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"I feel your pain (but the suffering is worse because I lack such an extensive collection of new/NOS Rolex crowns)." "Wow that's quite the crown collection.!!" Yeah, it started years ago (take-offs piling up), I never imagined they would ever be worth anything. The nos crowns were purchased back when I had a parts account with DRS in NYC and later with RWC Dallas. I do not take in repairs now because of the parts situation and buy a 15xx powered watch now and then that needs parts, c/o etc. and get it back to good condition, finally ending up with a few pretty good 16xx DJ and 55xx AKs. Today ratty rolex 16xx DJ and 55xx AK watches cost more in bad condition than first class examples did a few years ago. Rotted out cases and bad dials being most of the problem today...along with finding period correct bracelets in usable condition. I sent 6 or 8 bracelets to Michael Young in HK 12 or 15 years ago and they turned out fine but I am not going to take a chance with them making the round trip today. It seems like the vintage rolex hobby is expanding and contracting at the same time... Expanding because of increased demand. Contracting because of insane parts prices and fewer repair shops willing to work on older watches.

Just in some weeks ago...

Still wearing The Big Kahuna (116520)