denimhead

I've just bought star69 very nicely done 1675 which has the DG movement . From the research I did the majority opinion is to use a josh 1655 case and get it re shaped. I have used phong case sets for both 1665 and 1655 Franken builds and while they are,in my opinion the best available in terms of correct serial numbers your looking at 1,500 usd a pop. By the Time you put in a correct 1575 movement(not a badly modded 1570,be very careful!) 2,600 usd for one. you'd be better buying a gen

I use Phong at JAW, he recently did a Tudor 7032 case for me, if its one of his cases then he does it for free. Otherwise he normally charges around the $200.00 mark

Thanks Alligoat, Good news, that dates the case to 1973. I have a Gen caseback to match! Now i just have to get the case re engraved from 1655 to a1675. Cheers DH

Morning Guys, Potentually putting together a1675 Franken build, can anyone confirm the serial number on the latest Cartel (josh)1655 please. I have access to some Gen parts and want to see if i can match them with the case. Appreciate the help. Denimhead

Confirmed - Correct Matte Black dial and Phantom Hands, steel with black painted ends as per Gen

Just waiting for him to confirm that it has the correct Matte dial as well.

According to Josh@PerfectClones The black dialed version is out after CNY, with the correct hand colour.

I'm still interested in being gouged! Let me know what you have. I'm in the middle of moding Hikes old Phong 7032. It came with the older dial with the mis-lined plates. Ideally looking for a nicely aged DW, as you've previously stated its still the best aftermarket dial currently on offer. Cheers DH

Spinmaster to the rescue A big Thankyou!

Looking to purchase a DW 7032 dial to complete an on going build. Greatly appreciate any help on this one. Cheers DH

Just thought I'd let all Tudor 7032 Rep owners know that Phong is now offering an up dated Steel bezel with the correct 250 - 225 spacing. He also mentioned that the font is bolder and closer to the Gen than before. His Daughter is currently offering them through her ebay store for $375.00. I managed to get him down to $350.00 including shipping as a returning customer. Cheers DH

Mnay Thanks guys for all of the nice comments and sound advise. I have done a bit more on the case in terms of sharpening up the inner corners of the guards this afternoon, still not perfect but better i hope!

Thanks U, beautifully done job. I wish i could send the watch to you! Cheers M

Good Morning Omega, it is silver but quite faded. Were the original DW silver or white? I was always under the impression that they were normally changed to white when Rolex serviced the watch. Im picking up the watch later today as its just been serviced. I am going to post some pictures of my re-shaping attempts hopefully tomorrow.

Thanks for the picture Alligoat, its a great reference picture for tomorrow nights re-shaping. I've studied so may pictures from every angle known to man. I guess every watch is going to be unique due to the use of the watch during its lifetime and how they have been re-finished over the years. To your knowledge do you know if the 1969 -1971 models had a more pointed crown guard? I have seen this come up on a few of the forums when refering to the 1655 case variants, where any of the early 1675 cases used and casebacks re stamped i wonder? Cheers DH

Good Evening U, removing the crown and stem tomorrow evening and hoping to get a better finish,i'll email you over a few shots to see what you think,do you think i should be aiming at a 90 degree angle on the coners? Cheers M

Hi Omega, yes i totally agree. its my first go at re-shaping a case. Do you think it Can it be made better in the right hands?

Finally complete after 12 months of hard slog, i present my 1971 1655 Explorer 2 for your comments and feedback. Many Thanks to Ubiquitous for his advise in terms of re-shaping the crown guards,hopefully not too bad a job for my first attempt. Not a cheap project, but nowhere near what the asking price of the dubious 'Gens' out there are currently fetching. Heres the menu! GEN - ROLEX 1575(1570)MOVEMENT GEN - DIAL (EARLY FROG FOOT CROWN) GEN - HANDS(BOUGHT SEPERATELY SO SADLY NOT A PERFECT MATCH TO THE DIAL) GEN - BEZEL GEN - CROWN AND TUBE PHONG CASE SET CLARKS CYSTAL

Asked Andrew@Trusty if there were plans for an 'Ultimate' version in the pipeline,and the answer was no.So the date font and lume will have to be modded if we want to get it closer to the Gen. Am i right in asuming that re-luming the insert will be an impossible task? I think i am going to order one anyway as an everyday knock about.

Calling all Vintage experts, currently putting a 1655 Franken together and have been offered a (1570)1575 movement. The serial number is D493669. If anyone can help in terms of age and letter or number significance I would greatly appreciate any information as the watch will potentially be a keeper. Cheers

Wrist shot as per request,weirdly it wears small. Dont let that put you off, its just i never normally wear anything above 42mm.

Not normally a Panerai person but after reading some of the feedback and considering the price i decided to take a chance on this rep. Well i am not dissapointed,the watch is truly amazing.My favourite features have to be the crown, the domed crystal and the caseback.Highly reccomended and thankyou to Josh for a first class service,the new quality control email i think is a really nice touch. Please excuse the 'at work' shots!

Hi Mike, Yes it is Cheers DH

Thought i should put forward my experience on this version of the watch as there has been a few question marks over the whole Helium Value situation on these Reps. Recieved a very nice unused latest 'Cartel Swiss eta powered DSSD Ultimate' from Seafoam, took it to my local watch guy to have it pressure tested.The outcome was that its definatly watertight to 30m so no need to mod the watch. I have to say this really is the best rep Ive ever seen,quite incredible. Could i really justify spending