vikkyrob

The glass looks great and really compliments the dial but finishing the wheels and screws is something I will not be attempting!! Thanks for the comments though.

I have finished my Homer tourbillon after sending the crystal to be double AR'd, fitting a Bob's strap and IWC rose gold buckle.The results are brilliant and the watch looks great. A tourbillon is a must for any watch enthusiast and the AR really allows you to see that amazing movement. Enjoy the photos. Rob

Thanks guys for all your help and advice. I thought this topic would be short and sharp but it has sparked some real debate! As I said initially I want a good home computer that is reliable, simple and you don't need a Phd in computing to keep it running at good levels 2 - 3 years down the line. I think that a Mac seems to fit the bill and why not give it a try. Worse case they have good resale value so I wouldn't loose everything if it wasn't the right one for me. I like the idea of the time machine with mobileme so I can access my files on the move and it backs up my work. Are there any security issues or risks to be aware of and is this better than just storing the data on the computer and backing my work up with a portable hard drive? Thanks for the advice and another great service from the RWG family. Rob

I get the idea that MAC is the way forward. I think the best thing I can do after buying a MAC is to wipe my Laptop, load on the basics and use it for surfing the internet only. Do you need to buy much software after intial purchase or does it come with most of the software for home use? I like the idea of the airport external storage device. Can I just confirm this is something that works on the internet and you can access this via the net from anywhere? i.e If I am in an internet cafe in Cambodia I can access one of my Word documents or a photo saved on my storage device located in my study? Thanks for your help. Rob

I am having a computer nightmare. My Laptop is 4 years old and was the best on the market but even after wiping the hard drive and defraging the machine it has started to slow right down. It has Virus checkers, Spyware checkers but few programs or huge amounts of data stored. Quite a few friends have told me MAC is the way to go. I know the initial outlay is much higher but it seems after 18 - 24 months the PC has slowed to frustrating levels and it seems to update itself or do a virus check at just the wrong time. I am a bit of a computer biff and so I am not use to diagnostically treating my PC to a heath check manually or whatever else PC geeks tell me would be useful. Is MAC the way forward?

I bought a Skyland last week from a very good member who had water proof tested the watch and his watchsmith had checked it over and found no problems. He sent it to me and the watch won't run at all, even with a manual wind. I then pushed the chrono start/stop and the whole watch worked but I then couldn't (and still can't) stop the chrono. The watch keeps great time but the chrono is constantly running. Today I received a Blacksteel and the watch worked perfectly but after I checked the chrono for the third time the start/stop push has no resistance and won't stop the chrono. It is as if the chrono pushers attached to the movement are sticking or stuck. Is this a Skyland/Blacksteel problem or a A7750 problem? I have owned possibly 20 A7750 watches and none have had this problem. I am an amateur watch enthusiast not a watchsmith but can I do anything to fix them or are they major problems? Thanks for your help. Rob

If Formula 1 fails and all the teams leave, then next year we will have a new racing elite. Will the original Tag Formula 1 become more desireable over time or drop in price? I have two gen Tag Heuer Formula 1's and want to canvas opinion as to whether people will snap up these watches before they change forever or wait to buy next years model? Cheers Rob (must stop posting after a few beers as I wake up the next morning and realise I have posted crap!!)

I think you have some great advice from these guys. I will just add that when you first get on this site it is like "a kid in a sweet shop". Everything looks amazing and you want 10 reps right now. The SFSO is a fantastic rep (if you get the ETA or ETA clone movement, AR etc) and it is fairly reliable BUT as with all reps you need to be aware the movements don't come serviced. Eventually they will need a service and that will take time and money and more importantly a rep friendly watchsmith who can work on asian movements. (if you now are looking at the Blackbird that has an Asian 7750 movement that is quite different from a gen Swiss Movement) My advice to all Newbies is treat rep watch buying like gambling: Only buy what you can afford to loose!! If you have a spare $400 then buy one, wear it and enjoy it and see if it matches you expectations. Worst case you get the watch, don't like it and then put it back for sale on this forum and you might only loose $50 - $70. As I say it is a bit of a gamble until you really read into this huge subject and learn what is good and what is not. Good luck. Rob

What a weekend!! Stephane thanks for another amazing party and your legandary hosting qualities. My hangover has finally gone 24hrs after leaving Stephane's house. Thanks to everyone for being so friendly and making it another stunning GTG. Can't wait to see the photos and looking forward to the next one!! Cheers Rob

Thanks that is just the info I wanted to get. I think that will be on my list for a watch to get soon. Rob

This link is for Repgeek and as I am not a member there I can't read it. I have seen the review by Tor at the top of the Tag Heuer section but it is not particularly detailed about the Caliber 1. What I really want to know is has anyone got one and what do they think after wearing it for a while. Would others recommend it and have they changed the strap for leather? Thanks Rob

I have just tried on one of these at my local AD and I really like it. It is simple and has a solid reliable movement (both gen and rep) and you can dress it up or down with either leather or rubber strap. But has anyone bought one? For $208 I think this seems good value and it seems very accurate but I need the experts out there to comment. Should I pull the trigger? Thanks for your help. Rob

I can't wait either. I am thinking of bringing four or five watches some of which might be offered for trade. What is everyone thinking? I am arriving at about 11am and want to dump my kit at the hotel and head out for some lunch and a look around. Is anyone else going to the Hilton early? Rob

No I haven't seen this watch but I wish the cartel's would cotton on to the fact that this hobby does revolve around mens watches but we still need to keep the women sweet. What better way than to produce some half decent Ladies watches. I have more requests from friends for Ladies watches so they can then justify their spending on two or three nice mens reps. PLEASE can we put pressure on the Cartels to produce nice/high quality ladies watches so we (the male population of RWG and largest customer base) can continue our hobby in peace!!!! Rob

I bought two rose gold with black dial tourbillons from Homer back in November (one for a good friend) and I have changed the strap to a Bob's Alligator and put on a 3717 rose gold buckle. I am now trying to remove the glass and send it off to be Chief AR'd. Does anyone know how to remove the bezel as it doesn't want to screw off and there doesn't seem to be any recesses for a bezel knife. The last thing I want to do is scratch off the rose gold!! Rob

Stephane thanks for going to all the trouble of arranging such a great deal. I have booked my Eurostar tickets and was hoping to travel over with Asim and we were planning to share a room. Asim and I have talked on the phone but he is trying to sort some personal issues and will let me know this weekend if he can definiately attend. If he can't then SD4K then I could share with you if that suits you? I will confirm on Sunday Stephane if this is not too late? Thanks Rob

I recently bought a Rolex DSSD for a friend. The watch itself is perfect but the extension clasp (to make the bracelet bigger if you are wearing a wetsuit) keeps coming loose. Once the clasp is locked down it holds perfectly but as you try and put the watch on over your wrist the extension falls open. Has anyone else had this problem and more importantly can anyone help? Thanks Rob

I will need to get some of that graphite treatment on my Portuguese Chrono as it is sitting pretty but only tells the correct time twice a day!! Yours looks great, are you getting some Chief AR done as well? Rob

I have just received my Eurostar tickets in the post so it is official "I am going!!" All I need now is somewhere to lay my very drunk head before I head back to the UK. Rob

Great review. I love this watch but haven't pulled the trigger on one yet because I live in hope they will bring out a V4 that covers all the mistakes. How does the AR on V2 & V3 compare with the gen? Some members have had their 253's AR'd by Chief or jakub but is this a must? Thanks once again for this excellent comparison. Rob

Andy can I have a go at out-doing this small pea shooter of a cannon! I will wait and see what treads you get and then next week I will post with a proper Gun. Rob

Survey done. What course are you studying for? Rob

Andy I have a 1986 ZX Spectrum you can borrow!! You might not be able surf the net particularly well but Pacman will keep you occupied in the evenings!! Rob

Thanks for putting the photo in that format. Yes it is the one on Baga road. I prefer the heavily modded reps but I am trying to teach myself how to do mods and sevicing and the best watches to practise on are cheap reps for $30 in the far east rather than a perfectly modded very expensive "super rep". Do you agree? Rob

My wife saw this shop whilst we travelled around India and thought my reps were similar to the standard from this shop. I would show you a photo of the watch but it had died before we got home!! Rob