collector21

Thank you, gentlemen! (Well, it seems that it's time to go back to that Archimede gen....)

Paul needs to align his on-site prices with the advert he posted here! The web site shows prices that are all over the map, which is confusing, at best....

Does anyone make a really good rep of the IWC Big Pilot?

Okay, now this is actually worrying: Angus gets two-fifty for his Marina Militare--that thin "crystal" is a deal breaker for me. As Chris states, the plastic would be all right were it thick and strong like the original, or at least 3mm thick. I'll only buy the thing if the dealer mods the crystal in the right direction (ain't holdin' my breath...).

Say, Quark, what is Cape Cloth?

Much appreciated information, Finepics--thank you!

Well said!

Say, Finepics-Master-of-the-Lume, when you say that the crystal in these watches is a "double dome", what does that mean? Are there two hesalite crystals back to back? Oh, and by the way, Paul carries a version with the Asian automatic (whatever that might be), which has a mineral crystal, while Angus has the two-and-a-half times more costly model with the plastic crystal in question, and a Swiss 6497, which he is convinced is actually Swiss. FYI, my British brother....

Wow, triplehp, what a stunning watch! Joe has had my Cartier Santos 100 for at least two and half months, but I stand behind him, because I know he's been through a really rough patch. Joe is an honest person, a good guy through and through. And I am so happy to see that he built you a world-beater--enjoy your gorgeous watch when it arrives!

That's a beauty, CG--thanks for showing it to me! The model that I'm considering has applied lume, rather than the vintage sandwich dial. What movement does your watch hold?

I am seriously considering a Marina Militare Vintage PAM. The thing has one period-accurate drawback: the "crystal" is made of plastic. What do you think of this model? It is supposed to have a genuine Swiss movement, and the respectable dealer who would sell it to me insists that it is a gen-Swiss. Do any of you gentlemen own the watch in question? If so, how good are the movement and the lume? Is the crystal a delicate pain in the a--. Also, does the Rolex logo-etched crown on the non-CG model screw down, or does it merely click into place like any "normal" watch crown? Any comments on the Marina Militare will be most appreciated.

Elegant, intelligent response, as usual, The Zigmeister. The 183H with the bona fide CN6497 isn't long for this world, and when it finally breaks, which will be soon enough, I will send it to you in the Great North for some quality investigation. The wire lugs had to be medium-bond Locktite cemented in place, for reasons we both know, which means that Aaron's superb vintage brown gator will ship with the thing, as well. And if you can isolate the malfunction and provide a lasting fix, know that many fellow members, me included, will be grateful to you for offering a chance to save their investments.

I'm glad that you stand by your review, The Zigmeister: proves you are a man of honor. However, two failures out of two is the kind of batting average even the Sultan of Swat couldn't dream of.... This movement isn't ready for the show. And Honda does make great cars! But the CN6497 is the equivalent of GM testing their vehicles on customers--these movements will continue to improve over time. I just don't want to be part of the R&D team at $250 a pop.

He did, and goodness knows, the guy is usually spot-on--but as Finepics stated, the CN6497 is beginning to show its true colors. It sometimes takes a while for a series to break down...after all, assembly quality control and the quality of the parts themselves are just not up to ETA standards. I own two 183s, a G and an H. The G was touted as Genuine Swiss, the H, as a Chinese 6497. There is no difference between them, except for the finishing on the plates. I submit that there is no such thing anymore as a Genuine Swiss 6497 in a rep: all the hand-wind movements are Chinese, and the luck of the draw will determine whether you get screwed or not (wretched pun intended). One thing is certain, I paid $265 for a POS, and $110 for a second POS (POS #1 is beginning to grind away in similar fashion to POS #2). Do the math, and tell me which POS you would prefer to own....

Lord Clive: your humility awes me! Gentlemen: the Chinese 6497 is a POS!!!!!!!! Stay away from these movements--they aren't worth the powder to blow them up.

I appreciate your keen understanding, Slay.

The Zigmeister, you're a prince! Thank you for accurately diagnosing the problem. I have contacted the dealer, who shall remain nameless for reasons of form. Question: is this worth addressing on a relatively inexpensive watch, or should I just hope that the thing keeps running...until it inevitably dies?

Thank you for the thoughtful responses, Gentlemen. And particularly to you, Slay: you are correct when you state that this has nothing to do with the crown itself; this is a movement/stem problem, because the movement is actually still winding (i.e. not disengaged) when it ought to be passively screwing into the blinking crown! Basically, despite their attractiveness, and they are beautiful replicas, the PAM 183s are s--t. Time to acquire an elegant Luminor, as Chronus suggests. Damnit.

Is it remotely possible that this logical post is being willfully ignored...?

Has this ever happened to any of you gentlemen? I push in the stem of my Chinese 6497 and the thing, instead of disengaging and going into the "I'm screwing into the crown now" mode, just keeps making this sick winding sound of gears crunching unhappily, as you screw down the damned crown! Is this sucker already shot? (The watch is barely a month old....) Oh, the thrill of adventure in the rep world!

Actually, I just found out that he been having some problems, but is now working to catch up on a huge backlog. He's an honest and reliable guy: you will definitely receive satisfaction. Good luck to you, sir.

I'm worried about you: please check your PMs--I've sent three without response. I need to know that the great Joe remains among the living!

Well stated, Tom. We have to find a solution to this problem. There are a lot of members who are in the same leaky boat....

Minor detail: the cross on the Puretime version is crooked. Now this may be only the display watch, but still....

Good to have company, fellows! I particularly understand the impulse to never again change the strap: too risky! My HKTan vintage brown alligator is staying in place come hell or high water.... Dealers must address this issue--after all, these are gorgeous reps, which deserve a reliable fastening system, for goodness sakes!!!! Slightly longer and just a bit thicker screws would make our lives a lot easier. I'm afraid to wear this watch in most situations. I've had the thing come loose on me altogether. And forget about finding the micro-screw once it hits the deck. The respectable dealers on this site have genuine power with manufacturers. It's high time to show some love for us loyal customers.