My 176 just came in, couple questions.

[ZR WON]

Hey all!

Have been a Rolex man for quite some time, but just couldn't get the simple elegance of a PAM 176 out of my mind. After waiting only 3.5 months(vs. the 6-8 I was told by my AD), it came in.

I have to say, I love this watch. I hasn't come off my wrist other than to sleep since I got it. A few peculiarities have come to the surface after close observation, and I wanted some 'experts' opinions

1) The hour hand doesn't quite line up. What I mean by that is picture the hands at 12 o'clock. When the minute hand is right on the 12, the hour is just a 'bit' to the left(ie reading slow). It takes the minute hand moving to about the 7 past the hour before the hour hand actually lines up with the hour marker on the face. I will try to get some photos of it, but I've been unsuccessful in capturing it thus far. I think the way I've described it makes it relatively clear, but I'll try to expand on it if there are questions.

2) I've already gone mad on ordering some straps. :) I know there are many options out there of strap makers(I've seen the thread), but I'm looking for a very thick, dark brown military type(like you see on the Bell & Ross military series timepieces) strap, but haven't any luck finding a place that has one. Any ideas?

3) I know that it's part of wearing a watch, I know it adds to the 'patina,' but I am still super anal about scratches. The screwdriver used to remove the straps is metal, and it's going to scratch the bezel, regardless of how careful you are. Is there a provision for a hard plastic(nylon?, some other material?) insert in place of the metal piece that one could use to remove the pins that hold the band in place?

Finally, I'm quite pleased that I got the Ti version of this style. I was really in a quandary on whether to get the 176 or 177, but I'm very glad I chose the '6. The second hand detracts from the simplicity of the design, and the sandwich dial really adds to the character.

Regards

Brian A.