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Quick update. I've been wearing this 5512 with a genuine 7206 rivet bracelet with a "66" stamped clasp. That was only meant to be temporary as I'm saving that one for a future '66 Bart dial 5513. So l've recently acquired a mint condition "62" stamped 7206 bracelet that now more accurately matches the serial date range of my case as well as the caseback. Now this project is complete complete. Really.

Drank too much coffee to get a steady shot so I had to take it off the wrist.

Well, I've finally graduated to the next phase of watch collecting, my first vintage piece is on the way. It seems ridiculous to pay so much for something with old loom and so many nicks and scuffs especially when it probably cost 30x less brand new. I wonder how much I'll like it. I already know it will be my goto when hanging out with serious watch people. However, I remember the feeling of unpacking my 116613 and how amazed I was with the quality and finish. I just couldn't stop staring at it and still am just really blown away when I put it on. That won't happen with this. However, I have a feeling it will have it's own charm. Just so everyone reading this knows, I blame all of you for this evolution. Everyone on this forum and your ridiculous GD amazing pics of vintage watches all day long. Freddy's 6542 or droptops 1675 and dbane's had so many amazing 65XX subs I can't even keep track of what we're on these days. I just log in and get bevels burned into my retinas each time. I was doomed. My plan of course is to fill posts here with enough great photos to make someone else reach their next phase and buy a vintage. It's all about paying it forward. So with that I'll say thanks. Thanks to everyone at RWG for an amazing watch journey. You guys have given me a place to geek out about watches and taught me everything I know. From the early days of buying a few reps, to my first set of tools to you know, fix something here or there. Next it was a PO v5 and a full franken project completed myself. Then go back and Franken everything you own and sell anything you can't. I even dumped my girlfriend because I wanted gen b@@bs. :-). Finally buy a bunch of gens, and now vintage. I made it!!! It's frightening how much I've enjoyed every step. Thanks to everyone large and small. The journey would not be possible without everyone here because it's not one members knowledge but rather the collection of knowledge that makes this place so much fun. I end with this quote which just seemed appropriate on a number of levels: "When I met you I was but the learner. NOW I AM THE MASTER." Pics to follow in a few days.

Sub today

You are close, but not quite there yet. When you start factoring in how many donations of blood & semen that vintage Rolex bezel, pillar plate or clasp will cost you, then you have made it.

So genuine. I'd like to just hang out with this guy.

"If You had told me fifteenhundred I´d have been happy...". The vid has been around and it´s great to review it again, the watch is a dream with the bekelite bezel and all papers to go with it. Nice, humble guy and the good news certainly well deserved in his retirement. One week ago he was just using it on the wrist as a dresswatch while having no idea....

I think you underestimate the amount of time that goes into one of the 809H cases. Those pointed crown guards are no easy feat, especially considering the little amount of material they have to work with. I personally have never seen anyone attempt such a mod, and certainly not pull it off with such precision and excellence as TM has. Grinding off crown guards is one thing, but reshaping them with such detail is an entire other ballgame. I have seen plenty of of 216A copies, and no offense to anyone here or elsewhere (quite a few on instagram) but they don't come anywhere close. I shudder to think what we'll see when it comes to repping the 809H. Ask yourself this, if the work they do is so easy, how come they're the only ones doing it?

They use original plates, either they expose existing brass which then through true negative relief appears, or if they gold plated the dial and then... However that special someone could most likely make almost every thinkable dial Rolex dial EXCEPT for Tempus Machina DIALS. Let's just say some partnerships would end if there were black market versions made of a semi-grey market dial. I don't know 100% but maybe someone who knows better can say. The case mods and gold plating the hands etc... And getting a real BigCrown not that hard with one piece (or better yet save 750 USD and go with Athaya, which wouldn't have been an option due to trademarks for Tempus Machina). Let's see now... Recipe for 809H BASE: 1 pc 114060 5990€ or 1 Noob V6s/v7 400€ + optional Yuki 3135 + components for extra stability aprox 1000€ (Or add a gen for aprox 1800€) + why not an optional 700 Twinlock crown from Athaya to make it more genuine the 5512 everything from 45€ to 140€ (to add gen crown and tube) Gold plate hands or etter yet buy GMT hands in gold and relume. Honestly I don't know what is most cost-effective since I know nothing about the cost. Heck, gen GMT hands are max 100€ + relume max 50€ / cost is everything from 60€ to 150€ Dial... This is the tricky one. The correct way would be to get the one who can't be made to do the dial that can't be done. So from a perfectionist point of view it's about 1500£ Here is the twist............... I think I've found a way to do 99% correct and pay only 200€. It involves Vietnam, if it works, trust me I will open the flood gates and let everyone know. Last but not least case mods. Either have one person does everything e.g. "A certain modding company in Europe, not Bamford". I think we are talking MAX 700€ to have everything done. OR split it up in smaller jobs. - Maybe dbane or Swiss machines (Zocker) does lugs and (if rep is used rebrush etc) . 100-200 EUR - Jmb drills lug holes. 50€ - Rolojack does remaining e.g. PCGs and final assembly. 150-200€ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- That's about it... 400 € (÷1000 € for franken 3135) (+ another 800 € on top for gen 3135) Base watch: 400 to 2200 € OR 5990 € Crown/tube: 45 to 140 € Hands: 60 to 150€ Dial: 200 to aprox 2000 € (the latter asks for gen dial to use as base, so a minimum would be a gen 16610 Dial, about 200€?) Case mods: 350 to 700€ SO ------- Cheapest: 1000€ compromises in between.... Best : 8590€ ------

I'm with JoeyB except that he, apparently, can remember 56 better than I. For me that was 14 years and many watches ago. When I first joined this forum in '09 (I think), it was my impression that most of the members were young guys and gals, but I have come to realize that there are some of us that are older. I wonder how many members, active on this board, are over...say...60 years old. It means something to this strange hobby, as there are some of us who could buy anything he/she wants, but still we enjoy this hobby. My wife has asked, why don't you sell these and buy a real Rolex. My answer is "Where's the fun in that?"

The reaction of this gentleman is touching ! Wonderful story. Thanks so much for sharing it. All the best Stephane

That's a 6542 GMT. What an incredible example. Good thing he doesn't wear it much. That's the original radium lume insert!

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Hey imajedi, it's great to have you aboard. It's especially nice to watch newbies as they get their legs under them, then start doing amazing things of their own. We all were noobs at one time, and we remember the vast chasms that lay between where we were, and where we wanted to be. The Jedis of those years guided us, now we're just paying it forward. The really nice thing about this place is you don't have to fear "asking a dumb question" because you won't get attacked for it. The depth of knowledge here is vast, and the members remember learning it the hard way. Make the effort to follow in their steps and they'll be your biggest supporters. Your quote is really good, but to me this quote describes this place perfectly: "We are like dwarfs sitting on the shoulders of giants. We see more, and things that are more distant, than did they, not because our sight is superior or because we are taller than they, but because they raise us up, and by their great stature add to ours." John of Salisbury, ca. 1159

There are some incredible people here with incredible builds that truly inspire. It will be rewarding to see your photos.

+100,000,000!! That's why I couldn't do it! Those 6 dig cases are just to bulky for me :( The 14060m gets so much wrist time it's not even funny. Sometimes you forget it's there because it wears so nicely. Haven't ventured into the gen 4 digit world yet. Need to! Hmmmm... I always wanted something with PCG! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk And yes, the new clasps are a work of art. Glide lock can come in handy a lot during the warm summer months! But again.. They are bulky compared to the tried and true flip lock. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

56.....hmmm, and both still ticking and running strong. Class begets class my friend

Those are spectacular shots!

56 years old, I remember it well. But I'm still good when I get wound up every day or so...

I do not have any good group shots. Really need to invest in a camera and get some decent pics. 1966 5513 Gilt my favorite watch. 1970 1675 MKI P Serial 16570 Actively looking for a Daytona and a proper dress watch to round out the "collection".

Super Ocean with gen black/orange strap. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nice, just needs the insert aligning. And a TC for me today.

RWG has always been the best place for the technical-minded to gather & exchange ideas, tips & techniques. Welcome aboard & we hope to see contributions from new members in the future.

The watch is in great shape for its age, but I think you are in much better shape, especially consider that you have been many more places & experienced many more things than the watch.

It's not a fair comparison buddy. You already told us that the 6536 has had restorative work. Somehow I don't see you spending hours in the beauty saloon.

Good morning from my 382 on canvas Inviato dal mio SM-N920C utilizzando Tapatalk

Here is my pic..it's very high res...just looked and they're single. Your's is identical to mine and those pics looks like they're from intime which is where I purchased mine from.

yeah, thats why i like leather shoes too....they never die!!! sorry for the threatcrap...

As I recently learned in another thread here, first for the general wear and tear, a 30+yr old watch will have some dings. Try the "coin treatment" put in in your pocket with a bunch of coins to add some scratches etc.... If you want a weathered look to the exterior. Finally, my experience with some rep dials, and hanging my arm out the car window, is the sun light does a wonderful job of fading the dial. You may not have the time or sunlight (where I live we get 300+ days of sun), but maybe a strong UV light source.... If you are willing and able to disassemble the watch, an old "Hollywood" trick to reduce luster is hair spray. Obviously you would only want to hit the dial. I can NOT vouch for this on a watch however. Props and cars yes... Just some random thoughts. I am sure the pros will chime in soon. -Ronin