I agree Stewart, I've had a few dealings with David in the past and he's been a true gent. A true gent partial to a Twiglet or two!
I wish more people were that helpful.

David H

P.S. I've also got one of the DD straps and they're the nuts. Yours looks great on the Autavia.

: With all the stories of ebay dishonesty kicking around at the
: moment, I thought I'd offer a counterbalance - that is the
: generosity, trust and general hearty goodness you get with this
: little corner of the internet we call OTD.

: I got an email from our own Mr. Devos a while back, asking where he
: could get hold of one of my Heuer mugs. (After reading a thread
: by Paul- I'd sent him one too) I don't sell them, they are just
: printed up one at a time, for my own use. I have sent a few out
: to those that have helped me in the past etc. So, I told David
: I'd send him one.. he mailed back asking how much to pay me.. he
: innocently misunderstood.. I didn't want payment. In the past,
: David has helped me out numerous times with info etc, plus I
: bought a rather nice AMI Heuer from him last year, so I was more
: than happy to send him one 'on the house' as it were.

: It arrived surprisingly quickly for basic trans-Atlantic airmail,
: and in one piece - so both I and David were happy bunnies.. But
: that's not where the story ends.. David decided to return the
: favour, and a few days ago, I received one of his beautiful
: handcrafted straps! David suggested it would go well on my PVD
: Carrera 510.. which I didn't have at hand. I did have a
: Black/White Autavia on my wrist, so I strapped it on just for
: fun, knowing it wouldn't really match the watch - how wrong I
: was.. it is superb, and I've been wearing it like that since.
: The photo doesn't even do it justice, it is so much better on
: the wrist. What makes it special isn't that it is well crafted
: (it is), it's because it goes beyond monetary value - it is a
: gift of generosity and kindness, that I wasn't expecting.

: Anyway - David.. I just wanted to say a big thank you for your
: generosity, it's things like this that make this place such a
: pleasant place to be. I did email you, but I haven't heard back
: yet - So, just in case you thought I was being ungrateful, I
: thought I'd post up here just in case you didn't get my mail..
: anyway - THANKS!! You are a 'gentleman and a scholar', as we say
: around these parts.

: It has started to pick up a nice patina through wear & handling
: already, it's beautifully supple, and, by coincidence, the
: positioning of the buckle holes are spot on for my wrist..
: millimeter perfect - honestly!

:
:

: Cheers
: Stewart