USMC8404

Thanks Stephane. I have a Rolex service dial that I purchased from a member here on the forum. Maybe I should install it and retain the original to preserve the value. I know if I send it in to Rolex, they will keep the original dial and hands.

Thanks Laz. I am just a bit disappointed. If I were to have the dial and hands replaced at the Rolex service center would it negatively effect the value of the watch?

Good morning all, Yesterday I received the watch in the mail in good condition. I purchased it from a seller on ebay for a very fair price. My question now is why don't the markers and hands glow. I know that they are tritium and not luminova, but with a half life of 12 years or so, shouldn't they still be luminous? What are my options? Should I source an original tritium dial and hands, or have it up dated to superluminova? Sorry, no pictures yet. Will post later when I have more time. The Zigmeister, Bytor, and Stephane: if you are reading this please respond. Thanks guys... Regards.

You should look into one of these Unbranded Submariners. They are Swiss ETA and there isn't a single logo anywhere on the watch. I have several of them myself. You can find them on ebay for under $300 and they are the highest quality.

Gen tubes are normally larger in diameter than the rep ones. The Euromariner will accept a gen crown without the gen tube. Also, some rep crowns are too large. Case in point the Noobmariner. The Euromariner crown is a close match but has a slightly different look to the nurled portion of the crown. Sorry no time for pics this time.

The LV Sub is the 50th anniversary sub, this is true; however, they are still producing this model and are currently on the "M" serial with the ingraving. The first year it was produced was 2003 and it had an "F" serial. The "F" serial is the only one that is truly collectable. I own both an "F" serial gen, and a Euromariner version of the "M". Both watches are the same case size. They are difficult to tell appart from 3 to 5 feet away when side by side. When the Euromariner LV is on the wrist no one but a WIS would ever know the difference. The Euromariner has a few issues as do all reps but they are not very easy to spot unless you know what you are looking at. I wear my rep when I am doing activities that might damage the gen. No one has been able to tell the difference. The crown guards need to be worked on, a gen crown is another upgrade, and the bezel insert should be replaced because of the font size on the numbers and the pearl. My only real complaint is the pearl, it does suck. Otherwise the Euromariner LV is a very close replication indeed! Let me know if you have any more question about this watch. I would be happy to answer them. Cheers.

You'll be back. If for nothing else, you'll continue to buy reps to "test drive" your next gen purchase. Plus, there is nothing wrong with having the same model in rep and gen form. It gives you options.

My thoughts are that this guy is used to looking at gen watches all day and has an over all impression about what looks normal. The minute he spots something abnormal, he gets an impression that something isn't right. He had no idea it was truly fake until you made the mistake of allowing him to handle it. Once he had it in his hands he knew how to tell for sure and you made his day. I would never allow some one that I did not know handle my $5000.00 watch! I disagree that has to look the part to wear an expensive watch. I own one gen Rolex, and have another one on the way. If you saw me on the street, you might think it was fake because I drive a 10 year old pick-up truck and wear blue jeans and a plain white t-shirt most of the time. What people fail to realize is that you really should not judge a book by the cover. I like reps and gens. I love watches in general. Some guys spend their money on expensive cars, some like high dollar electronics, I happen to enjoy watches (and Marine Fish Aquariums). What I have come to know over the years is that most people with money do not look the part. The ones that fit the "profile" are probably maxed out on their credit cards! Next time some one approaches you like that guy did just say, "what ever" and move on. You must be comfortable and secure with your self before others will have confidence in you. I JUST NOTICE THIS THREAD IS OVER A YEAR OLD!

I just had a similar experience purchasing a watch on Ebay. Check my profile for the post if you are interested. The watch in the picture looks Gen to me, but unfortunately, you won't know for sure until it arrives. Think of it this way. Most higher quality reps are in the $400 range. So, either way you are ok. My only real concerns are that you are buying from a seller with "0" feedback and the watch is under priced by about $1200. Good luck and keep us posted.

Go for it! I am sure it is ok as long as the gaskets were greased and the back tightened properly. I swim with my Euromariner regularly.

Just a matter of perspective my friend. My time horizon is twenty years out for full retirement. A lot can happen in twenty years. No big deal either way really. If I didn't like the watch, I should not have purchased it in the first place. But I do like it and I did purchase it. No undoing that now. GTG either way. Cheers mate...

No, I am sure it is just the angle. look at the shadow to the right. I am ok with the deal. Win some loose some. Worst case I lost a little money. I'm not sweating it. I think all will be ok in the end. Cheers.

Agree. I was thinking about that today too. But as the economy recovers so will the prices. Buy low and sell high... May be this is just the tip of the iceberg? Might be some great deals on watches over the short term. I wonder if the price of reps will follow the down curve. We can all hope. Gens as an investment, reps for fun!

What's up Leather neck?! Long time no see. Are you doing the Merc thing? I am on terminal leave right now, retiring in December. Send me a PM if you get the chance. I am looking at overseas opertunities...

Please PM me with info... Cheers

My thoughts exactly! I asked for pics of between the lugs and papers. I do feel pretty good about it though. The guy probably needs the money more than the watch right now.

Thanks, I am feeling a little better about it now. I guess a full service will cost around $500.00 or so? Not a bad deal all things considered.

I know what you mean. He has a long history of great feed back. May be I just got lucky

Not only was there no reserve, the Buy Now was set at $3400. This is more in line with the price for the non date-versions.

Good morning all, I am having some remorse over an auction I won early this morning on ebay. Please take a look at the listing and tell me I am just being paranoid... All opinions are welcome. I know this sounds crazy but it only had one other bidder and sold for $3150 USD. Here is the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...em=330281479000 Thanks guys, Cheers

The problem with this watch is that it is a POS. It is basically a very nice looking, overpriced paper weight. The modification used to convert the ETA 2836 to a "GMT" movement do not work properly. Do a search on the forum for this watch and you will see you are not alone in this problem.

A candle can be handy for starting a campfire, emergency light, and in a closed space can keep you from freezing to death.

Seamaster GMT?

My local AD offered me a GMT Master II "Z" serial for $5750.00 out the door. Do you guys think this is a good deal? The new price list does not include this model as it is out of production. Please chime in. Thanks.

You really can't go wrong with this watch. I personally own two of the submariners and one GMT. When I place the unbranded watch next to my gen sub LV you can't tell them appart from 5 feet away. He has excellent customer service and communication too. You will not be disappointed. Cheers...