offshore

I was told last night at a Watchmakers meeting, that Swatch have just had a massive increase on parts prices here in Oz. Like 5X! A barrel that was $5 now $30...a dial was $120 now $340! They already restrict supply of ETA parts to their own brand watches..you must quote a brand/model/serial no, to get ETA parts. Also LVMH who distribute Tag in Oz, are about to restrict parts supply to AD's only. Looks like a shake up in the parts industry...can almost hear the Chinese rubbing their hands together. Be interested to know if anyone overseas has heard of anything similar. As we are a global community, I can't see Oz being the odd man out, one would think these sorts of moves were being generated at Head Office level. O/S

You better look at the HK Watch Fair, thats some time in Sept. Cuppla days then onto GZ! O/S

Shundi, "The Boss" has some news coming shortly, so we will look to co-opt you and others into a range of jobs. Thanks for the offer. O/S

Watt, I'm going in July, to the Shenzhen Watch fair, then on to GZ. I will be away about 1 month. O/S

We have the standard 6497 stems in stock @Watch Bitz. Cuppla $ each from memory. O/S

We did have a Wiki, however it required a lot of work to keep current, and was getting little use, so it was not included in the last upgrade. It certainly is something we can revisit if there is enough interest, and someone to maintain it. O/S

@jmb, See here Hmmm, and I never did get around to doing the review on this...will try to very soon. O/S

I have always been able to buy from Cousins, even before I was in the same business. We have however sent many of our tool kits into EU with no problems. There are ways to overcome the customs and VAT issues. Worth having a look at our tool kit here - http://www.rwgforum.com/topic/108011-quality-tool-kit/ or have a wander around our shop- www.watchbitz.com.au Offshore

Red, Get a copy of Auction Sentry! You will not miss anything then. Snipe to your hearts content. O/S

Be careful..this hobby is a cruel mistress! She will empty your wallet quicker than the real one, but will keep coming back for more! I can also see your wife with MANY extra pairs of shoes! Offshore

What movement is fitted? O/S

Happy Easter to you too, Matt. O/S

If he used a press style, accompanied with a die, you will struggle unless you find someone with a similar tool. That one is always the tool of last resort for me with stubborn backs. Like the LG Openall! Bergeon and others have a similar version. O/S

Think this may be down your alley my friend. http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Squale-Vintage-PVD-Compass-Diver-Tourneau-RAMBO-PLOPROF_W0QQitemZ150428429461QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Watches?hash=item23063bac95#ht_500wt_975 If I had the "readies" I'd be at it like a flash...and you wouldn't know about it! Be interesting to see where it goes to. O/S

Well "gift", and "gift300", (both from Senegal BTW) both now reside in the spam bin! Thanks guys, please keep us updated with any of this rubbish! O/S

Someone doesn't love it? O/S

O/S

If you really hate the guy, send him to Natalie Lee...guaranteed he won't get anything! O/S

@watt, Pop the old one out and measure the dia. There will be another of that dia available, its more to do with the profile, and how exact you want it.(and edge treatment) Once we know a dia, I can flick you a couple of diff profiles, and see if they are close, (or send me a pic to see what I can match up. But dia and edge treatment first, then we worry about profile. Maybe one of our Pan experts can throw some light on a crystal number/brand? O/S

Thank you for becoming part of our great little home! Great intro BTW. You sum up exactly how a lot here feel about the hobby and this place. And ..Yes.... the journey can be a long one, if the inclination is there. And hold on to your wallet, as this hobby can also do serious damage to the bank balance. I find it quite amazing, that of the members who have been around for a number of years, many different journeys have been undertaken and followed. From rep collections, to a few modded Frankens, to collections of only genuines, specialty brands; the many routes followed is amazing. This hobby has taken some of us to the other side of the world, started new businesses, and taught some mechanical skills we didn't know existed! Truly an all consuming and engrossing place. So enjoy your journey, and please let us all follow you on it, and enjoy it with you. Offshore

@mastergod, I don't believe you will find a cross comparison chart like that. I think you will need to individually check each Omega calibre, to ascertain the hand size fitted, and then refer that to the ETA movement in question. ETA movts can be viewed at https://secure.eta.ch/CSP/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=3&tabid=28 I have a number of parts lists for Omega calibres (most but not all) PM me and we can arrange something. Offshore

Red, What height overall are you working at? I set my new one at 1m to start, and I'm finding it a bit high (or my chair is too low!) Seems I'm putting some upward strain on my arms (or maybe I just need a pair of those rests.) O/S

Really great stuff Ubi , this does truly exemplify the spirit of this place, and is something which is not seen much, if ever, elsewhere. It is one reason I still hang around here, even after now almost 10 years playing with watches.(and no longer collecting reps) There is a saying around this place, "Pass it forward", and I well know justasgood has done that very thing on many occasions, so here is also a little karma, and maybe some "Pass it back"! There will only ever be one true RWG in spirit! Offshore

Don't worry, there are plenty of moderators reviewing this thread, daily, if not hourly. When we are advised that all your matters are finalised, you can be assured we will take the necessary actions. Offshore

You could try and see if you can blow it out with compressed air! Don't use too much force though, or you will end up with a missile. Try using a dust blower with a s/s nozzle which may create a better seal. Do NOT try using the local service stations' air supply, or a compressor at home if you have one, unless it is inside a container so it doesn't fly too far (and your hands and arms are well protected!) And only use a couple of PSI, any more will get dangerous. If you need to remove the bezel first, you will need a decent bezel tool like this. http://watchbitz.com.au/shop/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=182 Offshore