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Ed Brandwein167 viewsBorn and raised in NYC. I am a lawyer and a law librarian by trade. Married with two kids, currently living in Queens, NYC.
I've been collecting Russian watches since the late eighties when a newly arrived immigrant sold me a Vostok Komandirskie. I spent the next ten years or so buying one or two more examples where I could find them. Then, of course, ebay came on the scene and the Russian revolution really got going. I have about 30 Russian watches in the rotation these days and that's after thinning the herd a bit over the last few years.
When it comes to Russian watches, there is always some amazing detail to find out about. I guess that is what I like best about collecting Russian watches. Nothing about them ever seems to have been done by chance. There was always some plan in mind, whether it worked out or not. The detective work involved in figuring out what some Russian designer was doing when one thing or another was done never gets old to me.
I will be watching over the Russian board
Jun 01, 2011
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Ron Good (AlbertaTime)173 viewsBorn in 1951, I'm a Canadian musician/writer with other professional background in Human Resources and Employment Development counselling, consulting and management, and Retail management as well as Computer and Audio-Video Technology. I've worked as a self-employed musician, in private industry, in commercial and public television, Community Education (music/computers/HR), and in and/or with both provincial and federal government agencies. I lived most of my life on Vancouver island, but also about 5 years in Montreal, 8 years in northern BC, a little less than a year in scenic Woodland Hills, California (loved it), and for the past few years in northern Alberta.
I made the mistake of looking for a better watch a few years ago. That led me first to affordable watches generally and, quickly following that, to the then little-researched and explored area of mainland Chinese (PRC) watchmaking, especially wristwatches from the 1950s through the Cultural Revolution era to today. I'm doing my best to learn---and then to share everything I'm discovering---about not only the Chinese watches, but also the friendly and skilled people who made them, the culture in their beautiful country, and the many values and hopes we all share. I'm poorly trilingual and very slowly learning to read and speak some Chinese.Mar 04, 2011
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Chris Moy86 viewsI've been collection watch since the mid 90's. I started out collecting vintage deco pieces. I was drawing to the streamline design. Curvex's were big on my list. I also love American RR pocket watches. As time went by my collecting habits changed to the 70's. It was all about FUNK! Somewhere along the line I got into G-Shocks. I'm know for collecting anything and everything :-D Recently I've been getting into photography. Don't worry, I won't forget about watches :-D
Mar 02, 2011
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BobbyMike with Flatreto77 viewsNov 17, 2010
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Suunto Vector277 viewsPersonally, I like Luminox, but to see two of them up there that to me look so similar means that some other watch is being overlooked.
Having deployed to Afghanistan with the Canadian Forces (CF), I came across several common watch brands being worn. Obviously Timex is one of them. The reason being they are so inexpensive that guys don't mind if they bang them up or loose them. And most guys want an alarm function.
But another brand that was pretty popluar between the guys who looked at thier watch as more of a tool to aid in several tasks (rather than just telling the time or using for an alarm) is Suunto.
Many guys had the Suunto X9i (me included which I subsequently replaced with an X10) and even more had the Vector.
The X9i/X10 were popular for thier GPS feature as GPS aren't individual issue. So you saw guys in leadership positions weaing them (those that would have to call in a quick sitrep or contact report.)
The vector on the other hand is popular becuase of the digital compass. The CF works on mils (6400 mils to a circle) but fast air and aviation works on degrees. So some guys had the vector in the case they had to call in fast air or aviation. Also, our Forward Observation Officers get them issued.
So I propose that either the Vector or X10 (as thier current GPS watch) get the nod for inclusion in the Top 10 Service Watches and the Luminox Traser or 3000 gets pulled.
Pictures pulled from stock Suunto pictures.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/17/2010 05:35PM by Ray C.Sep 18, 2010
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Suunto X10183 viewsPersonally, I like Luminox, but to see two of them up there that to me look so similar means that some other watch is being overlooked.
Having deployed to Afghanistan with the Canadian Forces (CF), I came across several common watch brands being worn. Obviously Timex is one of them. The reason being they are so inexpensive that guys don't mind if they bang them up or loose them. And most guys want an alarm function.
But another brand that was pretty popluar between the guys who looked at thier watch as more of a tool to aid in several tasks (rather than just telling the time or using for an alarm) is Suunto.
Many guys had the Suunto X9i (me included which I subsequently replaced with an X10) and even more had the Vector.
The X9i/X10 were popular for thier GPS feature as GPS aren't individual issue. So you saw guys in leadership positions weaing them (those that would have to call in a quick sitrep or contact report.)
The vector on the other hand is popular becuase of the digital compass. The CF works on mils (6400 mils to a circle) but fast air and aviation works on degrees. So some guys had the vector in the case they had to call in fast air or aviation. Also, our Forward Observation Officers get them issued.
So I propose that either the Vector or X10 (as thier current GPS watch) get the nod for inclusion in the Top 10 Service Watches and the Luminox Traser or 3000 gets pulled.
Pictures pulled from stock Suunto pictures.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/17/2010 05:35PM by Ray C.Sep 18, 2010
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Hans_NL152 viewsDutch citizen, editor / journalist, living about 6 meters below sea level. No worries - I have lots of divers! WIS since the seventies, collecting Ancre hand winders, later in time I focussed on Seiko 5's. Originally studied chemistry, but ended up in the IT business when the IBM PC became popular.
Main role at PMWF: keeping the forum free of SPAM.Aug 18, 2010
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17- Debaufre Ocean 16954 viewsNominated By JohnnyT:
Since its introduction in 2008, the Ocean 1, in all its variations, has established an incredible record of rave reviews and customer delight. In fit and finish, quality of execution and in the extraordinary history of astonishing customer service, Debaufre has consistently won the hearts of its owners. What is truly the coupe de grace is when all its virtues are multiplied by its retail cost. Unquestionably this is one of the remarkable values is WISdom today, making classic style and outstanding presentation affordable at roughly 1/2 the PMWF limit.
In recommending that the Marcello be displaced, I do not in any way mean to disparage it. It remains an outstanding watch as it always has been. However since it is approximately the same watch at more than twice the price, I feel it is fitting that it be the one displaced by Ocean 1..
Following are some of the specs from the vendor.
This is the Classic Edition of the Ocean-1 Swiss Automatic watch powered by the ETA 2824-2 automatic movement. Due to the popularity of this model, it has become a regular in our lineup. This is the same case as the renowned Ocean-1 watch, however this features a Classic dial with larger markers.
# 42-mm 316L stainless steel case
# Swiss ETA 2824-2 Automatic movement
# Screw-down crown and case-back
# Sweeping second hand
# Super-LumiNova illumination
# Sapphire crystal glass
# 1000 feet water resistant
# 22mm Stainless Steel Oyster bracelet with screwed links
# Solid end pieces
# Weight: 6.8 oz
# Stainless steel clasp with safety clasp
# Consists of 275 individual parts
# Ships in beautiful box
# 42-mm diameter, 46-mm incl. crown, 13-mm thick
A true classic diver's watch with the large markers reminds of the early days of diving; the origins of the Navy Seals; stealthy operations in dark waters. The uni-directional turning bezel ensures that you don't run out of air and its stainless steel casing is water resistant up to 1000 feet. So rest assured that you can trust in your watch, the Classic Ocean-1.
Nov 25, 2009
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09- Citizen Promaster Air Diver's PMX56-xxxx Series 6491 viewsNominated By Lukipedia:
This watch has it all:
-Citizen Eco-Drive movement, hacking, 6 month power reserve
-Titanium monocoque case (with Citizen's Duratect coating), 40mm diameter without crown, 11mm tall
-Titanium bracelet with hidden, multiple-setting diver's extension, 20mm lugs
-PMX56-3002 and -3003 models have black DLC coatings; -2811 and -2812 are brushed titanium
-200M water resistance
-Scratch-resistant hardened mineral glass
-Superb lume (in the classic, sky blue color Citizen uses)
-Great face designs with choice of Arabic numerals on a black face (PMX56-2811), indices plus a '12' and '6' numeral on a blue face (-2812), or orange-and-white indicies on a black or brown face (-3002 and -3003, respectively)
All for between $360-500 depending on the model. This is an ABSURDLY good watch for the money!
Nov 25, 2009
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05- Zodiac Oceanaire Automatic 6719 viewsNominated by Chance:
During their first production run, the Zodiac ZO800x Oceanaire automatic divers were well-regarded for their retro styling (quite similar to the Seiko 6105 divers of yore), Swiss Made pedigree, stout bracelets and excellent build quality. There were a few flies in the ointment, however. Prices were high with little in the way of discounting. Upon discontinuation, prices for used examples skyrocketed beyond what the watches likely were truly worth. And the watch's "Swiss Made" badge found some opposition when it was revealed that the Claro-Semag CL888 movement was essentially a Chinese Sea-Gull ST16, albeit with more refinement and better finishing. Though reports of full-on failure have been quite rare, there were reports of seconds hand jumpiness, sometimes during regular operation and sometimes after starting the watch running after setting the time. Despite these issues, the Oceanaire remained popular as evidenced by their relative rarity on sales forums, as well as how quickly they were snatched up when they did appear.
Earlier this year, it came as a surprise (at least to me) that Zodiac resumed production of the Oceanaire divers. And even more surprising was the fact that prices had come way down. Just over a month ago, Metro Watch Company, Zodiac's eBay outlet, unloaded a bunch of 'em for less than $200 each. Same great watch, great new low price.
At its present price point, both when found new and when found on sales forums, the Oceanaire is a surefire nominee for inclusion on the Top 20 list. If new examples are all like mine, any rough edges on the CL888 have been smoothed out. The seconds hand on my example, a black-dialed ZO8000, is smooth, though it does move two or three seconds when set to run from hacking position. Not a problem, as 2-3 seconds later, it begins running as intended. It's also very accurate, just 5-6 seconds fast per day. Still present from the first run is the wonderful build quality, bold dial/hands/case styling, robust screwdown crown (10 turns worth), and nifty and deeply engraved caseback. My only gripe with this watch is with its bracelet, which unfortunately has links so big and clasp micro adjustments so few that precise sizing is difficult. Luckily, the Oceanaire is a knockout on rubber straps. (see below) Simply put, you will not find another Swiss Made diver with this much presence and such a rich set of features for $200.
Nov 25, 2009
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Michael (Micha)199 viewsMichael (PMWF name Micha)
Life: Dutch national, YOB 1976, married to Jasmine. Michael lived in The Netherlands till the age of 19. He received the baccalaureate in 1995 and moved to Germany to study chemistry at the University of Karlsruhe. After graduating in 2001 he started his PhD studies at the Philipps-University Marburg. In 2005 Michael received the PhD degree in chemistry. Since 2005 Michael has been working as a medical representative.
Watches: Michael started collecting watches in spring 2003 and discovered PMWF when looking for a place to discuss watches for a student’s budget. PMWF quickly became his new home in the www. Late 2003 Michael joined the PMWF admin team.
Role for PMWF today: icons manager and sales forum doorman ;-)
Nov 12, 2009
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03 Precista 89 / PRS-17A5750 viewsChosen by: paulc
Why:
I'd like to suggest one of Eddie Platt's Timefactors watches, such as the Precista 89 / PRS-17A that I own. With the current exchange rate, the 17A and 18A are great watches for their price (£180/$300 for the 17A). Closely following known military issue designs, these are made by Fricker in Germany and have the ETA 2824 inside. The size of the PRS-17A is comfortable, (43mm w/crown, 39mm across case; 11mm thick). It exudes mil-watch functionality and good looks without appearing like it borrows anything from the ubiquitous Sub design. Build quality is solid, with no plastic spacers and a double o-ring caseback seal. And although this will vary from example to example, it's by far the most accurate mechanical watch I've ever owned. I wore this most of the spring and summer this year, and timed it over a month, during which it gained 12 sec, with no more than 1.5 sec. variation over any 24 hr. period. That's an average of 0.4 sec/day, or better than most $5K+ COSC certified watches will run (I know it's an aberration: my next best 2824 watch runs at +2/day :) ). Accuracy aside, Timefactors watches are great looking, great wearing, and an incredible value for the money, and the customer service from Platts is unbeatable, in my experience.Oct 25, 2009
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Timex Ironman Solar662 viewsI still believe that we should have 1-2 Timex models... For instance the Ironman solar
Submitted by CatalinSep 26, 2009
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Citizen Eco Drive 200 m BM64001574 viewsIts easy too read at a glance, has fantastic lume, a reliable Eco-drive movement and can be purchased for less than US$150. I wear one at my job as a maintenance/caretaker and it has served me well.
Submitted by jeremd676Sep 26, 2009
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Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) by Daniel Wybombe - the overwhelming winner of the September 2009 election510 viewsSep 16, 2009
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It's Done With Mirrors - another magic shot by Chris Larson - Election 2009437 viewsSep 16, 2009
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Seiko Marine Master by Chris Moy taken with polarize filters - Election September 2009496 viewsSep 16, 2009
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SEIKO_Bell-Matic_4005-7000_8N1004 - Election September 2009 by John N526 viewsSep 16, 2009
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How could we not include Marathon?1898 viewsThe current US Government contract holder.
A substantial and solid line of watches including dive, chrono and navigator styles including use and options of quartz and automatic movements as well as tritium gas tubes for lume.
Submitted by: turner/Bill
Aug 30, 2009
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Here in the US I've noticed that most ppl buy G-Shocks with MSRP under USD $100. All of the following are under USD $100.799 viewsSubmitted by Adam in NYC
I'll interpret what Adam did not explicitly say: these G-Shocks are so inexpensive that people use (or abuse) them and when they are broken, they will be replaced without tears being shed. I remember that during the Swatch high (mid 90ies) many Swiss service men would buy or use a Swatch with exactly that line of thought (Note Reto)Aug 26, 2009
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Here in the US I've noticed that most ppl buy G-Shocks with MSRP under USD $100. All of the following are under USD $100.771 viewsSubmitted by Adam in NYC
I'll interpret what Adam did not explicitly say: these G-Shocks are so inexpensive that people use (or abuse) them and when they are broken, they will be replaced without tears being shed. I remember that during the Swatch high (mid 90ies) many Swiss service men would buy or use a Swatch with exactly that line of thought (Note Reto)Aug 26, 2009
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Here in the US I've noticed that most ppl buy G-Shocks with MSRP under USD $100. All of the following are under USD $100.905 viewsSubmitted by Adam in NYC
I'll interpret what Adam did not explicitly say: these G-Shocks are so inexpensive that people use (or abuse) them and when they are broken, they will be replaced without tears being shed. I remember that during the Swatch high (mid 90ies) many Swiss service men would buy or use a Swatch with exactly that line of thought (Note Reto)Aug 26, 2009
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I see service men and women in G-Shocks mostly, but963 viewsI think they would be better served by the Luminox because it is analogue and has a functional elapsed time bezel. Personally I find digital watches too abstract. The mind always knows how to interpret hour and minute hands and a visual bezel when in a high stress mental fog. Plus you need to use both hands to control the functions of a digital watch and your other hand may be doing something it cannot be taken away from if you are a soldier, medic or fireman.
There are certain additional advantages to a multi-functional digital, but as a basic timepiece it can fail to deliver the pertinent information whereas an analogue watch such as the Luminox is ready at a glance.
So I vote for a high-contrast Luminox/Traser such as the white or yellow on black, with a black dial.
Submitted by "thebarak"Aug 26, 2009
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14 -Seiko (Prospex) SBCB009 (nominated by thebarak) 7566 viewsIt always shows the correct time to within a second or two, never needs a battery change, dives deeper than you'll ever need, weighs under 3 ounces including the bracelet, has the same legendary lume as the Monster, Never needs winding, you can always see the time, even if you have very bad eyesight and it's dark, it's not crazy big, but can be read easier than many 52mm wrist clocks, it has a Prospex level fit and finish, The bezel turns so beautifully....Aug 23, 2009
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10 -Casio G-Shock Mud Man (Nominated by PaulGeo)4417 viewsTough as can be, many colors to chose from, RC! option if you want it, all under the very poor man limit. It's really the epitome of what a tool watch is all about.Aug 23, 2009
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18 -Debaufre Triton (Also nominated by PaulGeo) 6723 viewsIn the world of big, chunky, beefy divers, this watch stands out on it's own. Nothing else looks like it, which is not necessarily good, but this one definitely pulls it off. Distinctive case design, dial, hands, movement, water resistance... it's all there at half the poor man limit. It's just a unique piece that deserves a spot on the current Top20.Aug 23, 2009
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Eric aka Bock193 viewsBorn in 1971 and Dutch nationality. My profession is maintenance technician. I love watches since I was a young kid. But the real WIS bug bit me in 2001 when a friend of mine bought a Poljot Buran chronograph. I like many kinds of "poor man's" watches, esp. Japanese and Russian ones.
I know of PMWF since 2003 and joined in 2005 more actively. I saw and learned a lot about watches since I have been there and always had a great time. In 2009 I became one of the Administrators.
Oh and besides watches I'm an enthusiast of classic cars, fine food/beer and good company :) Aug 01, 2009
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Keaton Myrick326 viewsLife and Watches: Born 1981 in Eugene, Oregon. At age 6 I moved to San Francisco Bay Area and at 14 moved back to Oregon to the town of Bend. I was intrigued by watches at an early age, I believe I had 12 Swatches on my 12th birthday. This has truly been and will continue to be a lifelong passion.
I moved to Pennsylvania in 2004 to pursue a proper Watchmaking Education and was accepted to attend the Lititz Watch Technicum for the class of 2007. Upon completion of watchmaking school I worked as a watchmaker for Rolex USA in their Pennsylvania service center. After a year with Rolex I made the difficult decision to leave Rolex and be closer to my family in Oregon. I have since started my own Watch-Making company where I make watches by hand using modern and tradition watchmaking techniques. I am currently the moderator of the PMWF Tool forum.Jul 31, 2009
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Adam in NYC444 viewsAdam is currently living in New York City where he picked up the watch habit in '96. He's been reading & posting on watch forums (fora if you insist) since '99 & joined PMWF in '02. He's been helping out on PMWF as an administrator since '03. Jul 30, 2009
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Reto314 viewsLife: Born in 1956 in Switzerland. Graduated from the Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich as an Electrical Engineer. Has been working in IT, IT education and management consulting until 2001. Living happily married with Patt in Bangkok, Thailand since 1995. Two Children: Philip, 23, a textile engineer is working in Switzerland. Reya, 12, is attending an international school in Bangkok.
Watch Life: PMWF.com was founded by Reto in late 2001 and has been steadily expanding. Looking after the ever growing PMWF.com was a natural continuation of the IT activities. And combining this with the passion for watches, has made this a perfect journey.
Today PMWF.com is a full-featured watch site with many forums and plenty of additional resources. It takes a great PMWF Admin Team to cope with all the aspects of running a very active site like PMWF.com
PMWF Role: Site Management (site owner), Team Management, Business Management
PS: The picture was taken from a trip to Otaru in February 2010
Jul 28, 2009
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Jeremyd676112 viewsJun 24, 2009
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Steinhart Triton by Wycombe470 viewsApr 20, 2009
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Elysee Speedmaster Homage by TakesALickin'505 viewsApr 20, 2009
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Citizen Eco-Zilla Lume by fox819 viewsApr 20, 2009
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Tissot V-8 Chronograph by DanB519 viewsApr 20, 2009
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Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow by anjizkit370 viewsApr 20, 2009
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Fortis B-42 Pilot Pro Chrono GMT by cnmark579 viewsApr 20, 2009
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Tim Marshall258 viewsLife: Born in 1972, my first seven years of life growing up in Montreal, Canada. Moved to southern Ontario, Canada in 1979. Have lived in greater Toronto area since. Have lived life working numerous different jobs, anywhere from a line cook in a restaurant, to professionally detailing cars, and moved into a passionate area of IT/computer work. Have been for most part a Systems Administrator, IT Helpdesk role for past ten years.
Watches: I came across Poor Man's Watch Forum in late 2002, early 2003 when I was seeking information on one of my early watch purchases (a vintage Seiko 6139-7002 chronograph). I've made PMWF my home base for watch forums/websites since! Like others, my interest in watches came early, as I grew up as a child with my first wrist watch, a mechanical Timex (which I still own to this day). I fell in love with automatic/mechanical watches due to how they function/operate mechanically. I've bought and sold many watches since being here at PMWF, but have settled with a couple special ones to keep now. Not to say there isn't plan to get a few more in the near future! I have taken an IT role for PMWF, consisting of assistance/setup of hosting of the website through a few different providers, helping move the website when problems with particular host(s).
Role for PMWF Today: Forum/website adminMar 25, 2009
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ZZZ: John Crews (RETIRED)448 viewsLife: Kingston, NY born & raised. 1984 Kingston High School. 1988 Princeton University AB Politics. 2001 SUNY New Paltz Masters of Professional Studies in Humanistic/Multi-Cultural Education. Coached football at Kingston HS 1988-2004. Substitute Teacher Kingston City Schools 1990-1996. Social Studies teacher Kingston HS 1996-present.
Watches: Saw an Invicta watch on ShopNBC in November 2002 that I wanted more information on. An internet search brought me to the Invicta Forum on WUS. It was there that I first heard about PMWF which had just moved off WUS but I was able to track it down. At some point in 2003 I was honored to have Reto ask me to join the Admin.
Team Role for PMWF: Activities Director (contests & give-aways)
May 2010: Said good-bye to the Admin team having found a new endeavor coaching people with weight issues.
Mar 20, 2009
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Dan Byers307 viewsLife: US Army Veteran Daniel Byers was born in Ft. Worth, Texas in 1949. He has been an ER nurse for the past 28 years and is currently a supervisor in an emergency room. He has been married for 36 years and has raised four sons.
Watches: Dan began his watch collecting over 20 years ago and presently owns close to 30 watches. He joined PMWF in February of 2002 and has been a part of the Admin staff since 2003. Dan created the PMWF "WIS of the Month" contest in 2003 wherein a forum member is recognized and honored for their contributions. The contest still runs today and has been expanded to include a WIS of the Year as well. Dan has enjoyed is time with the PMWF where he has had the opportunity to learn a great deal about watches and the people behind them. He finds the PMWF to have a cozy atmosphere where people who like watches can communicate with each other all on the same level, regardless of the value of their watches.
Role for PMWF Today: Admin, WOTM ContestMar 20, 2009
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