vikkyrob

That bottle of Jack Daniels took a real hammering!! Mostly thanks to Andy!! I need to make sure the hangover tablets are packed and ready to deploy the next morning. Be advised you will need them!!!! Rob

I have bought three Schuhren and one Steinhart and it is Schuhren all the way. The build quality is outstanding and you can actually phone and speak to the owner/maker of the watches and order the watch as you want it. I was able to change the crown shape/size, the strap, the dial and the texture of the case. Nothing is to much trouble or effort and he sent me photos and emails throughout the process. He gives a full 2 year warranty and the watches come in a beautiful wooden box. Andy (the owner) is a great guy to deal with and one conversation with him will convince you which watch to choose. I have a Steinhart big pilot and I can't fault it but for value and build preferences there is only one choice and it is Schuhren. Rob

For all UK based members thinking of going to this brilliant GTG. I have checked Eurostar timetable and prices and travelling out on the Saturday morning from London in the morning (it takes less than 2 hours to get to Brussells) and returning on Sunday afternoon costs

Count me in Stephane. The last GTG in Brussells was awesome and I can't wait. I am thinking of using the Eurostar so any other UK based members who want to share a ride then PM me and we can start the party on the train!! Rob

Guys My wife has to put up with me talking, looking and searching for watches 24/7. BUT she always complains that there are very few DECENT Ladies watches out there. I know there are some cheap quartz reps but there are virtually no "Ultimate" Ladies watches. Any suggestions or reasons so I can placate her whinging! (Must buy her something soon or I will have to extend to the Gen IWC Portofino she likes) Thanks. Rob

Does anyone have a Patek buckle to fit a strap 16 - 18mm. I have just bought a Patek for my wife but the strap that came with it only had a plain SS buckle and for such a beautiful watch it deserves the final icing on the cake. Your help is much appreciated. Rob.

I would be up for at least two watches being double AR'd but would prefer a professional removing the glass and refitting as I managed to screw up my last attempt!! Just say the word and I will be in. Rob

I have not fallen in love with many of the HBB's but I was in Geneva today and saw the Black Magic and love it. Timeshop has a version that they are claiming is the ultimate V3 and it looks very similar. What do you think of the product, price and dealer? http://www.timeshops.net/Ultimate_V3_BIG_B...PH_1900-444.htm Very tempted by one of these. Rob

If you want a beautiful tourbillon then see Homer. I have recently received two of them in rose gold with the black dial. They are superb. The only downsides are: the strap that feels typically plastic and the deployant clasp feels slightly cheap but the watch is accurate (on both to within +/- 3 per day) and the power reserve is the best I have seen. Maintenance will always be an issue and I have no answer to that but it is probably cheaper to buy one of these every 5 years than try and have a tourbillon serviced. If you havce any questions then PM me and I will try and help but Homer is a great dealer. Any suggestions on a strap for one would be most appreciated. Cheers. Rob

No they are 18mm but seem to fit very nicely.

Help for Heroes http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/ The aim is to help support wounded servicemen and women injured in the current conflicts. There are many people supporting this charity with wrist bands (similar to the Lance Armstrong Bands) but a company has brought out a NATO watch strap with the same colours and they look great especially on vintage Roxes like mine below. Not only are you doing your bit for charity but you are enhancing your beautiful watches. Buy these straps at: http://www.smartturnout.co.uk/ Having served in Operations around the world with the British Army and seeing my friends and more importantly their families suffering please help this cause. Rob

I will back Andy's previous comments. If you want good reliable QC in the UK then PT is your man. I have bought numerous watches from PT and he has been the perfect gentleman and any problems (which are extremely rare) he has rectorfied immediately. They don't come much better. Rob

Wish I could go. Bloody job means I am stuck in another foreign country. If it is half as good as the first GTG in Brussells it will be amazing (Thanks again Stephane). Be aware hangovers are mandatory not an option!!!! Have a great time guys and have a drink for me. Rob

Guys I bought this watch the other day with these specification: MBK/MBW 1665 case Swiss Eta Ubi datewheel (flat 3) Gen T-39 superdomed plexi Gen springbars Drilled CG Vintagized bezel & hands & caseback I love it but it is missing the pearl. I was in France this week and asked the Rolex dealer if he had a pearl for a vintage DRSD and he gave me a pearl for free. It looks like it should fit but what glue should I use and is it worth doing? It definiately needs a pearl of some sort in my opinion. Thanks Rob

This is mine. It has the Lello DW and Chief double AR and looks stunning. It is slightly off the gen but actually the rep is far nicer, brushed RG. The other thing is IWC sell most of the rose gold 3717s with a red second hand at 9 but apparently they did a limited edition with the same as the rep I have. Can anyone confirm the truth?

Thanks guys for your help. At the moment I have taken apart a few $20 reps from Thailand but I am sure I will be dismantling tourbillons very soon!!!! Cheers Rob

I have been trying to contact Homer about a Flying Tourbillon for over a week but I have heard nothing. Is he away on holiday and does anyone know when he is likely to be back? Rob

I am looking to start doing basic watch tinkering with the aim of learning how to service the movement eventually. Where is the best place to buy a tool kit and which tools are essential? Cheers Rob

I am trying to get hold of Homer to buy a Flying Toubillon. I have finally saved up and decided to go for it. However, I have a few watches with Chief and Jackub AR (IWC Slevin & 3717) and it has transformed the watch. What I want to know is: 1. Is it possible to take the glass out of a Tourby (or would anyone risk doing it!!)? 2. Is it something you can trust to a normal watch maker? 3. Do you think it would be worth it. Thanks for you time and help. Rob

Thanks Do you know where I can get a new bezel and do I need any specific tools to do the job?

Guys I need your help. I have managed to scratch the bezel on my SFSO really badly. I am a novice when it comes to watch repairs and I want to know where I can buy a new bezel, how much it should cost and how difficult it is to replace the bezel complete. Thanks for your help. Rob

I have emailed some of the best dealers on this site (PT and Eurotimez; my opinion only) and none of them can get consistently good pearls for the Blackbird. Does anyone have good pictures of watches they have bought straight from dealers or have modded themselves (I know fxrandy has managed a brilliant mod). I am desperate to buy a BB but I cannot tolerate the shocking pearl (some may think I am a little picky) which ruins an almost perfect "Off the shelve, no mod needed watch". Thanks for your help. Rob

I read an article on this watch, simply awesome talk about pushing the boundaries. A short video to admire. Anyone thinking of a small order, possibly the Classic and the Extreme for all occasions (only $1,000,000 for the two) Enjoy. Rob

A few photos of the collection after one year.

The watch is certainly not working in its current state. The waterskiing was on a freshwater lake, so some good news. Thanks for all your help. I think he will probably have to get a new movt (or watch!).