SportsPg

That was a terrific story - thanks for sharing

I actually sent the watch back to Ruby and she had the bezel replaced. Unfortuantely the pearl fell off the second time - and of course I didn't notice when it happened so I don't have the pearl. Ruby is sending me a new bezel now, I will replace it myself assuming I figure out how to do it. I have tools, but am a definite novice. I'm chalking this up as a learning experience and am not mad at Ruby really at all. I think I just got a lemon As for the clasp, I think it is possible to tighten it by bending the metal that holds the divers extension. I also think I can bend the pins that hold the main clasp as well. I am wary as to how to do this, as I don't want to damage it further. Any advice from the pros as to the best way to tighten both? Thanks all.

I have the 45mm version from Ruby, it has been a disappointment so far. The pearl fell off, I had the bezel replaced and the pearl fell off AGAIN. However my biggest complaint has been the locking mechanism on both the diver's extension and the clasp itself. Both click, but do not stay on under any kind of stress at all - and I'm talking about bending my wrist, not banging it on a wall or anything. I love the look of the watch, and the ETA movement works perfectly, but the darned thing won't stay on. Anyone buy this yet and can attest to both the pearl staying on and more importantly, how well does the watch clasp and diver's extension stay shut?

Rob, nice post. You make me want to buy all the top models on my list before replica armageddon occurs. If I do so, will you mediate between my better half and I? She is a fantastic woman, but just doesn't get the watch thing...

I've been waiting for 5 days for a new order from Ruby now...this topic is very a propos....the waiting is driving me crazy I'm moving to the IP blocking range of this poll quickly...damned watch fetish

I was at Tourneau in Chicago today. They had like 6 Breitling Bentley's in their window...first gens I've seen. They are freaking huge...and while I love Breitlings (am wearing my EL Navitimer right now) the Bentley is just too garish for me. The bling effect of the decorative bezel is brutal IMO, makes you look like a pimp. Standard Navitimer or Navitimer Fighters is much more classic. Each there own though, taste is from the eye of the beholder...

Virgil, great story. I was in Tourneau at Water Tower Place just a few hours ago. Randy the nice sales lady helped me look around, showed me a couple of beautiful IWC pieces, a Ulysses Nardin, several Panerai's and a Corum. I always stop by there any time I'm near Water Tower. Love the service...

mmm...7753....birthday coming up....wife will understand.... Sign me up!!!!

I agree, this is a nice one - I have liked the 190 for a while, it has the same look except no power reserve. This is a good looking one though, lets see a 222

North suburbs here - I'm in. My wife...well she thinks I'm nuts about watches so she might not join. Someday I'll convert her....

I can pull off the 196 no problem, but with the SS bracelet it is definitely VERY bling bling. I put the bracelet on when I am heading out to some sort of upscale restaurant/bar/show in Chicago, but for day to day wear I have a smokin carbon fiber strap that absolutely compliments the 196 perfectly. My SS bracelet gets maybe 5% wrist time max...

That's interesting - I didn't know the history of the brand. I think the surveyoUr spelling is some sort of Euro chic english, they can't have actually pulled a chinese manufacturer move and misspelled the word could they?

Guys and gals, I think we have enough PAM reps now - there are like 20 models to choose from that are by and large pretty damned impressive. My #1 watch still is my EL 196, but recently the new IWC watches, the Omega Planet Ocean and some other brands have caught my eye. I was perusing a watch guide I was given over the holidays and came across this beauty. Anyone know Kobold Polar Surveyor? This is the Sir Ranulph Fiennes version, I think we need a rep...it's gorgeous. Here are it's stats: case stainless steel (surgical); brushed / satinized finish dimensions 41.3 mm diameter (bezel end to bezel end); 45.8 mm diameter overall (bezel end to crown end; 50.8 mm length overall (lug end to lug end); 20 mm lug width (between lugs; measures strap width); 15.3 mm height overall crystal synthetic sapphire; domed, anti-reflective (inside only); extra-thick crown screw-locked; signed push pieces recessed bezel unique blue bezel; stationary; 24-hour scale back stainless steel (surgical); Antarctica laser etching ratings* waterproof (20 atm/660 ft with crown locked); (3 atm/100 ft with crown unlocked) antimagnetic; shock-resistant; pressure-proof to 30 atmospheres movement K.715 (base caliber ETA 7750); Swiss-made; chronograph mechanism winding automatic mechanism jewels 28 balance Glucydur mainspring Nivarox 1 decoration skeletonized rotor, gold-plated; engraved & signed functions hours, minutes, seconds; chronograph hours, minutes, seconds; GMT; AM/PM indicator for local time (world novelty); date other 42 hours power reserve *all ratings in accordance with the strict regulations set forth by the German Industrial Standard Bureau, DIN Anyone seen a Kobold before or own a gen? Thoughts vs. PAM or other big watches like IWC, SINN etc?

Howdy all from the north suburbs of Chicago, I joined RWG back in 10/04 - have been reading ever since. I own 3 reps, a $99 Abay Breitling special was my first. The last two I bought were from EL, a beautiful Breitling Navitimer Fighters with a white face and a 7750 PAM 196, which I wear almost every day. So many new watches out, I think the PAM 24 ETA version will be my next one...just need to pull the trigger. I love the new IWC titanium as well....may have to do that one instead....mmmm.....