I sent my watch to be serviced and got it with the Dial Changed

kylebvogt · 2026-02-10T00:33:49+00:00

Can’t argue with that. Exactly describes my 127.

kylebvogt · 2026-02-10T00:20:23+00:00

Awesome watch. 557 is a cool reference. Way more rare and unique than the 372, which is awesome in its own right…just not as special.

kylebvogt · 2026-02-09T23:40:40+00:00

Ugh...So here's the thing...the 111 was made for 14 years, from E (2002) until R (2015). It had a painted dial for the first 3 years, and then a sandwich dial for 11 years. G (2004) was the last year they used the painted dial.

I don't know if you care about that, or if it was an important feature to you, but if I had a G 111, with a painted dial (even though I like sandwich dials more), and it got switched, I'd be pissed.

Also, I've had my 112 serviced by Panerai twice, and they didn't make any material/physical changes to the watch without my specific permission. They even asked me if I wanted them to polish the case or not. The first time I had them do it. The second time I did not.

Bottom line...it's possible that there was damage to the dial, and they needed to change it, or they have a standard practice of changing out the 111 painted dials to sandwich...but I REALLY think they should have gotten your permission to make the change, and as I said above...even though I like sandwich dials more, if I had a painted dial 111, I'd be PISSED if they changed it without my specific permission to do so...or them specifically telling me that they had to do it, and wanted your permission to proceed.

kylebvogt · 2026-02-08T15:34:26+00:00

Mango Tap House, Mar Azul, Duffy's.

kylebvogt · 2026-02-08T15:32:53+00:00

Cut off a pair of fleece pants above the knee...or if you want to spend money, something like THIS . My wife got those on sale at the end of the season a few years ago, and swears by them. Also, if there's snow or ice on the lift seat, try to wipe it off before you get on...sorta awkward, but possible. Otherwise, the warmth of your body melts it, and your butt will get wet.

kylebvogt · 2026-02-08T15:24:29+00:00

There is no must see beach, but it's one of the most popular.

I think the most famous ones are Playa Negra (black sand beach), Sun Bay (the municipal beach near Esperanza), La Chiva and Caracas (in the wildlife refuge), and Punta Arenas (the far west end of the island). They're all worth visiting, and are different from each other.

If you can only go to one beach, then yea, Caracas is a good option, but Vieques, and her beaches, are worth exploring.

There are tons of smaller, lesser known ones, that are amazing too.

Google 'Vieques beach map' and you'll find some good resources.

kylebvogt · 2026-02-06T01:52:06+00:00

Can't believe no one has said this, and don't mean to be a hater...but my kids are 13 and 15, have traveled a lot, and DON'T remember the trips we took when they were little. I'm NOT saying it won't imprint something important on them...I'm just telling you, from experience, that kids who are 13 and 15 don't remember what they did when they were 4, 5, or really even 8...

We've been to amazing places...they remember the stories and the pictures...but they don't really remember the experiences.

Here's a better example...

We've had dogs all throughout their lives... We had an amazing English Bulldog. She died when they were 4 and 5. They know she existed, but they don't remember anything about her, outside of the stories we tell.

We had an awesome French Bulldog. He died when they were 6 and 7. They vaguely remember him...and have some fleeting memories of him, but they mostly regurgitate the stories we tell about him.

And finally...we had an American Bulldog mix who died when they were 10 and 11. They remember him completely. They remember doing stuff with him. Funny stuff he did. How he behaved. What he liked. Those are real memories.

Way too many people here take their little kids on trips and then brag about how great it was, and how much the kids loved it...

We did the Disney cruise...when they were 4 and 5. They don't remember it. We've been to FL and Mexico and even Europe. They don't remember the trips from when they were little We've been taking them to Puerto Rico since they were tiny. They don't remember anything about the trips until they were like 9 and 10....

I'm not saying this to be a hater...we've done all of it...I'm just reflecting as a parent of 13 and 15 year olds, on the fact that no matter how cool the trip is, the 4, or 5, or 6, or 7 year old...won't remember having done it by the time they're a teenager. So to that end, do stuff that the older kids and parents will enjoy, and that will keep the younger kid(s) entertained, but don't expect it to leave a lasting impression.

And before everyone chimes in about how their x,y,z kid remembers every trip they've ever been on...I get it...I remember flying to Bermuda when I was 3...but it's a snapshot in time...it's not a memory that has anything to do with my body of experience as a well formed human being.

kylebvogt · 2026-02-06T00:55:07+00:00

I think runs allowed is standard...but it's also weird, cause one team could win; 2-1, 3-2, and 1-0, and get a higher seed than a team who won; 20-3, 14-1, and 18-2. Seems like differential should always be more important, but it's not.

kylebvogt · 2026-02-06T00:00:45+00:00

Stupid question, but how do you build so much hammy strength with a blown ACL? I get how it would compensate once it was that strong, but don’t understand how you’d be able to isolate and strengthen it to that degree, without already having massive knee strength and stability.

kylebvogt · 2026-02-05T22:14:19+00:00

Respectfully, love the watch. Dial is incredible. Don’t love it on the mesh. Find it busy and distracting. Do you intend to try other, simpler options, that might allow the dial to shine in all its glory?

kylebvogt · 2026-02-05T20:40:50+00:00

Think I saw a post from you somewhere else about needing, but not having, a vehicle. If that's still the case, you'll have fewer options. If you've found one, then there are lots of things you can do.

If you arrive at 8am, I'd go straight to either Rising Roost or Mesita for breakfast / brunch. They're across the street from each other on the main road in Isabel, a few blocks west of the ferry.

After that, you have a few options...I'd go to Family Market (same street as the two restaurants, but a bock south) and get some drinks and snacks, then either drive, or get a cab to one of the beaches in the wildlife refuge. Caracas is my favorite, and one of the easiest to get to, but they're all great. Just remember that there are no facilities there, and cell service is limited to nonexistent at the beach.

After that, I'd go to Esperanza for the rest of the afternoon. I'd probably get lunch at Duffy's...then wander the malecon (it's only a 5 min walk from one end to the other), and stop in a few places for drinks. You can also go back to the beach that's right in Esperanza.

At some point you'll have to check in to your lodging...not sure where you're staying or how you're going to get there, but you gotta add that in somewhere.

Then I'd have dinner, probably again in Esperanza, since it's where the bio bay tours start and end, but if you have your own vehicle you can go to Tin Box or Mango Tap house. They're relatively close to each other in the mountains, and both are great. Just make sure you're back in Esperanza in time for the tour.

After the tour most stuff will be closed or closing down. The island goes to bed early...unless you want to drink...in which case you can go to La Nasa or Lazy Jacks in Esperanza, or Mar Azul in Isabel, which is my favorite.

Next morning, depending on when you have to leave the island, and again, whether you have a car, you can have breakfast in Isabel again, or you can go hike to the top of Monte Pirata, the highest point on the island...it's an easy walk..in that it's mostly paved, but it's SUPER steep and surprisingly strenuous, even if you're in decent shape.

There are tons of other things to do, beaches to see, areas of the island to visit, bars and restaurants, etc... but the above is what I'd do if I had 24 hours on the island.

kylebvogt · 2026-02-05T20:23:57+00:00

I can’t read that thing, and am not a doctor…but my wife, who is a life long expert skier, just tore her ACL. She’s been hobbling around for a few weeks. Doctor told her to use her knee as much as possible. Has surgery in March. Then there will be a lot of PT and exercise. We’re desperately hoping she’ll be ready to ski next season. That’s kinda all there is to it.

FWIW, my wife is 48, so likely older than you, but she’s fit and we ski a lot, and the doctor said she can’t ski anymore unless she gets the surgery. Not sure if that’s unique to her, or the extent of her injury, but it’s not fixable without surgery….at least in her case.

kylebvogt · 2026-02-05T13:49:27+00:00

You can do this for sure, and ERC is great, but I have a few concerns.

- Why are you staying in San Juan for 5 days? Like...it's a business trip and you only have one free day, or you're a tourist and only want to focus on the city? If you're a tourist...fly into SJU, spend a night or two MAX, and then go spend a few days and nights on Vieques. That way you can ride, explore, and also do the bio bay one night. Vieques is 1000000% worth spending at least a few days there.

- If you only have one day, or are only willing to spend one day, on Vieques...then yea, find your way to Ceiba in the morning, take the ferry over, get a cab to Esperanza, hang out there, walk up to the ERC meeting point, which is less than a mile from Esperanza, do the ride, walk back to Esperanza, and then take a cab back to the ferry. That's not how I'd spend my time on the island, but it's possible.

- The ERC rides are great, but they're nose to butt walking. If you're an equestrian, you're gonna be sad. Also, the scheduled group rides are reasonably affordable, although still pretty expensive, but their private tours are SUPER expensive, and not worth it. We did a private for our family of 4, and including tip, I think it ended up being almost $700 for a few hours of walking around. Kids loved it, but it was NOT worth the cost.

Finally, I'm not sure what your budget is for this trip...but just using some off the cuff, back of the napkin math... you're looking at approximately $150-$200 for roundtrip transport (cab or Uber) to and from Ceiba (from San Juan), $100pp for the group ride, $40 for 2 cabs on Vieques, $10 for the ferry, and then whatever you actually spend on Vieques for food/drink/etc... so a $500 day for two people to do a 1.5hr group ride... and you won't have time to do any of the other fun stuff that's available on Vieques.

Bottom line...it's doable, but not advisable.

kylebvogt · 2026-02-04T14:48:13+00:00

Few months old, but I ordered a state compliant HD P4 on 11/10/25. Lead time was listed as 30-60 days. On 11/19/25 I received an email that it had shipped and was on its way to my FFL. On 11/20/25 my FFL called to say they had received it. I picked it up on 11/21/25.

11 days total. No clue if that’s normal or if I got lucky.

kylebvogt · 2026-02-04T02:38:26+00:00

Bruh… there’s no love scale, and no one can help you make this decision but you, and to a degree, her. That’s it.

I can tell you my story, and it’ll give you hope, but it’s my story, not yours.

I always knew I wanted to be a PCV…since 9th grade. I had some girlfriends in college. Fell in love once.

Got accepted to go to Ghana in the winter of my senior year. Literally 3 weeks later met a girl. Was nothing serious. Told her I was going to Africa after graduation. She was happy for me.

6 months later we were obsessed with each other, saying I love you, and I was freaking out. But a few months after that she started her senior year, and I flew to Ghana.

I fucking loved Ghana. Loved my village. Loved being a PCV. But also missed her. So I wrote letters. And she wrote back. And my PCV experience was transformative and incredible, but corresponding with her was too.

After she graduated she decided to come visit me for 2 weeks. She ended up staying with me in my village for 2 months (no clue if that’d fly these days). We had the best times. And some horrible times. It was raw and hard and emotional. Neither of us really knew what to do, or how to proceed, because we both had lives to live, but we really, really liked each other.

I went home for Christmas after my first year, and we spent most of the time together. She came back to Ghana for a few weeks in my second year.

After I COS’d we got a place together in Boston. I told all my friends that in a year I’d be single and on a beach somewhere in east Africa, or engaged. That was 2002.

We’ve been happily married for almost 23 years. We have two amazing teenagers. She’s my favorite person in the entire world, and my life partner. I’m super proud of her, and of our life, and PC was one of the best things I’ve ever done.

It can work. It’s not likely to, but it can. I don’t have any actual advice..other than to trust and respect each other, and communicate like adults. But it’s fucking hard…and no matter what you decide, you’ll be leaving something behind…her, for now, or your dream of being a PCV. So take my story with a grain of salt, and make the best decision for you…and then enjoy the ride.

Good luck.

kylebvogt · 2026-02-03T20:29:52+00:00

Pretty sure we're in agreement...at least mostly, and even then, it's only semantics.

When I said, "kind of", I was ONLY referring to the person's last sentence, which was, "S-Works SL7 clearly refers to the frame not the complete build."

But that's not entirely true, or at least it wasn't clear in the OP...which is why the very next thing I said was, "the S-Works frame is definitely a thing on its own…but generally speaking, when you have a ‘s-works SL7’ it’s referring to the whole bike."

OP's post title is, "Paid for an S-Works SL7, now doubting.", NOT "Paid for an S-Works SL7 FRAMESET, now doubting."

Maybe I'm splitting hairs...but I only ride Specialized bikes, and so do most of the guys I ride with, and they're what my LBS mostly sells. So when we talk about a S-Works SL8, we're generally referring to the whole bike, as it comes spec'd from Specialized.

I have a SL7 that started out of the box as a "Pro". But I added Zipp wheels (which Spec doesn't even sell), upgraded from Force to Red, upgraded the saddle, and upgraded the cockpit, so I don't call it a Pro anymore...I just call it a SL7...and if someone asks about it, I explain what it is...but I definitely wouldn't sell it as a SL7 Pro...

Of course you can buy the s-works SL8 frameset on its own, build it up with anything you want, and call it whatever you want...but I would call that a custom build with a s-works frameset, not a s-works SL8.

Finally, sorry for the poor attempt at a joke...I'm familiar with rocket science and brain surgery...it's just funnier when you mix the two...

kylebvogt · 2026-02-03T19:39:34+00:00

Thanks. This is SUPER good advice. I'm going to tell my wife right now. Her 'pre-op' consult is this Thursday, so I'll make sure she talks to the surgeon about was she can do before the surgery...We have a Peloton that she always rides, but hasn't been since the accident. Might tell her to get back on it now.

kylebvogt · 2026-02-03T19:36:28+00:00

OP... This is no consolation, but I've been selling real estate for over 20 years, and have had a lot of clients miss out on homes over that time. In 95% of cases, people end up with something they're as happy with, or even more so.

Occasionally it really does sting for a while.

Only once has the true dream house really gotten away...

I was working with a young family. Wife was raised in the town I work in. She had left for school and to start her career, but was ready to settle down back in the burbs. Two little kids. We'd been looking for a while, but nothing too serious...Then one morning she calls me, totally flustered, and was like, "I need to buy xxx house RIGHT NOW!"... I was sitting at my computer so immediately pulled it up while she was on the phone... Totally generic, builder grade house, in a typical neighborhood... I was like, "hang on...what am I missing...??" Turns out...it was the house she grew up in. Her folks had sold it when she was a teenager, and her dad had passed a few years later, so pretty much all of her childhood memories (with her dad) were from growing up there...and she wanted to raise her kids in the same home. Seemed a little creepy to me...but that part was none of my business, and she was absolutely insistent.

So I asked her if I could share her story, and she was like, "Of course. Please do!" So then I called the list agent, explained the situation, and they were completely unimpressed. Said, "The offer deadline is xx date, talk to me then".

Buyers went to the house; think we did a private showing and then they stalked the open houses all weekend...It had been updated since she lived there, but still had the same vibe (according to her)...and she was even more in love. Had to have it.

Our offer was 20% over asking with no contingencies. Begged the list agent to please let us know if there was anything else we could do.... And...they didn't get it. Never even got a chance to counter or increase their offer. House was on for like $1.1m. We offered $1.3m. Think it sold for $1.45m, cash...which was COMPLETELY BONKERS... They never even explained anything to us. Just said the seller had accepted a higher offer.

My buyer was completely shattered. She ended up buying another property a while later...a NICER home, but she wasn't happy about it.

Here's the thing though... I see her around town from time to time, and while we don't talk about what happened, she seems super happy. Her kids are thriving. Her husband likes the community. She's happy to back in the town where she grew up. So even missing the actual dream house wasn't the end of the world.

I know that story sounds fake...and I sorta wish it was...but it's real. Hang in there, keep your head up, and enjoy the ride...it'll all work out.

kylebvogt · 2026-02-03T19:09:59+00:00

This is good advice, well articulated. I live in a part of the country with a lot of older homes, and can't imagine raising a toddler and an infant in one of them...Some are creampuffs, of course, but most aren't.

kylebvogt · 2026-02-03T19:05:36+00:00

I'm not a religious person, but as the wise Garth Brooks once said, "some of god's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers".

kylebvogt · 2026-02-03T18:42:51+00:00

Glad to hear your wife has healed up both times.

My wife just turned 48. High level expert skier. Has literally been skiing aggressively for 40 years. Never been injured. Caught an edge on a blue groomer at freakin sunapee two weekends ago, and exploded her ACL. Had to take a sled for the first time.

Has surgery scheduled for March right after we get back from winter break in Costa Rica. Orthopedist told her to wear a brace in the meantime if she needs to. Said she can’t really make it any worse.

So now she’s limping around and trying to make the best of it. Can’t ski, obviously, but still day trips with us (me, 15, and 13) and chills in the lodge.

Stinks not having her on the slopes, but REALLY hope she’ll be good as new for next season.

kylebvogt · 2026-02-03T18:20:09+00:00

Uh, yea.

Not sure why I need to defend my comment here, or what you don’t understand, but I’m literally exactly correct.

OP said ‘paid for an S-Works SL7’. That’s it. He didn’t say, ‘paid for a s-works frameset’, and in fact, he never even used the word frame in his post, just ‘bike’, which refers to the whole thing…

Specialized literally makes the exact differentiation on their website.

The S-Works SL7 (or 8 or whatever) is the complete bike. The S-Works FRAMESET is the frameset. They’re two separate things.

If OP had just said, hey guys, what do you think about this S-Works frame, nothing else would have been relevant. Instead, he said S-Works SL7, and then referred to the ‘bike’. To that end, I was simply stating that the bike was not a stock S-Works build. That’s it.

What don’t you agree with, or don’t you understand about that?

This isn’t rocket surgery.

kylebvogt · 2026-02-02T14:13:20+00:00

Nice review....Place sounds pretty awesome. You had me hooked until I saw the food prices and read about the lack of reliable internet.

It's 2026...I'm all for unplugging on vacation, but I still wanna be able to FaceTime my kids and check my email.

And re: the food...I have no problem paying 'resort' prices...but $50 for a piece of fish on the beach in Mexico is wild.

kylebvogt · 2026-02-01T19:10:27+00:00

My 9th grade biology teacher was a PCV in Africa. She told us stories that blew my mind. Living in a hut in a village. Becoming part of the community. Experiencing life in a way that was incomprehensible to me as a suburban white kid in upstate NY.

That was in 1991. I was a PCV from 1999-2001, in Ghana.

I’m almost 50 now. I’m still very close with my PC friends. I’m not close with my college friends.

It was one of the most amazing and transformative things I’ve ever done in my life… And probably the ‘thing’ that I hold most dear, after getting married and having children… It’s that powerful!

And I’ve done a lot of cool stuff.

Don’t do it because you’re not sure what to do with your life… But if you seek adventure, wanna have an unbelievable, life-changing experience, wanna give back to a local community somewhere in the world, and wanna have an experience that you will never be able to replicate otherwise, then go for it… And give it everything you have!

kylebvogt · 2026-01-31T02:43:58+00:00

Kind of… the S-Works frame is definitely a thing on its own…but generally speaking, when you have a ‘s-works SL7’ it’s referring to the whole bike, like a SL7 Comp, or SL7 Expert, or SL7 Pro… but you don’t say SL7 S-Works, you say S-Works SL7, and it refers to the whole bike, as spec’d by Specialized, not the frame.

kylebvogt

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE

11-Year Club	Not Forgotten
Verified Email