alterego

I think your views represent the vast majority of the Rolex fans around the world. New models actually suck. One exception, the new Rolex Perpetual date, with dommed bezel. I think they kept the original oyster spirit in this one, which maintainig the old school aestheetic quality of the watch, has a totally new look by replacing the simple smooth bezel. Thank you for bringing this topic to the forum, with your all time in depth views about our passion. Cheers ! By

This is a beautiul watch I have been longing for years. At 7 K for a gen, there is little chance I'll be able to afford one in the near future. Other than Silix, is there any RWG dealer that may carry it and how do I get to know their site addreses ? I saw what looked like a decent entry level rep in SS and Asian movment on a leather strap at $ 200 on a site in internet, but how can I know if this is to be trusted ? Please, can someone give advise on what I should do, to get my Aero without being ripped off ? Thank you for your help. Best Alter

I'm speechless after reading your article and seeing the watch you built. Amazing. And, contrary to what purists would argue, it probably gives you a more rewarding feeling than wearing the real thing. It's been sometime since I thought building watches was so much more fun than buying them (financially and aesthetically). It all started with a gen Rolex Oysterdate 17000 case and bracelet that I bought in a flea market in Peru. I had no difficulty sourcing the dial, hands and bezel, but the problem came when I looked for a the case back and movement. No decent Swiss machine would fit the case nicely. Either they were too small or too large. So I decided to go ahead with a cheap Miyota that I took from a Casio diver I did not use much. It's been two years since then and I'm still looking for the right movement, but this does not preclude me from wearing the watch regularly with pride. Maybe some day I'll bump into Rolex quartz movement, so as to complete the job. I'm building a Tudor Monaco now, waiting for the handset and stem for the 7734 movement. Next project in line is rebuilding an Omega Seamaster, that needs a gold filled case. I wrote a much longer than expected reply and I apologize. Rather, I must say again that you have done a wonderful job and that I hope to see you post more insights into this fascinationg adiction Congrats and wear the Daytona in good health. Jaime

I'm speechless after reading your article and seeing the watch you built. Amazing. And, contrary to what purists would argue, it probably gives you a more rewarding feeling than wearing the real thing. It's been sometime since I thought building watches was so much more fun than buying them (financially and aesthetically). It all started with a gen Rolex Oysterdate 17000 case and bracelet that I bought in a flea market in Peru. I had no difficulty sourcing the dial, hands and bezel, but the problem came when I looked for a the case back and movement. No decent Swiss machine would fit the case nicely. Either they were too small or too large. So I decided to go ahead with a cheap Miyota that I took from a Casio diver I did not use much. It's been two years since then and I'm still looking for the right movement, but this does not preclude me from wearing the watch regularly with pride. Maybe some day I'll bump into Rolex quartz movement, so as to complete the job. I'm building a Tudor Monaco now, waiting for the handset and stem for the 7734 movement. Next project in line is rebuilding an Omega Seamaster, that needs a gold filled case. I wrote a much longer than expected reply and I apologize. Rather, I must say again that you have done a wonderful job and that I hope to see you post more insights into this fascinationg adiction Congrats and wear the Daytona in good health. Jaime

I am quite happy to let the constituency know that David fulfilled his commitment sending another case, in replacement of the one that "vanished" after it left HK. The case is perfect and I can now begin the project. My first difficulty was the crown's diameter .98 insterad of 1.2, but with the help of a fellow member I was able to find a 7734 stem with the right thread diameter. I'll post some pics when the part arrives. David deserves all the credit for being the trusted dealer he is. Thank you for reading. Alter

Thank you drbatz for the tip. I never thought they'd be available on eboy. I just ordered one - NOS - for very little money. Thank you again for your help. Cheers !!! Alter

That's a very nice 5512 sir. I used to have a gen that I regret having soldd every day of my life. Yours remind me a lot my beloved Sub. If you ever plan on parting this one, please, let me know. Alter

Hi: I finally got the Tudor Monte Carlo package from David. Great looking case. I have a problem to fit the crown that came with the case though. The stem's thread's in the movement is 1.2 mm. The crown that came with the case has a diameter of .98 mm. Does anyone know what to do about this ? I was told by my watchmaker older movements come with that wider thread in the stem. Your comments will be much appreciated. Best Alter

Thank you for all the suggestions on what way to go. Baeautiful watches. I really like the explorer. What I like about the new Date is the bezel. It gives the watch a totally new identity. A more dressy presence. I had the chance to try a gen in Cozumel in Feb and the watch rocks. I have seen a rep version offered by unknown sites in the internet, but the case is 36 mm and I bet they'd send a straight Datejust with the smooth bezel instead. Parallel to this quest I'm working on a frank Date. I have everything but the movement. A 1570 goce. es for well over 1 K and I'm not willing to spend that much, when I can buy a vintage Date for about the same amount. If I decide to put an alternative movement on the 1500 case. which you think would fit ? Thank you again for your eventual comments. Alter

Hi: can someone pm me the trusty guy link to his site. I have tried the ones that show on his page to no avail. Thank you for your help. Alter

Hidure. Donerix: Thank you for the tip. I never thought about that process. It' will be an exciting weekend smoking Meharis little cigars for a good cause. I'll post results with before and after pics. Cheers !!! Alter

The question can sound a little off beat when you read so many posts about poople spending a lot of time and money to get the right dial or case for their ambitious projects. One day I may be among them but now I'd like to know if someone has found a way to soften those intense yellow markers and hands found in some reps. I own a 1675 GMT that is very nice, bought from a reputed dealer. I love the watch, but those yellow cab like hour markers make me crazy !!! can someone share experience or ideas about it . Thanks for taking the time to read this. Cheers !!!

THANK YOU DAVID FOR THE NEW TRACKING NUMBER. I'LL BE WAITING FOR THE CASE COMING FROM CHINA THIS TIME. I HOPE EVERYTHING GOES WELL. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING MY POINT OF VIEW AND STANDING FOR A FAIR BUSINESS POLICY. REGARDS ALTER

MAY 1ST. 2011 DAVID: I HAVEN'T TOUCHED THE COMPUTER SINCE THURSDAY, AND TODAY I FOUND YOUR REPLY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR DECISION TO SEND ME ANOTHER CASE. THAT SHOWS THAT YOU ARE AN HONEST SELLER, WHICH I NEVER DOUBTED. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEAR FROM YOU ABOUT THE TRACKING NUMBER. I'LL BE CHECKING MY MAIL AND MESSAGE BOX. THANK YOU AGAIN. BEST REGARDS JAIME

I hope your optimistic in "reading" of David's note turns out well and he sends me another set. I think I have proven the watch case was never in the box I received. You are right, dealers commonly label packages with fantasy items. Electronic accsesories was not a good idea, although David is not to be blamed for this. The "mistake" (whatever it may have been)was made for those who shipped the package. Thank you and all who have written about this for your support. Alter in .

Hi David: Here are more pictures showing the box from every possible angle. The package shows no sign of tampering (broken or torn), customs declaration clearly stating "ELECTRONIC ACSESORIES" I Thoght this information would be useful assesing the situation regarding a possible postal carrier "theft"

Thank you all for the feedback. I have sent David a Personal Message in response to his remarks. I hope he understands he cannot blame me for what happened as it was clearly his (or associates) decision not to ship DHL, sending the case by HK Post Registered Mail. with such a poor results. Regards Alter

Thank you for responding to my call David. I hope we can communicate using the Personal Message system, which really works !!! I'd like to discuss with you responsibilities within the privacy of that mode. Still, I have to say, it was you, not me who decided to send the case using Registered Mail. I wanted it sent DHL,and paid for this service, but somebody did the opposite, with vary bad results. Still I need the Monte Carlo case and I hope you can send me one as I never got what I paid for. Regards Jaime

Hi fellow members: I've been waiting for David's comments on the failed delivery of a Tudor Montecarlo case, that I bought from him back in late March and despite the fact of having sent him several emails to the three addresses he used to contact me during the sale, he hasn't replied. This is long story so I apologize for taking so much space to narrate the events. In march I decided to order from David a Monte Carlo case, to start a building project, so I posted a message in the General Forum asking advise on who to buy the case from. I received three replies, all of them from seasoned forum members, suggesting to buy from David. I took the advice and I wrote a message to the supplier and he agreed to sell me one for $ 190.00 plus $ 20 shipping. So I went ahead with the purchase and immediatly pay palled him the funds. It took about 3 or 4 days to get confirmation of receiving the funds. Confirmation was given with a message (all these are e mails) saying that he would ship the case via Registered Mail from HK as EMS service was not available to Chile. I answered that I'd rather have the package sent by DHL, as I needed the case quite urgently. He said OK, but I had to send him $ 50 to cover the shipping cost difference. I did and next day, he sent me a message saying that the shipping company he uses had sent the package by Registered Mail and it would take two to three weeks to get it. I said the heck, What can I do. So I waited and waited until on Monday 25 a package from Hong Kong is at my door. It reads Raxxx788xxxHK. I was so happy, it was a little more than two weeks, but it was here. I opened the box and what a disappointment. Intead of the Monte carlo case, inside, wrapped in bubble styrofilm there was a little electronic component that looks like a digital chrono display, like those found in digi analog quartz watches. I was so dissapointed and Isent immediately a mail to David letting him know my frustration but ... no answer. I wrote him again a second message, thinking that maybe my first message did not reach him, but still no answer to my second intent either. I sent him again the message, from my other email address without results. I sent him aa thridd message today and so far, no answer. Are David's communication skills that innefficient or is there something that I ddon't know about doing business with this highly respected seller ? Can someone give me advice on what to do ? Thank you for your patience and eventual comments. best Alter

Food for thought kind of question. In 1968 I went to the US for the first time as college sophomore in a two month exchange program. A Volkswagen Beetle sold for $ 1.777. "It takes lees green to drive a VW, was the advertising motto. That same year, I bought my first Rolex, a Ref 1500 SS Perpetual Date in Chile for US $275. This past February I was in Cozumel and I tried the new "Date" with dommed bezel,at a Rolex Dealer. A real beauty, at $ 4.850. Although I'm not in the US now,I guess I could get new beetle for about $ 18/ 20 K, after rebate, at my friendly VW dealer in Chicago, that´s paying about 10 times what I would have paid in 68. Still, that´s not the outrageous cost of the 2011 version of the Date today Ref 15200, which sells for $ 5 K, that is 20 times the cost of the equivalent watch back in 1968. My 00.2 cents contribution to the thread

I couldn't agree more with your views on the new versions of the Rolex family. Most of them look like cheap copies of other brand watches that are characterized by their exaggeration when it comes to structural and cosmetic balance. I think the only new Rolex that keeps the traditional aesthetics of the House is the small Perpetual Date. By they way. If the tendency of the preference of this "poll" represents a validated opinion, "vintage" Rolex prices can only go up in the market.

Thank you for the feedback on the "Date". Indeed I was aware of the the differences between both models. I own a gen Date ref 1500, and I just love it. Perhaps I should have been more precise in my post asking about a "rep" version of the new Perpetual Date, which is available with a "domed" bezel in 34 mm case. I had the chance to try one at an AD and the little one is stunning on a black dial. I like the presence of the aged dial on your vintage Date Freddy. What would the production year for that beauty ?

Hello fellow members of the Rolex Arena Forum. I wonder if someone could comment on the Rolex Perpetual Date with domed bezel in 34 mm diameter. All the ones I have run into are 36mm, that is Datejust cases with the "Date" dial. Thank you Alter

My navigating skills are limited and I cannot find the way to upload an avatar on my profile. Can someone help me with some directions about what to do ? Thank you

Hi all: I don't like flattering sellers as I see this as an unethical practice of the business world. Giving credit for honesty, quality and fair price is a different matter. So I want to say that buying from Namor is a rewarding experience. I bought a Tudor Chronograph from him (a work of art really) and he was as helpful and efficient as he could be. So, if buying from him a watch you like is an option, I'm sure you will not be disappointed.