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Context: Bought an Oyster Perpetual 39mm (JF, 114300, Grape) from Mary (TD) that needed basic servicing. Timegrapher results provided by Mary suggested that it was gaining about +013 s/d, not ideal but fortunately fixable. About me: First rep, first automatic watch, didn't even know how to take out the extra steel links with a screwdriver - essentially a watch noob. I live in a place that does not have many rep-friendly watch-smiths, or even friendly watch-smiths for that matter - let's just say that asking the neighbourhood watch-smith to do basic servicing on a regular watch requires great patience, resilience and low expectations on the customer's part. This meant that I had to rely on recommendations on forums or risk never enjoying wearing my OP. Someone recommended Al (Legend), and so I contacted him about watch servicing. What I hoped for before I met Al: - My watch comes back in one piece, after months. I'm patient - I have waited for 27 years before getting an automatic watch, I can wait a few more months. What actually happened: - A complete disassembly, cleaning, oiling, regulation and assembly of the movement - complete with pictures showing me what was going on. I was new to the world of watches and Al was kind to take the time to explain to me what was going on, and answer my questions. - Regular updates on how my watch was doing and his QC processes. Al has excellent attention to detail and clearly takes pride in servicing each watch to the best of his ability. He also does mods, and damn, his modded watches look good. - Watch is returned to me in about 2 weeks, looking beautiful and working like a dream. If I hadn't found Al, I would probably still be stuck with a watch that was too big for my wrist, with a clone 3132 movement that is probably not oiled very well and with dust stuck inside. Eventually, the movement might stop sporadically as a result and cause the watch to fail to keep time well, which would be a shame because I really like this watch. However, the superb quality of Al's work, his affordable rates, and his excellent, transparent, communication style has meant that I can never get any watch fixed at any typical watch-smith without being disappointed. He has basically ruined me for any other watch-smiths forever, so I'm naming and shaming him right here.

The full size egi donor cases we have access to are, well, kinda crappy, lugs are short, lug holes are in a bad spot, getting the bezel off and back on with out warping it is next to impossible, I could go on, but you get the point. This one was made in house everything except the second hand and the movement, while its got a few parts that would be changed to more gen like appearance, it's all made like the gen. I didn't have any round stock in the required size for the76mm length of the case so it started life as a plate. This was then turned to the final over all diameter, and the shape of the lugs turned I to the face and back Then off to the mill to cut out the shape, drill the required holes etc Once that was done, the bezel, case back, rotation hold down ring and crown guard were made. (Forgot to take images of those processes[GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]) Once all the parts were made and fitted, some fine tuning was done, cutting in the sharp angle at the lug to case (pain in the butt!) fitting the little brass slide tabs that keep the bezel on and allows it to rotate, cutting the overly complicated crystal, cutting the notches, milling the spring pin holes, setting up the bezel so the markers line up correctly... Fitting the removable movement ring (will accommodate 240's with a 3 piece dial) and getting it to all work together. Finishing touches, made dial 43mm, markers screw in lug bars, blasting and lightly aging the finish. It all came together to end up like this. Thanks for taking a look

Much more recent update: I actually purchased the watch that I had pictured in the above photo. Only difference is I had the dial changed to a non-Tiffany since that is basically a 1-of-1. The entire watch is gen except the case and the dial. EVERYTHING else is gen - bezel, case back, pushers, crystal, crown, Valjoux 727, bracelet, etc.

I used kingwatch for over 5 years and I think her QC is reasonable. Never got a dead watch from her before. A good TD should always perform his or her own QC when the watch arrives from the factory and should know what to look out for in specific models. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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"kinkinza is no young man, nor an old one either. She is a nice and bright young lady" I guessed that (looking at that bare wrist/arm) but I was unsure... that's why I didn't say anything about the gender... Nice to have a woman within our lines... Once again, welcome Kinkinza!

Legend is, well, a legend.

Yes..that is the problem. It just wont close and stay closed. It pops open too easy..even on its own most times...lol.

Gen Spider Dial Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Just needs a little tweaking to keep it closed

Great story! Verstuurd vanaf mijn F5321 met Tapatalk

would not expect any other outcome w/ legend , nice watch by the way I like it but my lord young man it looks huge on you as lorenzo observed. (upside eat all you want)

Nice story! Congrats to you for your new watch a congrats to Al to be... Legend... (BTW... looks like you have a very small wrist... that Oyster P. looks huge!)

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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The famous “Black Hole Effect” only with gen crystal Rolex car

Thanks @Dawagner. I luckily managed to get a gen one from Italy for a decent price.

Pure watchpron [emoji1]

I've used the aftermarket ones from WSO on eBay with good results.