Malaysia Watch Forum
Main Forums => Watch Gallery => Topic started by: hanz079 on January 18, 2011, 04:58:51 PM
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First of all, a big thanks to ck77 and patryn for pointing me to the right direction.
It was a new experience for me going thru a new channel getting this watch.
Without your guidance, I would be akin a sheep amidst a pack of wolves... :Praying:
It was considered my grail during my school days and I finally got to own a piece.
Here goes.
Big Box nicely packaged.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/DSC01261.jpg)
Plenty of bubble wrap to protect the contents.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/DSC01262.jpg)
Still with the Nataf era box... which is nice and classy.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/DSC01263.jpg)
With papers and all the works.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/DSC01265.jpg)
Tadaa!!! Groovy baby!!! yeah!!! :Dancing_banana:
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/DSC01266.jpg)
Nice and Detailed.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/DSC01275.jpg)
Compulsory wrist shots.
Looks good with my super small wrists. My heart beats abit faster with this on my wrists.
That's the feeling when you know this is the piece for you. :D
The seconds hand sweeps nicely, nicer than my Pontos... 36000bph's magic?
Chronograph functions are working nicely. Zeroes in perfectly.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/DSC01271.jpg)
OK. Now when initial excitement died down.
I checked thru the watch to notice anything that doesn't belong or minor flaws anywhere.
Been looking and something catches my eyes.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/DSC01284.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/DSC01288.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/DSC01283.jpg)
Now I must say that I am really disappointed with the bracelet clasp.
It looks and feels like a chinese made after market product.
I need to ask if some other owners of the same watch encounter the same problem?
I mean the clasp doesn't look solid, it's abit flimsy... absolutely not the kind of feel you will encounter when buying a swiss watch.
Even a seiko, tissot or victorinox watch with the same kind of deployment clasp is of better quality. When seen with the naked eye, it looks smooth and solid.
When using it, it feels sturdy and safe.
But in this case, it's like it's been spray painted with chrome but it missed the angled area. Feels flimsy when using it. It's hard to describe in words but I'm hoping the picture here can give you guys some idea of what I'm trying to say. :-\
This is the same kind of flaw in the clasp of a watch that belong to a friend of mine which he claims is an AA+ replica of a Tag Heuer watch he bought in JB. :thumbsdown:
Now I'm honestly worried. My heart is beating irregularly while I'm typing this.
I dunno what to think in this point of time. :Blue:
I'm posting this over at LYN as well and see some replies before doing anything.
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I love the watch!!! you sure the stuff on the clasp isn't something you can polish away (sad for such a great watch to not be perfect when in arrives... show pictures 2 the dealer and hopefully they'll make it up to you) the El Primero is still such a super watch! I hope to meet you soon n play around a lill with it :) Congrats
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Before I start polishing it, what chemical do u think I can use?
I will buy it tomorrow and try to polish it away. But my guess is it's permanent.
I tried using my nails to feel it and it's rough.
TIA for any suggestions.
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I've used everything from toothpaste to autosol... if it feels really rough maybe Autosol... but read up a lill and try very gently i wouldnt want to have a damaged watch on my consciousess
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One of the watch which is high on my next to buy list.
That buckle really does look cheap. I suggest posting on TZ forum i think a few regular members there have this series and would be of more help.
Now lets see pics of the HW EP movt.
On this model i think its not too decorated right?
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Thanks for agreeing with me about the clasp.
Yeah I will try your suggestion.
E-mailed the dealer and included the shots for him.
Let's see how it goes... :Praying:
Yeah it's not decorated.
As you wish.
Sorry for the lousy shots...
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/DSC01280.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/DSC01270.jpg)
Here's a better shot under some LED lights.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/DSC01295.jpg)
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Love the no-rotor manual movement.
Don't know about the quality of the clasp, but even Rolex's (older model) clasp does feel cheap :Laughing_on_floor:
Congrats once again bro :thumbsup:
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Hanz079
I have a Zenith elite 680 series...with the butterfly clasp and the quality is superb..clean smooth polish stainless steel.
Not like the one you have shown here.
dc
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This is the reply I got frm the dealer.
Hi
Thanks for informing
As for the inside of the Deployant
It is the same with other watches, it is like left unpolished (in rough form)
I enclosed scan of another new one i have in stock
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/IMG_0971.jpg)
So now what?
I am seriously thinking of ordering a replacement bracelet direct frm Zenith juz to satisfy my curiosity.
Somehow I cannot bring myself to accept that this is the sort of quality to expect.
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didn't know the HW version came with such a horrid deployant on the bracelet?
i don't have my class sport anymore (so don't ask me for anymore photos of the clasp) but the double deployant on mine (automatic, leather strap) looks like this
(http://www.pbase.com/kelvinphoto/image/42855328.jpg)
it's actually a deployant that locks by friction and not spring based like yours. much better quality too. then again, i've heard of zenith's not-so-great finishing at times... ???
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Sorry for your predicament Hanz.
I'm guessing the dealer isn't in Malaysia?
Don't back down! You're right, your clasp does look like someone missed a spot while chrome spraying/coating it. Maybe your dealer is right that the inner part isn't suppose to be chromed, but in anycase some got on to the inner part.it just look like a badly done job!!
ask for a replacement from them, threaten to return it if they don't.
hope it all goes well for you mate!
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I think one thing we need to note is also the year of production for this watch.
And also the HW EP movt without much decoration was considered the lower end models and "maybe" the buckle was not an area they are focused on.
I think if even the rest of the stock is like this, not much you can do about it except going to Zenith and pay for a new style buckle plus strap.
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I think one thing we need to note is also the year of production for this watch.
And also the HW EP movt without much decoration was considered the lower end models and "maybe" the buckle was not an area they are focused on.
I think if even the rest of the stock is like this, not much you can do about it except going to Zenith and pay for a new style buckle plus strap.
Anyone know where I can get one?
Do I call Zenith directly?
My relatives are coming here for CNY... maybe I can ask them to help me.
Where is the AD or sales office?
Thanks
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Went to cortixa the other day.
The butterfly clasp cost a bomb.
Not too sure on your model, though...
dc
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Thank you for all the suggestions.
Anyway, I have come to accept that the clasp is MEANT to be like that.
Pics that I have taken frm an online dealer show the same finishing for the EP HW line and the Chronomaster line.
EP HW.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/02-0500-420-04-M501_CXA.jpg)
Chronomaster.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/02-0240-410-21-FR_CXA.jpg)
Pictures courtesy of a place that I can't name here... :Cheers:
What strikes me as abit odd is that the Chronomaster line is at least twice the price of the EP HW...
I wonder what will an owner of the Chronomaster feel when he checked the watch in detail... :Mad:
Maybe the only way is to buy a brand new leather strap with a different styled clasp. That'll settle the problem. ;D
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There you see, exactly what i suspect.
Only one can blame is Zenith for providing suck crappy clasp.
Time for a nice leather strap!
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damn nice watch
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There you see, exactly what i suspect.
Only one can blame is Zenith for providing suck crappy clasp.
Time for a nice leather strap!
Yeah man... tell you the truth, this has caught me completely by surprise. :shocked1:
But like you said, i will shop for an original better looking leather strap and transform the piece to a nice dressy watch.
Since it's manual wound, the watch is thinner than any I've had and the feel is juz excellent.
The dial is crystal clear, glossy and detailed, It looks waaaaay nicer in real life than in pics.
A big thanks again to the dealer, ck77 and Patryn for showing me the ropes and making one of my dreams a reality.
I am forever indebted to u... :thumbsup: :angel:
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yes just change the strap to leather. i think a nice honey brown hirsch would suit it well.
(http://www.pbase.com/kelvinphoto/image/49725380.jpg)
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Yeah man... tell you the truth, this has caught me completely by surprise. :shocked1:
But like you said, i will shop for an original better looking leather strap and transform the piece to a nice dressy watch.
Since it's manual wound, the watch is thinner than any I've had and the feel is juz excellent.
The dial is crystal clear, glossy and detailed, It looks waaaaay nicer in real life than in pics.
A big thanks again to the dealer, ck77 and Patryn for showing me the ropes and making one of my dreams a reality.
I am forever indebted to u... :thumbsup: :angel:
Sell the watch to me cheap2 haha. :Laughing_on_floor:
Enjoy your new baby.
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yes just change the strap to leather. i think a nice honey brown hirsch would suit it well.
(http://www.pbase.com/kelvinphoto/image/49725380.jpg)
Woah... that looks sweet!!!
Instantly transformed to Chronomaster Moonphase... poor man's version... :thumbsup:
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actually my automatic came original with the leather strap and deployant
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Thank you for all the suggestions.
Anyway, I have come to accept that the clasp is MEANT to be like that.
Pics that I have taken frm an online dealer show the same finishing for the EP HW line and the Chronomaster line.
EP HW.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/02-0500-420-04-M501_CXA.jpg)
Chronomaster.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/02-0240-410-21-FR_CXA.jpg)
Erm, I think I would have a problem with these bracelets. I noticed there is no way you could do micro-adjustments on these bracelets. You can only add/remove a link to adjust the size. If removing one link is too tight, and adding one link is too loose, then you're stuck. I prefer SS bracelets with micro-adjustments to ensure best fit to wrist.
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yes just change the strap to leather. i think a nice honey brown hirsch would suit it well.
(http://www.pbase.com/kelvinphoto/image/49725380.jpg)
Woah... that looks sweet!!!
Instantly transformed to Chronomaster Moonphase... poor man's version... :thumbsup:
yeah..whenever lanatir post his pics.....becareful....poison flow kaw kaw
congrats hanz..true beauty..
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yes just change the strap to leather. i think a nice honey brown hirsch would suit it well.
(http://www.pbase.com/kelvinphoto/image/49725380.jpg)
Woah... that looks sweet!!!
Instantly transformed to Chronomaster Moonphase... poor man's version... :thumbsup:
yeah..whenever lanatir post his pics.....becareful....poison flow kaw kaw
congrats hanz..true beauty..
yuen wong ah ;D
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yes just change the strap to leather. i think a nice honey brown hirsch would suit it well.
(http://www.pbase.com/kelvinphoto/image/49725380.jpg)
wah....this is really eye catching piece. damn nice n elegant
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very nice watch. Congrat and wear in good health
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OMG... it is disappointing dealing with [No mention of AD name as per forum rules -MOD] by phone.
As they are the AD for Zenith, I called them up and asked them if they can help me order a replacement strap and buckle for my HW...
The guy was rude on d phone, telling me I have to pay 1st... I told him he can charge to my CC coz I'm in KK, he says he need to accept cash...
Have to wait 3-6 months for the strap and buckle to arrive.
He refuse to tell me the exact price for the strap and buckle as well and telling me I will know once it arrives... ???
OK, I told him my uncle in KL will stop over by the weekend (this was last week) to pay cash.
He says he needs to confirm the watch that I have is authentic before proceeding with the order.
I asked to e-mail him pictures but he say no, MMS him instead... MMS not once not twice but TEN times... using my phone, my wife's phone, my mom's phone heck even my dad's phone.... but he say he didn't get it. :Mad:
Honestly, Zenith have been my grail in my Horology love affair but my 1st Zenith ownership is anything but smooth...
I am honestly contemplating not buying anymore Zenith watches in d future... it's heartbreaking to tell u the truth.
Anyone here willing to lend a hand... maybe you guys know someone, AD perhaps... :Praying:
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the bracelet clasp looks bad :thumbsdown:
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I am just curious what AD is that (please PM me regarding this)? Is it the local service center for zenith watch? I don think you could put blame on the brand if the salesman of an AD act rude to you. Sorry to hear that :-X
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My hunt for the strap has ended,
Got a genuine crocodile strap... pricey stuff... did not know that croc straps are expensive... :Laughing_on_floor:.
But still abit cheaper than alligator.
Now the next stop is to find the original Zenith signed deployment buckle.
After that, I will post the pics of the transformed piece. :Cheers:
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My hunt for the strap has ended,
Got a genuine crocodile strap... pricey stuff... did not know that croc straps are expensive... :Laughing_on_floor:.
But still abit cheaper than alligator.
Now the next stop is to find the original Zenith signed deployment buckle.
After that, I will post the pics of the transformed piece. :Cheers:
Bro.. mind telling where you get the croc srap?!
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Hanz079,
Mine came today. Subtle difference from yours: In your photo, the "Z" right next to the 420, in a box on its own. In mine, the "Z" is not enclosed in a box. The etching of the Z is also not the same as the 420 - in mine, it's has been engraved.
Mine came in new wooden Zenith box, which is epically rocking, IMHO. (sample pic here: (http://dev2.topperjewelers.com/images/zenbox/1.jpg)
(http://dev2.topperjewelers.com/images/zenbox/2.jpg)
It's a shame about the clasp, as the bracelet is quite nice. Mine has the same poor finishing as yours. Anyways, I am planning to replace the bracelet with a light brown Hirsch Knight strap.
The serial number, inside the main plate near the balancing wheel, is damn hard to read without magnifying glass.
All in all, it's a pretty superb watch. I just need getting used to the "rushed" beat of 36,600 :)
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Congratz bro Spoonfork, we have good taste ;D
Glad that there is confirmation about the clasp.
But fret not, time for you to hunt for a croc strap and a deployment if that is your thing.
I somehow feel that this watch is better off with a croc strap and deployment than with a bracelet.
The watch is thin coz it's manual wind and it's clean and sleek when you wear it out on dinners or dates.
I don't think it is suitable as a daily beater even with steel bracelet.
Well, juz my humble opinion though.
Do share some pics yeah? We're all picture whores... try to poison readers here... :Cheers:
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Nice catch Spoonfork :thumbsup:
Is it from the same source?
Yea, show some pictures, not just he box ;D
:Cheers:
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For those who read this thread frm the beginning.
You guys knew about the quality of stainless steel clasp and how annoying it is to me.
Since the watch is manual wind and it's a really thin watch, I figured out that it'll look better on a brown crocodile strap with a Signed Original Zenith Deployant.
Initial search for these 2 items yielded unexpected results... it's freakin expensive. The 2 items will account to 40% of the total cost of the watch itself.
The first one that I figured out to cut back is the strap.
A Hadley Roma Genuine Crocodile strap costs a fraction of a Zenith signed one and fulfills the role just as well.
So I bought one online and it looks perfect.
I even bought a few Hadley Roma Single fold deployant and put it on as well but it just doesn't feel right.
Ended giving it away on this forum and some lucky owners got it and enjoyed it. At least it did not go to waste.
Then I was thinking of getting a Zenith Signed Tang Buckle which is waaaaay cheaper but I don't think it will do justice to the watch.
An original deployant is still the way to go.
So, I was hunting and there were disappointments along the way but I kept going.
Until I chanced upon a pre owned one.
Although cheaper than brand new (I was quoted rm1800 from local AD) but still it costs a whopping rm1200 including shipping frm Switzerland.
That time my heart was set. Bought the deployant without any 2nd thoughts.
While waiting for the deployant, I was having nightmares about receiving a crappy china made one but the item arrived today and thank god... it's the real deal.
Now my Zenith EP HW is transformed and in my view PERFECT!!
This is the way this watch should have been sold instead of a crappy stainless steel bracelet.
But all in all, I'm a happy man and I feel relieved that I get to accomplish what I set out to do. :Dancing_banana:
Hadley Roma genuine crocodile strap and a few variation of the single and double fold deployant RM800.
Original Zenith Signed Deployant RM1200.
The damage? RM2000... a thinner wallet... :Laughing_on_floor:
The feeling of accomplishment? Priceless :thumbsup:
Enjoy the pics... as usual, taken using my wife's Sony TX-5 and I'm no professional. :Cheers:
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/DSC01514.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/DSC01506.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/DSC01507.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/DSC01513.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/DSC01505.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/DSC01512.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/DSC01508.jpg)
:Jumping: :Jumping: :Jumping:
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Congrats. But that is the curse of the deployment buckle. IWC deployment buckle for the Pilot cost about the same as your Zenith new.
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Nice piece. The original SS buckle just doesn't do the watch justice. Better off with the leather band. Thanks for the deployment clasp btw!
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What a damage!
But look darn good, enjoy :D
:Cheers:
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Definately looks much better!
Congrats and looks like you will enjoy the watch much more now!
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Congrats. Now you have a complete watch to your satisfaction
Mind telling me, whats the width of the deployment - 18 or 16mm?
dc
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The deployment is 18mm...
I bought 2 straps... one that tapers frm 20-18mm and one frm 20-16mm.
I thought I was getting a 16mm deployant but it did not mature.
But luckily I bought the 20-18mm ones coz I ended up finding an 18mm deployant. :Cheers:
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Han - Thanks for sharing
Now, I know the value of a used (zenith) deployment.
cheerio
dc
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Yeah... good for you bro... :laugh:
Now u can sell yours for that exact price if someone else wants it badly... :Laughing_on_floor:
Your 16mm deployant is the exact one pictured here or just with a Zenith engraving without the Star?
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Han
Exactly like the one in the picture/s - 16mm (like new) cos the previous owner switched to normal buckle, moments he wear the watch.
dc
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Me and a friend of mine (also just joined MWF recently) had a meet up with Mr Han few days ago to purchase a timepiece from him :thumbsup:
Was so greatful and excited that he agreed to show us his fine collection :Dancing_banana:
The feelings of seeing the actual Zenith is so syok hehee :Jumping:
(http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp305/jonhtks/71178199.jpg)
Initially it was not as standing out as the maurice pontos sitting beside the zenith. (i hav to say the pontos is a real beauty at first sight, it captures my full attention and almost neglected the zenith :Laughing_on_floor:)
With Han's consent i tried on the fairly-smaller-diameter zenith (40mm) and to my supprise it was so nice and classy, the case is thin and just nice to slip in any long sleve shirts without any difficulties. But the centre of attraction for this piece to me was the deployant ! I must say it has a vry detail design and gives a classy overall look :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: and it looks $$$$$ :thumbsup:
To top things up With Han's indept explanation i instantly felt in lurv with this timepiece !
(http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp305/jonhtks/d4bb60f9.jpg)
(http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp305/jonhtks/6b33b43b.jpg)
(http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp305/jonhtks/348302e1.jpg)
(http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp305/jonhtks/a3a3b4f7.jpg)
Finally after the meet up i went back with this time piece from Han
(http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp305/jonhtks/7bf246bf.jpg)
Thx Han !
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this is really poisonous .....tempting me to get a HW too. damn you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :laugh:
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this is really poisonous .....tempting me to get a HW too. damn you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :laugh:
Zeetan just around the corner :Laughing_on_floor:
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this is really poisonous .....tempting me to get a HW too. damn you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :laugh:
Zeetan just around the corner :Laughing_on_floor:
evil lar lu
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Yalor... Sumore the exchange rate for usd is quite good... Now is the time to get one
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read this from thread 1
really nice journey hanz
the watch now IMHO looks really really great mate!
Love it! :thumbsup:
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Damn poison la you all, that exact model was one of my target beginning of this year.
Always wanted another manual chrono after letting go my speedy.