docblackrock

If it were within the same series/era (i.e. 1675 dial and c.1570 datewheel) then you have maybe a 75% chance it will. Attempting to match up a modern-era movt datewheel with a vintage dial, as you suggest however, you have a 99.9% chance it won't. It's a non-starter, but at least you know now. With any franken project, aside from the possibly wasted costs, one should always be prepared for some frustration and headaches along the way

Eminently sensible Euno, absolutely not worth the risk or trouble to rectify Whilst I understand your purist WIS-h ( ) to keep your baby as OEM as possible, I think in terms of longevity (as in heirloom timelines) you'll be better served by going Triplock anyway...may as well do it sooner rather than later. Whatever you decide though, best of luck - keep us posted and if you're still adamant on the twinlock, I'll keep my eyes peeled this side of the Pond

No correction from me, same as I have installed on my 6541/6542 'patient' Euno, aside from your frustration in sourcing that tube, would have thought there are obvious practical benefits in upgrading to triplock tube anyway?

Maybe so, although I would guess the demog of F1 viewers is likely to be much older than 22. Seems the marketing baboons at La Chaud de Fonds are in overdrive...the homepage today *sigh*

Now I'm a big Tag fan, but the thing that annoys me about their F1 presence is the overt and cheesy way they promote their wares - making the drivers strap on their contractual watches, looking ridiculous over their sponsor-plastered overalls, pre-podium and ready for the waiting cameras - what is THAT all about FFS?! Just looks so contrived and tacky - god it actually makes me cringe - in fact, has Christophe Babin written all over it Tag Heuer and motor racing for me is all about classic design and rich heritage, the Jack Heuer side of the business for those who know what I'm on about...vis a vis Monza, calibre 36, Fangio, Targa Florio, Carrera Pan-American, calibre 11, Monaco, McQueen, Autavia and the like. In comparison, Lewis Hamilton flashing an orange-dialled quartz monstrosity in front of the cameras is a pathetic joke, even not taking into consideration he wears a Daytona in private (how original ).

What like Jenson Button? Deva vu methinks Not trying to provoke, but this very British and tabloid media thing of building up raw talent as if they're "the second coming" as you say, just annoys the hell out of me to the point of anger. Here's some examples... Tim Henman aka "Tiger Tim" () - an embarrassment that refuses to retire, as he's deluded into thinking he can still win Wimbledon. England football team, every World Cup and Euro Champ - apparently chock full of world class players, who play in our "world's best" league, with a world class coach, a team that every other team in the world fears....it's our right that we bring it "bring it back home"....etc. etc. Arrgghhhh, oh how I could go on.....

I wouldn't go that far Pug, from what I've read he's only a rookie who's had a flying start - he is also driving the best car and from what I've heard and seen Alonso is not on form right now. Wonder how he'll cope in a different car next season I also lost interest in the snoozefest that is now F1 pretty much immediately in the aftermath of that crash at Monza in 1994. The Schumacher decade? Meh That aside, I wonder if the orange dial was "team orders"? I'm sure Alonso gets to wear a more attractive model

You only have to look at the date Nice pickup Virgil, she's a beauty. All you need now is the classic blue or black OEM leather strap (instead of that horrible jubilee-esque bracelet).

Nope, not the vintage 6541 model anyway The said, there are a couple of modern Milgauss (you know the smooth-bezel Datejust look-a-likeys) - one of our dealers has them can't remember which one sorry. I was lucky enough to pick up the silix asian 6541 last year - as Nanuq says like the MBW version, it is at best a very good base/donor (nicely thin case profile) for any number of vintage projects - mine is currently being cannibalised to make a 6542 (GMT). But to pay MBW price for that version??!!! Several gen variations about, but this is my own favourite...

Probably a typo but the model ref. for the Explorer II is, in fact, 1655 Like Euno, I've been on the trail for one of these gauche, awkward-looking retro '70's beauties for years - sadly good examples just don't exist Nearest I ever found was the now-AWOL Ken (Honpo) who had a very nice version...not quite 1665/1680 MBW/WM quality though.

Errrr.... (*ghostly whispering voice*) If they've built it, it will come....

Ain't no Monaco ever produced with a c.36

They already have The Valgranges A07.211 - not much different to a 7750 really. Only the GMT in development now. Valgranges

Ah late to the party....Monza's mmmmmm, one of my favourite watches . I recall Pugs and I discussing the 2894 during the Watch Poll War of 2006 - aside from the fact it has replaced the now-discontinued 7753 as ETA's flagship chrono, I'm still of the opinion it's a triumph of ETA spin over substance. Whichever way you interpret it, it's still a very basic base movt with a chrono module literally stuck on (as opposed to a true integrated chrono). The module is a sealed unit and as the guys above have said, can only be worked on 'in-house' and for a hefty fee. Both servicing costs and inconvenience should all be factored in when considering a purchase. Love Avitt's Heuer reissue version pictured though - if you really can't stretch to the c.36, I'd seek one of these out rather than the standard Monza. Faced with the choice, I'd pucker up for the c.36 - there's a reason it has a display back - to show off the truly gorgeous and innovative ZEP movt . For me it's the difference between having a 2006 Mercedes SL500 or a 1956 Mercedes 300SL - both are accomplished performers but only one was truly ground-breaking in terms of craftmanship and has an abundance of heritage and class.

Nice spot Rainman "definitely two microns misaligned....two microns....defintely two microns..." Funny this mod has come into focus now, as it's bugged me like mad for a couple of years - first thing I did with my 1665 from base was remove that caseback ink and buff like crazy but as you know, effect is minimal. Other thoughts I've had but yet to act on are a golf iron groove 'cleaner' (possibly too large gauge to start with) or actually employing a hand-engraver. The craftmanship these guys use is astounding, and giving them an already engraved caseback and asking them to 'enlarge' shouldn't feasibly present any problem. I am making enquiries...

Thought as much, the only concern of mine is my 187 - whilst I've seen a pic in your last run (Flav's), I know for a fact it has light AR (on a sunny day in the northern hemisphere when the moon's in it's 3rd cycle yes, then you can make out a very faint pinkish tint). So is 187 'safe' or not?

Any other problem crystals you're aware of Chief, whilst on the subject?

More like somebody's been using those dodgy 'art' photos when you were younger and "needed the money"??? Of course, there could be other explanations for the double-take.... Passing resemblance (to fellow Alaskan)? Separated at birth? Secret love-child?

Oh, and please don't PM me either, I ain't taking any bets - if you really want a Speedy, be a good chap and make Pug an offer he can't refuse

Well spotted, your eyes are fine Great strap - so-called 'bull' leather (ole!) gives it a nice matte finish and thick feel. Deployant was a gift/swap from a friend here

Uncanny eh Bob?

LESSON 1. DRESS LIKE A REAL GEOLOGIST LESSON 2. FORGET THE NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING LESSON 3. ACT LIKE A REAL GEOLOGIST Real Geologists... Don't eat quiche. They don't even know what it is. Real geologists like raw meat, beer and tonsil-killer chili. Don't need rock hammers. They break samples off with their bare hands. Don't sit in offices. Being indoors drives them crazy. If they'd wanted to sit in offices they'd have become geophysicists. Don't need geophysics. Geophysicists measure things nobody can see or feel, make up a whole lot of numbers about them, then drill in the wrong places. Don't go to meetings, except to point at a map and say "DRILL HERE" and leave. Don't work 9 to 5. If any real geologists are around at 9am it's because they're going to a meeting to tell the managers where to drill. Don't like managers. Managers are a necessary evil, for dealing with bozos from Human Resources, beancounters from Accounting and other mental defectives. Don't make exploration budgets. Nervous managers make exploration budgets. Only insecure mama's boys try to stay within exploration budgets. Real geologists ignore exploration budgets. Don't use compasses. That smacks of geophysics. Real geologists always know exactly where they are, and the direction of the nearest place where beer is available. Don't make maps. Maps are for novices, the forgetful, managers and pansies who like to play with coloured pencils. A real geologist will only draw a map to show the ill-informed managers where to drill. Don't write reports. Bureaucrats write reports, and look what they're like. Don't have joint venture partners. Partners are for wimpy bedwetters who are unable to think big. Don't use computers. Computers are for geophysicists, other nerds and limp-wristed quiche eaters who can't think for themselves.

Copycat! Nah, credit where it's due...Pug was the one who inspired me to 'leather up' in the first place - the modern bracelet and I just didn't get on and the watch lay unworn for a long time. Speedy was my first serious watch - original was brought home by my father one night when I was a little nipper. I was fascinated with it (the watch and the Moon/NASA association) and begged him to have it as an early 7th or 8th (I forget which) birthday present. Unfortunately for me, it had what turned out to be a rather valuable inscription (let's just say it wasn't exactly supplied as a production model ) and my father flipped it Still we spent a month on holiday in Italy that summer with the proceeds which more than made up for my disappointment . For the last 10 years or so, I've always kept an eye out for another gen vintage Speedy, even pre-Moon (some nice examples at Antiquorum's Geneva auction last month), but whilst I'm waiting my 4-year old Speedy with Venus does a great job. As you can see...unfortunately thanks to Pug's AMAZING photo montage, mine look like crap in comparison

Firstly congrats elprimerozen from a fellow 1675-lover (not long now I hope ) Lovely piece just a real shame about the '80s dial and hands - damn RSC swapouts - but I suspect you'll be on the lookout for more appropriately-matched/aged parts anyway. As for what the guy is doing in the picture, well I'm not going to let the cat out of the bag except to say I believe he may be using a tiny tiny bottle of a famously reassuringly expensive Belgian lager

Some pics to illustrate... Vintage acrylic blob 'pearl'...pic taken from the lume dots you bought, VERY close match to genuine Vintage in situ Modern pearl in chrome-ringed setting under 'glass'... Silver datewheel on c.1570 - as the guys said, service swapouts meant a lot of silver datewheels went to datewheel heaven and were replaced with white wheels, and latterly with round '3' fonts. When these watches went in for service, owners were given a list of recommended parts swaps and often these were done in absence of owner's objections. That's why original parts or even better NOS are highly sought after and watches with original specs moreso. What with Rolex having now ceased servicing any 15XX movts (a disgrace IMO) these parts are becoming very valuable.