docblackrock

Yep, definitely not Europe - Oregon rings a bell. Hmm, as for flaws, I'm assuming he used a thin 5513/1680 case? That would be the big flaw as these patent pending prototype SRSD's used the existing Sub case before the 1665 case came into being. But I'm guessing the flaw you're referring to Randy is not this obvious? Clue? Maybe the dial T<25 placement??? But then it is clearly a MY (re)dial and isn't what I'd call a BIG flaw.

Always interesting seeking these subjective opinions Lello FWIW, I've said it before but personally if they insisted on this arrangement, I'd have liked at least to have seen a bit more creative design/styling ingenuity in terms of how they present all those features. Looks like it was designed by an amateur playing about with dial configuration software. In my mind, it is an aesthetically-awkward amalgamation that is somehow less than the sum of its constitutent parts...or to put it another way, the 'Mr Potato-Head' of Panerai models.

more like 'cultural barrier', as is two countries separated by a common language Kruzer, you're right, need is indeed relative. As in "I need to be not subjected to and less annoyed by needy me-want-now-type posts .

Didn't your mother teach you any manners?

did you refer him to the two topics immediately above the one he started?

Yep, at first attempt those bracelet pins are a [censored] alright My tip owes itself to Sir Isaac Newton....use a steady hand, push strap vertically down onto pin carefully avoiding any lateral movement, with whatever you're 'pushing' with (I use a secured inverted purple jewellers screwdriver) - there is a audible click and from then a pair of pliers to just pull pin freely out. Fitted a bracelet in 3 mins using this technique. Refitting the pins fortunately is infinitely easier. Alternatively, some of us just fit a genuine PO rubber strap

BT/Jetsons, that SRSD was indeed Saabin's - sadly he dropped off the map long before the 'evolution' and has been MIA for some time now. Pity. @Bazz - like the '1680 on case opener' shot - looks like it's kneeling a la Mme Guillotine

Firstly let me say that by far the best ever franken I ever saw was THIS one... the owner performed his own machining and dug up the whole graveyard for it....I wonder if some of the real old-timers here remember it? As for myself, well I've got the odd decent franken...a Palp 16610, few Pams, also couple of very exciting vintage projects soon to be complete, but my favourite (right now) is my MBW 1665, gen parts maxed out, just waiting on the Watchmeister datewheel BTW, nice ZEP movt shots Randy. Personally, although I'm not a Daytona fan, I think the El Primero chrono is quite possibly THE movement of the C20th. End of. In fact, far too nice to be hidden away behind a closed back - I prefer to see it in all its naked glory

Quite right Randy, I heard about them last year and may have even posted then They're not on general sale as such but custom orders and I was lucky enough to see one of the Subs being collected. Even at a brief glance, the PVD was not what we usually see in a vintage Pam say from davidsen, more a gunmetal almost titanium (except shinier) finish. Euno, interesting point about value - I don't doubt you're right in the short-term especially when paying around four and half grand (or $9000 of your funny money ) but I often wonder what the long-term investment value is of these given the extremely limited run? The man behind it makes an analogy with COMEX, however those were custom-built by Rolex themselves and were a commercial order, whereas these PVDs are a private enterprise. Still that said, as a comparison in LE models, I believe the Chuck Yeager/Real McCoys GMTIIs ('modern sapphire crap' to you Euno ) produced in Japan a few years back before the company went under, now change hands for mucho yen. However, despite the risk of devaluation, I can't help feeling that whilst it's nice to see a project like this especially from an enthusiast/collector such as George Bamford, I would personally much prefer a vintage Sub/GMT as God/Nature intended . Anyway, here's that original article and also some pics of the Yeager GMTs....

Visited a great little shop today doing some Christmas shopping, when I spy with my little eye.... So if you like vintage rollies, and like a bit of physical vapour deposition, this could be just the ticket

Well said both posts above. In Randy we trust Many of us here know all about and have debated the merits and accuracy of white vs. silver, flat-top 3s vs. round 3s, service swapouts, and which is better for 1680s and 1665s. This is what Ubi, Archibald et al are all working from. @ Bodo (tempting to swapout a letter 'Z' there), if you have any more comments or slightly inaccurate facts you feel honour-bound to share with us in that slightly condescending tone of yours, then please feel free...but you're not making any friends doing so

Dear Ken & Alan, Both your teams did indeed progress, albeit in wholly uninspiring fashion and by the skin of their (buck)teeth. Barca in particular nearly faced the humiliation of being the first holders to go out in the first group stage, and now have to face one of the other group winners in the next stage. Anway, a nice winter break now - KO rounds commence Feb 20/March 8

I think I may have one in the parts box - I'm in the EU so easier for me to send to Oli, cheaper regardless Just FYI, there IS a separate subforum for Requests

I agree Houllier will be back at Anfield this season, but IMO Liverpool vs. Lyon will be a QF - when things get a bit juicy so to speak I share your sentiment about the other teams, but I just wanted to pay lip service towards our fellow stakeholding chums like Ape, Ken, r11co etc. Interesting you think you'll get the Chavs - if you do, I pray JVOH is back on his feet to give that aforementioned 'arsepiece' a beating - no offence but that would be a humiliating experience for him and IMHO would cost him his job ultimately. Let's hope so I'll give you that about your travelling support (even if they weren't quite enough in Seville) but I don't think you can include ourselves in that....60,000 Scousers in Istanbul, 3-0 down at half-time and ....well, you know the rest

chad chad chad....(*big deep sigh*) I told you twice now via PM this is NOT my project, I have merely been in communication with one dealer, providing him with details, photos, specs of the genuine 22mm strap, which is currently strapped to my wrist as I write I may or may not post a detailed comparison with the current rep 20mm SM rubber strap - they are VERY different - but depends if there's any interest from you lot.....may wait until at least someone tries to rep it at least?

Saw the 'highlights'....now there's a misnomer, Ape is right In fact, I think most of this last round was a bit strange, either nothing to play for or too much at stake. Roll on the KOs Talking of which, the DRAW Friday 15 Dec folks, live from Nyon, Switzerland, 1100-1300 GMT My prediction.... Liverpool vs. Roma/Real Scumchester Utd vs. Barcelona/Lille Arsenal vs. Porto/Inter Chelsea vs. PSV/Porto Celtic vs. Lyon I think poor old JTB will be getting the worry beads out though - last night's poor show may cost them big time as although their 'cunning plan' has steered them clear of Barcelona, instead they face the prospect of one from Liverpool, Milan, Scum, Chelsea, Arsenal, Bayern, Lyon and Valencia. In other words, a sphincter factor of 9.8 for the bhoys in green 'n' white

Hmm, interesting find. Pics look genuine, not sure about the dial, possibly retouched but a good job nonetheless. Only concern is that price is suspiciously cheap If you're serious, ask this guy if he'd be willing to meet and you both get it appraised in person and do the deal afterwards - recommend THIS place. Good luck if you go for it, keep us posted. *EDIT - you do realise that the ad is 18 months old??? *

I've dealt with him before, only on movements and hands though not inserts. Not really convinced about the flash glare over the pearl but regardless most other aftermarket inserts always fall down on the quality and appearance of the pearl, Omega or Rolex, it's always the same damn issue. I'm still looking for decent pearl or fix or gen insert for my 45 PO. The closest I've seen ironically is the pearl on the TWG/Joshua's new 'ultimate PO' but fgate conspires once again and they have no spare inserts in 45mm spec.

Well it's Matchday 6 folks, the final group game... It's win or bust for the current holders Barcelona tonight (they almost deserve to go out for letting Chelsea off the hook last month ). Can the goofy Brazilian inspire his misfiring chums to the win. Or will they be left red-faced with shame? Last year's lucky finalists, Arsenal still have it all to do against the 2004 winners, Porto, with the strong CSKA Moscow waiting in the wings to book one of the last berths into the KO rounds. Amidst unrest (Henry wants to leave again , their manager whingeing about everything, and some very poor form at home), can they rise above it? Elsewhere, the world of football unites behind the Portuguese champions Benfica as they attempt to repeat their feat of last year and unceremoniusly dump Scumchester United out of Europe. Dear God, PLEEEEASE LET IT HAPPEN! In the same group, can Celtic round off with a win and proudly top the group? No mean achievement that... That's pretty much it for interest's sake, I mean some of us qualified already weeks and a couple of matches ago Talking of which, I almost forgot a strange twist of fate means that tonight, Liverpool return to Istanbul and the Ataturk Stadium, scene of our Turkish delight in 2005, to play out the last match against Galatasary - hopefully an enjoyable exhibition as the groups standings are unaffected whatever the results in this group. Giving Jerzy Dudek only his second start this season in goal is a nice touch - the hero returns

Said it at the start of this thread and I'm disappointed to have been proved right The has now been replaced with a

Share your frustation Lello, but you know as a friend of mine says "sometimes you've gotta pay to play" The knowledge of the amount paid will fade with time but you'll still be left with your gorgeous strap

Actually THIS was more like it....nice and rancid just the way you like it Ry

Ry, you've gone native! I recall shopping with my GF in the Sunday market in StGeLaye, and perusing one of the (at least) twenty purveyors of cheese before finally asking for a cut of some Scandinavian hard cheese. The grande dame's welcoming smile turned to a sneer and disdain as we had commited the cardinal sin of the un-French.... buying cheese that was NOT a] French, b] almost liquid, and c] likely to be infested with a variety of gastrointestinal goodies such as listeria, E.coli et al.

Too much lactation going on around here for my liking JTB, I am disgusted with you 3 months in, 50 posts, plus a Chavski fan to boot, and YOU just give him the answer??? Hang your head in shame

Lucky bastard