all at once. And yes, I know some are beaten to crap. Here is the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...bayphotohosting Veni and all you other strap experts - what did I get? Was it a good buy or dumb one? It felt like a Paul "crazy sale" where you actually get the stuff so I couldn't resist. Is this an or a I know this is somewhat of a silly topic but it is Friday and I am waiting for one last conference call. Have a great weekend everyone.

Good to know since they are comparably priced. Still love my PAV 99 though. I looked at the website. The tan calf looks stunning. Buckle is cool looking.

Okay, I give. That strap looks great on the watch and I want one or something similar. What is an XaMas? I have a bunch of Pre-V gens so it can't be more expensive than those, can it? Veni- Do you make something like it?

I forgot about that. :yucky:

Ken- I'm shocked.

With 187 in hand, I will be patient on this one. I shot my wad on the first generation 187.

What happened to rugby? Soccer just does not come to mind when I think of Australia.

Beautiful watch. Do my eyes deceive me or do the crown and cannon pinion look that good? Oh, and what is the movement in it?

kanerich- Girls come and go. A good bezel insert (never mind two) is hard to come by.