Chuck:

The story is great -- as we have come to expect from you.

Well, thank you, but this one kinda wrote itself! =)

But the questions are about the photographs, which are the very best that I have seen you post --

• usual camera (nikon 995)?

Yes...

• what set-up / light source?

Well, like the 510.xxx photo's I took these at the kitchen table. But I took them during the day instead of at night, so I had a mixture of incadesent and natural light.

• different technique / settings?

The only two other differences between the setup this week and last week, well... Three differences... (You're gonna laugh!):

1. I used a tripod to allow me to get a steadier shot,
2. I was only taking pictures of 1 watch instead of several at a time,
3. I used my non shutter hand to block light where it was causing glare on the bezel! =) (sometimes the cheapest effects help the most)

• why do these photos look so "different"?

I don't know... I suppose it's a little bit of better light, better technique and a lower need for a wide depth of field.

Thanks for the photos (to be added to OTD) and the interesting story.

Not a problem! I wish I hadn't had so many techinical difficulties or I would have had them up earlier in the day. But at least I got them posted on Monday this week!

BTW... Should we have a special "Boxing Day (December 26) Scan Day for Christmas (or new) arrivals)?

-- Chuck