docblackrock

Not something that'll work on the pearl. The dark-colour ageing you see on the gen acrylic pearls is, like gen dial indices, is a natural artefact seen as a result of the decay of the tritium paint used in the lume mix (which means less of it to activate the phosphor in there, hence no glow). UV exposure has little to do with the ageing you're talking about. If you have one of the so-called NOS or generic 'empty' acrylic pearls, then you can simply stain whatever lume is in there yourself with either tea-dye or coffee mix etc.

Steer clear of that GMT - has a very old style 'large coronet' crystal etching and crappy DW font.

Truth right there. I have wondered what % of the 21,627 members we have are actual 'active' members (i.e log-in regularly and/or post). I'd guess maybe 30-40% max?

You don't see the greying in all original vintage inserts even from the same year in the same climate, which leads me to believe the variation is down to whether the watch has experienced salt water immersion or not. Just a theory mind you.

Your cookery experiment is very different though, relying on heat generated by the low end (down to IR) of the EM spectrum, as far removed from the the UV 'baking' Nanuq's has been subjected to. I wouldn't expect the results to be comparable. FWIW I think the gen slate-grey ageing is down to a combination of salt water and UV sunlight (which is mixed A and B ) and time. In other words, it's a very difficult task to replicate the effect of those exact conditions artificially. But hey, that's exactly why it makes it such fun trying

That does makes sense about primary colour base, but surely there must be better quality inserts out there - aside from the gen of course - that differ? guess it's just a matter of trial and *gulp* error

Pandalicious indeed Given the choice, I'd go with the white dial, the true 'panda' - probably because it's so eye-catchingly rare.

I'll have to have a dig around but I believe I have filed away somewhere a better more dilute hence more controlled 'recipe' than bleach for achieving a slate-grey insert. Of course it also depends on the quality of your insert to begin with. My 1665 has a MY insert on it - not something I'd want to sacrifice in testing.

Transformation into slate-grey insert and chocolate dial? Something has definitely been affected in the heat. Sadly, I don't think it's the watch

Mmmm, 16750....transitional GMT.......Pepsi......Oyster......chunky case....matte dial....tropic crystal.....quickset movt....what more could you want? The vintage Rolex equivalent of being able to have your cake and eat it Look forward to seeing those pics!

That moonphase/power reserve TT is a beauty. If only they made that in SS with blue-grey dial

I was just going to post that. Obviously the Daytona clasp is more widespread just due to the timeline, but the new GMT clasp is even better as not only is it spring-loaded, it has that fantastic comfort half-link you can adjust without actually removing the watch. Ideal for warmer weather this time of year. I love the WM9 Yachtie, but sadly I don't think it'd get the wear it deserved if I picked one up.

If you're looking to replicate the look of Nanuq's DRSD, you have another problem aside from the indices. The dial text. Crisp white and pinky-red. Yours will turn as coffee-coloured as the unmasked indices have on your first attempt. I don't think there's a solution to be honest - as for the indices alone, I doubt blu-tac would hold up to heat anyway even for a short period, it would probably liquify and mess up your dial. You have to remember that it's not just the years of UV exposure that gives that 1665 that effect, it was specific to those Mk.II dials, the type of paint that was used and how it aged generally (same deal with the rare cream dial Explorer II), hence why it is now known as a "chocolate" dial.

Yep same here. Honestly, why do they even bother?

Where else. How much did she go for in the end Bob? North of 3k? So the offy DOXA forum banned you for being unruly? What, that bunch of fun-loving, laid back, fine upstanding gents? Hard to believe....

Nice pickup gio. Shame, but I notice they still haven't addressed that glaring DW font on the ladies models. Suppose you could always pick up a gen. c.22xx DW and use as overlay.

I could not agree more on both the nature and the possible consequences especially if you're a relative newcomer. Me, I have a mere -6, I'm obviously not trying hard enough when it comes to cultivating enemies. As for the source of that score, to whom it may concern (you know who you are)... J'ai toujours fait une pri

Agree 100%. Ooh look it's a few F1s in, like, different colours. Okaaay then. Not a bad shortlist at all BT, not far off my own... Aquagraph (arguably the best value modern dive watch out there, kicks the DSSD's [censored] in many ways) Monza c.36 (such a underrated piece, that classic exquisite '30s case, and the El Primero movement is just the golden cherry on top) Monaco c.11 original (an icon, enough said) Monaco V4 (for the pure innovation and elegant beauty of the movement - hopefully there'll be an affordable 'diffusion' model within a few years) Autavia GMT (another classic gem, there's an Autavia for everyone, and I find myself lusting after the early GMT models) Targa Florio Fangio LE (bit of an odd bird this as it's always overlooked, but yet another it's a gorgeous heritage reissue that has an obvious DNA link to the old Flieger one-button chronos) Halfway there isn't bad for now

I remember they had one of these in the Omegamania auction a year or two ago. Made a lot of money quarter of a million Euros if I'm not mistaken. Nice and all (space suit material-covered case), but a touch of the "NASA nerd with Aspergers" about it.

Here's a nice tobacco dial (very little crystal reflection to get in the way) for you from my collection....

Which is, to my understanding, the first model that sported it. Every other PO/POC manufactured since has carried it along with another "innovation" carried over from that release....the red/orange paint anti-tamper 'seal' between the case and caseback. I don't get the point of the logo though, it's not like some embedded hologram difficult to reproduce, it's just the Omega symbol overlaid on a globe. And as Ubi mentioned, the proliferation and easy availability of Omega parts makes the rationale fairly redundant anyway.

So you've finally seen the light. No more nasty Jubileeuwwww.... Oyster....as God intended Looks fantastic and props to TJGR for an unbelievably generous gift.

Vintage-look brown leather you say? You should be able to get a smart but retro Ted Baker or another Diesel for £50 or so. If you want something a bit more funky, you can get the ubiquitous Paul Smith (with Vargas nudey illustrations) for under a ton. Also look at Simon Carter's offerings - even saw one last year with a lining print of vintage watches/clocks, very apt Alternatively, if you want classic and elegant, then within that budget, have a look at Aspinal's.

I second and third BOB straps if you're looking for high quality at fantastic value. waccex.de is their dedicated site and to top it all, Markus is an absolute gent to deal with.

This 6542 link is very well known amongst both Bond and vintage Rolex aficionados. Since Connery was still wearing the 6538 at this point, it was considered another way of suggesting that "Pooshy" was Bond's equal, a skilled pilot, and a no nonsense character who also preferred the *ahem* attentions of her girls, until of course 'cured' by 007 in that roll in the hay. As she is today....not bad for an 84 year old eh?