my friend loves to play the violin, and his is a German one from 1806 . . . in terms of how long it will last, and who may own it 198 years from now (wow -- that's 2202), it will probably be better for him to keep it in it's classic wooden style, and not cover it leopard skin contact paper (or mylar, graffitti or shag carpet).

Thanks for your very interesting thoughts.

Jeff

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

: Yes, I understand the sadness. But, how many of
: us are racers, astronauts, explorers, etc?
: Most people who own a chronograph never use
: it for any purpose. That's a waste for sure,
: but reality. For that matter, plenty of
: people own sports cars that they will never
: drive over 70mph (actually, that's probably
: good).

: Watch companies, like car companies, etc., sell
: a 'lifestyle': 'Buy this watch and you'll
: look like an explorer, etc.' Rolex has sold
: a lifestyle since the 1960's. Heuer sold a
: lifestyle. Yes, Heuer's were 'tool watches'
: while racing car drivers wore them, but as
: soon as they were in the stores... Actually,
: Heuer enthusiasts are lucky, because they
: have a beginning and an end. You don't have
: to worry about or even acknowledge Tag!

: But Jeff, I'm not sure it's a "race to the
: bottom". The 'Leopard' Daytona is not a
: new concept. I can think of plenty of
: horrible "jewely" watches for men
: going back over 50 years. I think that Rolex
: and many, many other brands make very good
: products. The newest movements are
: incredibly reliable and will outlast their
: buyers. Simple truth is, if you bought a new
: Daytona (not Leopard) or that new
: Turn-o-Graph (or an Omega Co-Axial) today,
: you would wear it without incident until you
: gave it to your son (or daughter), and
: he/she could wear it for a while beyond
: that. It's hard to imagine a mechanical
: device about which you can make that claim.

: Love the forum. Thanks.

: -Lyle Preslar