Watchmeister

Congrats on a great watch. Concepta set me up with his first batch of dial and hands a couple of years ago and I have never looked back. It truly is a classic lifetime keeper so your money is well spent. Wear that one well.

Thanks for the kind thoughts. in fairness this one was built years ago before there was massive competition for parts and even before Panerai had centralized it's parts and repairs in Texas. Ever wonder why the original Risti's were able to get outrageous parts.

Actually so right. The thought of 500,000 reps of the "limited edition" 360 is priceless.

You have to keep your eyes out for a movement. Any competent watchsmith can install the movement as it fits the existing movement ring and case. Ziggy did my work.

Generally speaking it just means you will have to do your own research. The new cartel PAM's are pretty darn spectacular and lower cost but there are limited offerings and depending on the model you may or may not be able to add gen parts (if you are a modder type). Each has its own set of issues. Although I am no expert on DSN my observation is that he has quietly been making improvements to a number of his offerings. It is all good news as now there are more choices.

Very interesting info. I guess it makes me feel better about the cost of a gen crystal. Can't wait to see the results on your new crystal.

great combo. Wear it well!

It is like gambling. It is always a lot of fun but the same outcome. Welcome to poverty.

I didn't know there was a problem with the pushers. On the case back it is a nice mod but IMHO is not a major improvement - still too thick. IMHO, it is as simple as seconds at nine with rep inner bezel, wrong construction but better aesthetically (a lot) or seconds at 12 with gen tachy bezel but everything else worse.

Have to agree that the gen crystal makes a huge difference. of course it doesn't hurt having gen dial...... Watch looks great. Wear it well.

Love it. You should wear it more often. It is a very elegant watch and at this point retro chic.

Welcome. Take some time to take a look around. If you are horologically inclined I think you will find a lot of good info and some really nice folks.

Looks great. Wear that one well.

Yeah, your dial came from her. Arch ultimately set up a non-ebay realtionship with her. She would often go straight to him with the better stuff and he would make a bulk buy for very little money. And if he ever does re-appear he has a number of the dials for the subsequent reps. Remember all those Anniversary issues?

I have a slightly different approach to Tuomii. She has tremendous access to many dials for FM's and they are all seconds or defects. However if you look carefully you can buy really well. The first 3-4 Conquistador frankens were all made with her dials. I tend to buy the unlumed ones and get them done by Ziggy. Also when you become a frequent buyer she increasingly throws in a couple of extra dials gratis. Often they are for other models that are not currently repped but you look pretty damn smart when they do come out and you have the dial. The greatest FM dial collection in history (hundreds of dials) amassed by long gone member Archibald was accumulated that way.I have found her to be honest and nice. She typically offers the dials at very low cost and you just have to buy carefully. I bought 3-4 of the basic conquistador dials in good shape for $30 or less. So it is buyer beware but the price is usually right and she is very pleasant to deal with. My 2 cents.

I am with Ubi on this one. A franken starts with a gen dial and then goes from there.

I am with Kbiz on this one. Rep makers have made the conscious decision to improve reps closer to gen but with a fixed budget and limited resources and a target of $300-500 retail price all kinds of trade-offs are made. The two shockers for me were finding out that the A7753 is really just a rigged 7750 so everything is still off (but less so) and cases with improper bezel case construction. The older top end reps were more expensive and still required a lot of work but if you persevere they are a whole other level of better watch. And yes franken guys can still take the random improved part and incorporate it into an existing franken but there is a whole new approach now. Pick your poison.

Oh yeah, kids got them first. Then I started feeling inadequate getting onto transcontinental flights when there are only crappy movies and everyone whips out their IPAD to watch great movies. the rest is history. I think I am hitting best buy for a keyboard tomorrow.

Tx- You are probably that same guy who can type as fast on an Iphone as a blackberry.

Tx- You are probably that same guy who can type as fast on an Iphone as a blackberry.

At some point I will probably give the Air a try but for now I love the fact that you can stare at the tablet and instantly expand the type or more importantly the pics for a closer look. That is what has me.

I was just curious for those who have migrated to using an Ipad are you finding your posting has declined precipitously? I find typing so painful on it but love being able to instantly blow up all those great pics that I am hooked. Am I the only one?

Mrs. Ubi's is 38mm - as is every woman's. Chanel is the one brand where all the women will go big as it is Chanel. When it comes to Chanel bigger pocketbooks, wallets and of course watches- ergo my advice. Seriously, the new 42mm might end up on men's wrists. But truthfully my wife is bugging me for that one.

No surprise. Olreon is one of the original honorable members and I have many good transactions with him. I do have to say that parts a continuing problem. Many have changed hands numerous times to the point that someone along the line was told that something is a specific part and has no reason to doubt it. The best example is the legendary Fu cases. For everyone made there have been three sold because that is what the last guy told them. As long as we are on Pre-v handsets, I am contemplating putting together a Pre-A and was wondering whether they had Pre-V or contemporary handsets? Anyone?

QC pics are a huge advancement for all parties. It is a pain in the neck for the dealers but hopefully it inspires more buying and in the long run may save more hassle with customers as there should hopefully be lower returns. And I do think there is a place for them on the forums. But what I would suggest is that before people just willy nilly throw up every watch on the screen they order (and end up with some contructive and many silly comments as well) - take a look around at what has already been posted in the specific brand section. If there are several examples of the watch already on the forum take a look at those pics and compare first. If you still have real questions or no one has posted pics of the watch previously by all means put it up.