fat.tail.event

www.bostonwatchexchange.com (they are on the bay as well)

Does anyone know the full dimenions of this piece beyond just the 47mm? The pictures I have seen from Pangaea/Panerai seem like this is a MASSIVE instrument...like 20mm thick on the wrist. Either that, or the guys wearing it are tiny. If this is ever repped, it will be a very expensive chunk of titanium. Plus a non-functional depth gauge will have to be figured out...(gen is battery operated) http://watches.infoniac.com/panerai-mike-h...ng-venture.html

WOW...easily the best 63 I have seen on the boards.

TeeJay, I stick with a rather old fahsioned approach with the 2 leather straps (cheaper ones) I subject to the water/ocean. Just like the italian marines, I oil these heavily. The oils obviously darken the leather (which I dont mind) and can give it a different smell. Old Skool's Red12 straps I believe have a neatsfoot oil treatment on them. This kind of gives off a 'old baseball glove' smell to the leather. I have even used lemon oil on my straps...it can smell like Pledge going on, but really ends up being a neutral, non-oily scent after a day or so. All of these oils are on the bay or at local stores for cheap. Another old fashioned method is putting on a layer of beeswax. I have not done it, but know of others who have. Sorry, not a chemical expert to comment on glue/saltwater reactions...but the WWII solution works for me. All said, there's no way I would take a Rob Montana, Greg Stevens, SC, etc. and dunk it.

Thanks sssurfer Its funny but true at the same time. I think you could do an entire thread on just the type of people out there that can 'pull off' PAMs. Right now big watches are in the spotlight, but the pendulum will eventually swing back and we'll see who's left. A first hand experience just the other day for me on this...I went to my old school barbershop the other day and a new guy was there cutting. I sat down in the chair and he immediately noticed my 127, not that it was a Fiddy, just a PAM. We talked about Seamasters a lot, from vintage to the new Quantum Solace version just released. At the end he noted that his friend was a PAM owner and that he carries himself with a certain "chutzpah". For those that have never heard that term, I think its jewish/yiddish for a bold, assertive yet shrewd type of personality that isnt afraid to take a risk and typically comes out smelling like roses when they do. Anyhow, wrist size becomes a non-issue because personality trumps it, thats my .02 Also, how about a barber going 20 mins talking about 50 yrs. of timepieces? You never know where you're going to bump into knowledge out there...

You and I have similar tastes... When I looked at the line-up the first thing I thought...classics. We talk about base models...I see this as a base collection. I would guess a clean simple auto, something like a 104, 88 (maybe pushing it there) etc. might be next?

No apologies necessary whatsoever, as the pics are fair game and I am not out to make a big deal of it. The pic is from from Big Bruce's public store website and he has 10 more to choose from. My quickest 'tell' between gen and rep 63s is the hour marker at the GMT '2', with the gen's being slightly offset. You'll also notice the very slight flaw on my hour hand. I also didnt mean to hijack the thread....

Josh, I have the 253 and couldnt say that it 'wears' any differently than other 44mm PAMs. I dont know if the figures you noted are correct of not, but I dont put this on and think that it feels 30% thicker than my others. Plus, look at the ranges of wrist sizes in this thread, and everyone is happy with it. Lastly, since this is your first step towards addiction, here's what you'll eventually figure out... Its not about wrist size...PAM owners just have bigger balls in the watch community.

I have the ultimate 127 (E0117 version), but I have heard the duller, gray lettering on the dial is a problem on others' as well. Has anyone had the lettering modded to be brighter? I am thinking a white/off-white mix would do the trick... If so, who, price, etc? I know The Zigmeister does some free handing to take care of the L SWISS L to 'T', but I dont know if this is too big of a job. Thanks for insights.

I agree with all of the comments on timepiece salespeople in general and low-end jewelry stores. In all likelihood you chalk this up to a run in with an aloof watch lady. But there still exists that single digit chance that this woman knew exactly what she was doing. Just like ignorant gen owners, you have your arrogant jewelers. As I read your take on this, for a brief second I thought...Maybe she pieced some things together and put on the whole Seiko show as a quick witted 'shot' at a rep collector. You did say that there was 10 yrs. of experience there. (I am not sure if we ever concluded that the Datejust was rep or not, however). Again, it is doubtful that the above is the case...just a different angle the entered my mind briefly. But if such a sharp woman existed and she was as hot as the fantasy described earlier, then it is a moral imperative to get back to that store to have all of your watch 'needs' fulfilled by her.

I came across this site looking specifically for a well-known polishing cloth. Most surprising was their overall selection of horological equipment...very impressive one stop shopping. The horosafe cloth is great. The horostix will definitely be helpful. I thought the 1.4mm and 1.6mm screwdriver set was a good deal. They even have a free delivery option I think. There were lots of straps to look at too. Panatime still takes #1 on crazy good service, and TWB is up there...but this site deserves a look. bostonwatchexchange.com

I came across this on watchuseek...good write-up to share. Hi Everybody, I just wanted to say hello and share a little History of Panerai from Mario Paci (Former Chief Engineer of Panerai 1983 to 1997) The Logo OP represents the stylised beginning letters O and P of Officine Panerai name, but not only. Do you know which is the meaning of the two arrows, one towards up and one toward down? It

I have been stalking this watch ever since Panerai unveiled earlier this year. Pamfried, these are probably some of the first gen owner pics ever taken of this piece... If the dial was really done right and PVD was of some quality, I would for sure buy one. The Pre-V sandwich numerals are awesome...

Jackal, I believe one of our members and big PAM fan, Gianton, is from Greece as well. He may be able to give you some help too.

Noting the black seconds hand in these pics....I wonder if Richemont is replacing the seconds hand with a black version upon servicing because of the oxidation going on with the sliver ones. Personally, I would be [censored] if they did that without my authorization. Anyhow, my gen 63 seconds hand has slight oxidation going on (as far as I can tell from paneristi conversations, its hit or miss on this odd trait occurring), and I actually appreciate it...kind of like a unique T-lume-like experience, or my auto is even more 'alive' the way I see it. Just for reference/knowledge....This oxidation is so slight. Imagine the tiniest of random black specks dotting the hand. I have photographed the watch maybe 10-15 times and from different angles and the oxidation is hard to detect..., have to view it at the perfect angle, very very close up etc. to really capture it. My 63 was last serviced in spring '06 and it was not replaced even though the oxidation was beginning at that point.

Noodles, If the 'new' DSN 26 is meant to replicate the most up to date 026 unveiled by Panerai at SIHH 2008, then I would compare the dials to see if the accuracy suits you....because basically, there is none. His rep came out about 2 weeks after the watch was first shown which probably speaks to the effort put forth. (for full disclosure purposes, I own a handful of DSN watches and like them). Panerai gave the numerals on the new 026 more of a Pre-V look to them, which I thought was great. DSN made no attempt to 'upgrade' the dial....so makes you ask the question....what did he really replicate?

I have asked DSN for a couple pics of each watch I have ordered from. He has always done it, no questions. If its a two watch order, he'll do side by sides. I dont see why a couple more would hurt. In fact, my next DSN order will be required to have the side shot of the crown guard. This bezel, crown placement issue now has me concerned on all my subsequent DSN PAM orders. As others have noted on this board as of late. We need to hold the makers to higher expectations. And "bothering" for a few extra pics to ensure we get something we like for 300-400 USD should be just the beginning...

Gianton, Didnt you just post pics of your new 127? Now we are all waiting for the dual wrist shot.... Great piece, thanks for the pics

Could someone PM me details on the 'Vernon Hills guy'? Thanks much. I do head up there (from northside) about monthly if anyone ever needs anything

If the timing of this offering is supposed to coincide with the new 026 unveiled at SIHH 2008, which I think this rep is supposed to be, then its laziness IMHO. The new PAM026 sandwich dial (orignial 026 painted) has Pre-V numerals, which struck me as downright awesome when I saw the SIHH 2008 PAM pics. I am not a PAM expert to point out other flaws, but the sandwich and numerals had me really jazzed when I saw DSNs posting....until I saw the first DSN pic. It just looks like DSN took a destro sandwich dial, first available PVD cases and declared this as the 'new' 026 rep. Its a really nice watch, dont get me wrong. But doesnt it seem like the process/art of 'replicating' has gone out the window...and now its like old (or maybe spare) parts are being thrown together for us to buy? I dont think ADs will have the real thing until this summer, but DSN has it repped in 2 weeks? I just can't consider this watch if there's no effort to keep up with Panerai's interesting changes. And the font appears worse too. Did Panerai alter that for '08 a little bit as well? PS- This isnt to further the DSN QC complaint line as of late. I have a few DSNs and I have been quite pleased.

If DSN is the PVD 'man', which of his PVD watches stands out in terms of accuracy? I suppose I am most interested in dial accuracy, as I am aware of his crown/CG/case quirks. Thanks.

How does one order through Sean? I did a brief search but couldnt come up with anything. Does someone have his email address? Thanks.

All good advice...my 'dont' recommendation is straight black. You're not attending a funeral. Also, stick to classic blue and white shirts...some of our interns think they can be jazzy with different color combos. When you're an intern, think subdued. You walk into the position being judged and people are looking for mistakes during the first weeks, not positives...sorry to be harsh, but its a general fact. If you need to pull ideas from one place that wont screw up your career: Brooks Brothers.

I run money at the big, mean US investment bank that was just 'bailed out' recently. To address my two most frequent questions as of late: No, I did not sell your mortgage to China...And no, I do not contribute to high oil prices (at least not directly...) Our team manages a global investment fund; I am portfolio manager/trader responsible for our currency and interest rate exposures.