physch

I just assume that any gen vintage Rolex is actually a franken. A great many are not, of course, but why take the chance? Think about it: there's a reason why the Auction Site is flooded (and I mean *flooded*) with empty cases and dials for the Valjoux 72, but only a very few movements. Where are all those orphaned movements going?

Fishy, and not the kosher kind.

Well I dunno. That's the "Tag" logo version, in other words, the "cheap" version, which is almost like a bad rep if you ask me. Still price is a few k, but the watch is easily available, huge run. Up above that is the Special Edition, which came out in 2010 in a run of 1000. 10k or so, but doesn't have the cheesy "Tag" on the logo, and recreates the original round pushers. Pretty nice piece, and probably a practical daily wearer. Then at the very top is the original Cal. 11 Heuer 1133B. Interestingly, just as likely to be cheaper than the 1000-unit reedition, though examples in excellent condition can go for 12-15k. Problem with the old square Heuers is they all had an icky rubber seal that bled onto the dial, and a funky case construction that had less-than-optimal water resistance qualities. I have more to spew on these if you want to hear it. The short of it is: these are not the coolest square Heuers.

I hear you (no pun). I grew up with JBLs in the '60s. As for the Klipsches, if they're the horns, they only really come into their own when you turn it up to 11. Seriously, they need the amplitude. I recommend the opening of Mahler's 5th, Bernstein conducting of course, and a nice Cohiba. Then you can practice disassembling and reassembling your gen 6541 Milgauss on a Burger King tray. At least that's what I like to do.

I can make a display back for almost any watch, but hey I'm in Europe. Still, if I can do it, any watchmaker with a lathe and some good dies (or threading capacity) can do it. The glass/sapphire can be either friction fit or installed with its own gasket, which is a pretty cool solution if you ask me. Post on a local forum and see what responses you get. It just takes a few hours in most cases (no pun intended!) Of course, if you have a gen case, the whole display back should be made from scratch from a piece of stainless stock. If it's a rep, then there's no harm in modifying your existing back, and it goes even faster. Jimbo

Good of you to open this up. Not a funny topic at all. Sometimes talented people don't know how to manage themselves, and all it takes is a helpful friend and a supportive community, and everyone can benefit.

Reported to the Bay.

Since someone brought up ebay, I'd just like to point out that there's a seller on there right now with a vintage Seamaster 300, offering it as 100% gen, but the dial is clearly rep (has stubbies and closed 6 and 9), the hands look to be also; I can't get a good enough look at the case, but it has to be considered suspect in this context. I won't post the link, but the seller is in Turkey. Just a heads up.

No idea whether it's gen or not, but I sure am glad I don't have to look at the one on the right every day. I'd rather see a tarantula crawling up my arm.

Nice rep, eh?