Gngn

Thanks for pointing out that potential lume contamination problem with older gens. I have a 1970 GMT with T lume and may run into the same issue sooner or later. So far it looks ok (see below), but I'll keep an eye on it as it may come. I think about having my dial checked and cleaned by the local watchsmith more often, as I don't want a service dial & hands on mine.

Gen inserts from the late 1960ies have the same degree of fading you applied, in case they never got replaced on a gen, and if the watch was worn on a daily basis. So this is in line with the age of the watch. Many gen owners get the insert replaced (as well as the bracelet) every ~10 years, so you find all sorts of variations. Great project; in case you intended to sell it, I had recommeded to use gen parts only, as it increases value dramatically. If you want to keep it, using aftermarket is fine.

Just as a thought and in case you like it, there are good quality sapphire case backs out there: http://www.customwatchconcepts.com/product_info.php?products_id=35

Agree. Contact Andrew from Trusty and ask him for the BP version of the 16600.

I think you're mixing up watch models a bit. This review talks about the smaller, older, 16610 Submariner, with alu insert. "v3 coming out soon" references to the announced Noobmariner 116610 Sub, the current, larger model with ceramic insert. In contrast to the BK and TC models discussed here, the Noobmariner is a chinese, out-of-the-box model of arguably nice quality.

Frohes einlesen / happy reading.

Don't try to catch up with those guys wearing a gen by buying a rep. Even if they don't joke or question it's rep or gen, you will never feel comfortable. Rather take the money, and buy two nice shirts and a nice pair of cufflinks. That's more reassuring and more style than a rep sub.

Case thickness is probably the biggest flaw on all rep vintage Rollies. It's hardly ever solved correctly on any rep. I only spotted it when I bought a gen vintage 1675 (vs 1655 / 1675 rep cases I owned earlier). The thinner case makes the gen watch even more comfortable in wearing vs. reps. Here's a wrist shot of the thin gen case.

Here's some further reading on the original header question, "Which factory is making the Asian ETA". In fact, there are a couple. http://www.tractionink.com/watch_wiki/index.php?title=Clone_Movements

+1, here's another example.

[/offtopic on] Thanks a lot! That crocodile strap was a highly debated item in the German forum, actually - most people didn't like it (except for my wife, me, and a couple of other weird guys). Typical statement was "too polished" or "too much bling bling" but it works pretty well when you see it live and in dress watch style. It's a "RIOS Windsor 20mm" aftermarket croc strap like shown here: http://www.uhrenarmband-versand.de/Uhrenbandversand-p9760h143s145-Uhrenarmband-Windsor.html The buckle is a silver rep part I found on eBay. The UK seller got busted shortly afterwards. I was lucky. Thes buckles come up here & there from time to time. Couple of additional pics (on a wm9 v2 Franken Sub... nevermind) : [/offtopic off]

Early TC M-Series Franken with flat S dial, gen crown / xtal / insert on the left, gen from the same period but with flat 4 insert on the right. Macro pic: And a BK wm9 Franken LV with TC dial & hands / gen xtal / crown / insert: Cheers!

Interesting info, saves a lot of effort and $$$ - as the previous RA versions, based on the Vintage Explorer, meant up to $300 for the dial plus extra reluming work (= more $$$$).

Great one, also regarding the dial and vintage lume! Are the Yuki dials back, or is this an NDT or something else? Greetings from the 1675 RA fan corner - some pics bleow to bridge the wait time!

wm9 v2 Franken flat & pointed side by side (wm9 v2 and early TC) Croc strap Another gen insert with flat fours